Accessory Structures in Gainesville, FL (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Gainesville, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Gainesville allows one attached and one detached accessory dwelling unit per lot, exempt from density calculations, capped at 850 square feet each under LDC § 30-5.36. Each ADU must meet the underlying zoning district's setbacks and height limits and be architecturally subordinate to the main house.
Gainesville Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsGainesville Land Development Code § 30-5.36(B)
B.Standards.1.One attached ADU and one detached ADU may be permitted per lot or parcel, and ADUs are exempt from residential density calculations.2.Each ADU must comply with all standards applicable within the zoning district, including required setbacks and building height limits.3.A non-conforming accessory structure converted to an ADU must meet the requirements of section 30-10.4.4.Each all...
Shed & Carport Rules
A backyard shed or other accessory structure in Gainesville can't be built before the main house exists, can't exceed 50 percent of the principal building's square footage, and generally can't sit in the front or street-side yard. LDC § 30-5.34 also requires it to meet the same setbacks as the house unless another chapter provision says otherwise.
Accessory Structure and Shed Rules in Gainesville
Some RestrictionsGainesville Code of Ordinances § 30-5.34
All accessory structures and uses shall meet the following general requirements and the standards established in this chapter for each specific use or structure:A.No accessory structure may be built unless in conjunction with or after the start of construction of the principal use on the building site.B.No accessory use may be in operation unless the principal use on the site is also active.C.E...
Tiny Homes
Gainesville regulates tiny houses used as single dwelling units under Code § 6-4, capping floor area at 400 square feet excluding lofts. The section sets minimum ceiling heights, loft size and access standards, and emergency egress rules layered onto the Florida Building Code.
Tiny House Building Rules in Gainesville
Some RestrictionsGainesville Code of Ordinances § 6-4
(a)Scope. This section is applicable to tiny houses used as single dwelling units. Tiny houses must comply with the Florida Building Code except as otherwise stated in this section... Tiny house means a dwelling that is 400 square feet (37 square meters) or less in floor area excluding lofts... (c)Minimum ceiling height. Habitable space and hallways in tiny houses must have a ceiling height of ...
Looking for Alachua County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Gainesville city rules.
Accessory Structures in Alachua County →