Garage conversion rules in Erie County, NY — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Converting a garage into living space in New York requires compliance with the statewide Uniform Code for habitable rooms, including ceiling height, egress, insulation, and smoke alarms.
Under Executive Law § 378, any change of occupancy from a garage to habitable space must meet Residential Code requirements: minimum 7-foot ceilings, emergency egress windows, heating, light and ventilation, and interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Local building departments enforce these minimums and issue certificates of occupancy. Local zoning separately controls whether a converted unit is permitted as additional living area or accessory dwelling.
Unpermitted conversions can be ordered vacated, undone, or assessed daily fines until brought into compliance.
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