Accessory Structures in Anchorage, AK (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Anchorage, Alaska, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Anchorage caps accessory dwelling units at 1,200 square feet and 25 feet in height, allowed by right in every residential zone.
Anchorage ADU Size & Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsAMC 21.05.070D.1
Size. The gross floor area of the ADU, not including any related garage, shall be up to 900 square feet or 40 percent of the total gross floor area of the principal dwelling unit (excluding the ADU and garages), whichever is greater, and an ADU shall not exceed 1,200 square feet. (5) Setbacks. ADUs are subject to the same setbacks of the underlying zone except that an ADU may encroach into t...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Anchorage's accessory dwelling unit rules explicitly promote rental income and set no owner-occupancy or minimum-lease requirement: homeowners may rent out an ADU to any tenant once it is permitted under Title 21 zoning standards.
Anchorage Permits ADU Rentals, No Owner-Occupancy Rule
Few RestrictionsAMC 21.09.070.C.2.a.iii(A)
Only one accessory dwelling unit, as defined in Section 21.05.070D, shall be allowed on any single-family residential lot. The accessory dwelling unit may be a rental unit. (B) Location. An accessory dwelling unit shall be on the same lot as the primary dwelling unit. An accessory dwelling unit may be attached to, or detached from, the single-family dwelling unit. (C) Size. The gross squa...
Shed & Carport Rules
Anchorage lets a private carport encroach into a required side or rear setback next to an alley, but its combined floor area with any garage cannot exceed the house's own square footage in most residential zones.
Anchorage Carport Setback & Size Rule
Some RestrictionsAMC 21.05.070D.10
Garage or carport, private residential. ... A private garage or carport may encroach into a required rear or side setback abutting an alley. ... In R-1, R-1A, R-2A, and R-2D, districts all garages or carports accessory to a single residential use, whether attached or detached from the principal structure shall cumulatively be no larger than 100 percent of the total gross floor area of the princ...
Tiny Homes
Anchorage lets a tiny home serve as an accessory dwelling only if it's fixed on a permanent foundation, per the zoning code's accessory-use rules.
Anchorage Tiny Home Foundation Rule
Some RestrictionsAMC 21.05.070E.4
Relocatable dwelling units may be used as an accessory dwelling unit only if placed on a permanent foundation. 5. Use of motor vehicle for sales. In all zoning districts, the use of any motor vehicle or trailer as a structure in which, out of which, or from which any goods are sold or stored, any services performed, or other businesses conducted is prohibited. However, the following shall no...