Accessory Structures in Roswell, GA

If you live in Roswell or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Roswell has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

ADU Owner Occupancy

Roswell's UDC requires the owner of a detached house to personally occupy either the main house or its carriage house accessory dwelling unit, verified by a notarized affidavit on file with the city.

Key details: ADU term: Called a 'carriage house' in Roswell. Occupancy rule: Owner must live in house or ADU. Verification: Notarized affidavit filed with city. Absence waiver: Up to 1 year after 2 years' use. On sale: New owner must refile affidavit.

Renting out both the main house and the carriage house, or failing to sign and refile the notarized owner-occupancy affidavit at sale, violates UDC Sec. 9.7.2(B)(6) and jeopardizes the carriage house's permitted status.

Shed & Carport Rules

In Roswell's AG-43, RS-87 and RS-30 single-family districts, sheds and other accessory structures need 20 feet from the rear line, 15 feet from the side, and stay under 24 feet tall.

Key details: Rear setback: 20 feet minimum. Side interior setback: 15 feet minimum. Max accessory height: 24 feet. Districts covered: AG-43, RS-87, RS-30.

Placing a shed inside the 20-foot rear or 15-foot side-interior accessory setback, or building it taller than 24 feet, violates UDC § 3.2.2 and can force relocation or removal by the Zoning Director.

ADU Rules

Roswell, Georgia treats a backyard ADU as a 'carriage house': a conditional or limited use requiring City Council or staff approval, one extra parking space, and owner-occupancy of either the main house or the unit.

Key details: Governing term: Carriage house (ADU). Approval type: Conditional or limited use. Parking: 1 extra off-street space required. Occupancy: Owner must occupy one unit. Max per lot: One carriage house per lot.

Building a carriage house without City Council or staff approval, skipping the extra parking space, or renting out both units without owner-occupancy can trigger a stop-work order and code enforcement from the City of Roswell.

The Bottom Line

Roswell's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Roswell is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Roswell can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.