Accessory Structures in Amherst, NY (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Amherst, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
An Amherst accessory dwelling unit needs a Special Use Permit under § 8-6 and must meet § 6-8-2 standards: 500 to 900 square feet, no more than 49% of the principal home's floor area, two bedrooms (three if in a roof), and one to two off-street parking spaces. Only one ADU is allowed per lot.
Amherst Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Standards
Some RestrictionsAmherst Zoning Ordinance § 6-8-2
Accessory Dwelling Units. Where permitted as an accessory use in Part 3, an accessory dwelling unit may be constructed within any single-family detached dwelling following approval of a Special Use Permit as set forth in § 8-6, subject to the following standards: A. General Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units. (1) A maximum of one (1) accessory dwelling unit is permitted on an individual lot...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Amherst requires the owner of an accessory dwelling unit property to live in either the principal dwelling or the ADU. Zoning Ordinance § 6-8-2A(8) makes the owner certify that one of the two units is their principal residence and legal domicile, and keeps both structures in common ownership.
Amherst Requires ADU Owner Occupancy
Some RestrictionsAmherst Zoning Ordinance § 6-8-2A(8)
The principal dwelling or accessory dwelling unit must be owner occupied. The property owner must certify that either unit is their principal place of residence and legal domicile. Both the principal structure and accessory dwelling unit must remain in common ownership.
Shed & Carport Rules
Sheds and other accessory structures in Amherst's residential districts can't sit in the required front yard and are capped at 20 feet in height, or the principal house's height if that's lower. Total accessory floor area, garages included, can't exceed 75 percent of the principal structure's floor area outside the R-R and AG districts.
Amherst Accessory Structure and Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsAmherst Code § 6-8-1
6-8-1. General Standards. A. Any accessory use may be permitted provided that it is customarily associated with a primary use that may be permitted by right consistent with the district use tables in Parts 3, 4, and 5. ... (3) No accessory structure shall be located in the required front yard of the structure to which it is accessory and the street line of the street servicing it. ... B. The to...
Looking for Erie County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Amherst city rules.
Accessory Structures in Erie County →