Accessory Structures in Columbus, GA (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Columbus, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Columbus, Georgia's Unified Development Ordinance recognizes four accessory dwelling types on a residential lot: employee residences, groom's quarters, guest cottages, and security quarters. Each must satisfy the lot-size, unit-count, floor-area, and use limits in UDO Table 3.2.3, may be attached to or detached from the main house, and must otherwise meet every property-development standard that applies to the principal dwelling.
Columbus, Georgia Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsColumbus, Georgia Unified Development Ordinance § 3.2.29
Accessory dwellings shall comply with the standards listed below.A.Types of Accessory Dwellings. Four types of accessory dwellings may be established:1.Employee residence;2.Groom's quarters;3.Guest cottage; and4.Security quarters.B.Standards. Accessory dwellings shall comply with the standards listed in Table 3.2.3.C.Location. An accessory dwelling may be attached or detached from the principal...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Columbus, Georgia's accessory dwelling table bars renting out any of the four accessory dwelling types the UDO allows on a residential lot. Table 3.2.3 to Section 3.2.29 marks 'Rental of Unit Permitted' as No for guest cottages, employee residences, groom's quarters, and security quarters alike, tying each unit's occupancy to a specific, unpaid relationship with the resident or business instead.
Columbus, Georgia Bars Renting Accessory Dwellings
Heavy RestrictionsColumbus, Georgia Unified Development Ordinance § 3.2.29, Table 3.2.3
Table 3.2.3. Standards for Accessory Dwellings Applicable Standard Guest Cottage Employee Residence Groom's Quarter Security Quarters Maximum Floor Area 1,000 square feet, including enclosed garage, porch or similar spaces 1,000 square feet, including enclosed garage, porch or similar spaces See specific standards 1,000 square feet, including enclosed garage, porch or similar spaces Rental of ...
Shed & Carport Rules
Columbus, Georgia treats a carport as a detached residential accessory structure, so it must meet the UDO's 5-foot side and rear setbacks and 14-foot height cap.
Carport Setbacks in Columbus, GA
Some RestrictionsColumbus, Georgia Unified Development Ordinance § 2.1.6 (Tables 2.1.3, 2.1.4)
Minimum and maximum standards shall comply with Table 2.1.3 for HIST, RT, SFR1, SFR2, SFR3, RMF1, RMF2, AND RO residential zoning districts... Maximum Height (feet) 14; Maximum Lot Coverage 30% of rear yard; Minimum Setbacks (feet): Side 5, Side Corner Same as principal structure, Rear 5; Minimum Building Separation 6 feet from any other structure. ... Accessory structures shall be located in t...