Accessory Structures in Atlanta, GA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Atlanta, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Atlanta expanded its ADU rules in 2021 to allow ADUs on most single-family lots. Detached ADUs are capped at 750 sq ft or 50% of the main dwelling's heated area and must share utilities.
Accessory Structures: Adu Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Atlanta permits accessory dwelling units in single-family R-4, R-4A, R-5, and other residential zones following the 2017 ADU ordinance (Ordinance 17-O-1605). ADUs are reviewed administratively (no public hearing) by the Office of Buildings under Code of Ordinances Chapter 16 (Zoning) Section 16-29.
Atlanta ADU Permits (Code §16-29 + 2017 ADU Ordinance)
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Atlanta charges development impact fees on new ADUs under the Georgia Development Impact Fee Act (O.C.G.A. §36-71-1) and the Atlanta Impact Fee Ordinance (Code §16-23). Fees apply per dwelling unit and cover parks, transportation, public safety, and fire protection. ADUs are typically billed at the multi-family or accessory-unit rate.
Atlanta ADU Impact Fees (Atlanta Code §16-23 + Georgia Development Impact Fee Act)
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Atlanta requires that the property owner reside in either the primary dwelling or the ADU as their primary residence. This owner-occupancy requirement is part of the 2017 ADU ordinance and is recorded as a deed restriction on the parcel before the building permit is issued.
Atlanta ADU Owner-Occupancy (Required Under §16-29)
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
ADUs in Atlanta can be rented long-term, but short-term rentals (under 30 days) require an Atlanta STR Permit under Code Chapter 10 Article XIX (Ordinance 21-O-0276). Hosts must also obtain a Business Tax Certificate and collect the 8% Atlanta Hotel-Motel Tax. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. §44-7-19) preempts rent control on long-term rentals.
Atlanta ADU Rental Restrictions (STR Permit Required + Business Tax)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Sheds under 120 sq ft and one story (max 20 ft) do not require a building permit in Atlanta. Larger sheds require a permit. Accessory structures under §16-05.004 include garden sheds and private garages.
Atlanta Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Atlanta currently prohibits attached ADUs, so a garage conversion into a separate dwelling is not allowed by-right; converting a garage to additional living space for the primary dwelling requires a building permit from the Office of Buildings under the Georgia State Minimum Standard Residential Code (2018 IRC with GA amendments).
Garage Conversions in Atlanta
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Atlanta Office of Buildings — Current Georgia Minimum Codes for Construction (2024 IRC/IBC with Georgia Amendments)
IMPLEMENTATION OF NEWLY ADOPTED STATE BUILDING CODES The City of Atlanta Office of Buildings will align with the newly adopted State of Georgia building codes, as follows: Effective for permit submissions beginning January 1, 2026 : 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) with Georgia Amendments 2024 International Building Code (IBC) with Georgia Amendments 2024 International Mechanical Code ...
Carport Rules
Atlanta treats carports as accessory structures regulated by Part 16 of the Code of Ordinances, with required yard, setback, and lot coverage limits set by the underlying zoning district (R-1 through R-5, etc.), and a building permit required from the Office of Buildings.
Carport Rules in Atlanta
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Atlanta allows tiny homes only as detached accessory dwelling units up to 750 sq ft and 20 ft tall in R-4, R-4A, and R-5 zones, built on a permanent foundation under Georgia's Appendix S tiny-house code. Movable tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are not permitted as dwellings, and no statewide preemption law has been enacted.
Tiny Home Rules in Atlanta
Heavy RestrictionsAtlanta Department of City Planning — Create More Flexible ADU Options (proposed ordinance amending 2018 ADU ordinance)
What would the proposed ordinance do? The ADU proposal would expand the types and designs of ADUs that can be constructed in the city and the areas where they can be built. The proposal includes a variety of clean-ups and improvements on the 2018 ADU ordinance that was part of the Zoning Quick Fix effort. The changes include tweaks to the size and setback restrictions on ADUs, the ability to at...
Looking for Fulton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Atlanta city rules.
Accessory Structures in Fulton County →