Accessory Structures in New York, NY (2026)
2 verified accessory structures rules for New York, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
New York City legalized Ancillary Dwelling Units (ADUs) citywide on December 5, 2024 through the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity text amendment. An ADU is an additional dwelling unit of up to 800 square feet permitted on the same zoning lot as a single- or two-family residence, limited to one ADU per residence and requiring owner primary-residency.
NYC Ancillary Dwelling Units (ZR 12-10, City of Yes)
Some RestrictionsNYC Zoning Resolution Section 12-10, definition of "ancillary dwelling unit" (City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, adopted Dec. 5, 2024)
An "ancillary dwelling unit" is an additional dwelling unit, permitted on the same zoning lot as a single- or two-family residence that does not exceed eight hundred square feet of floor area. Only one ancillary dwelling unit shall be permitted per every single- or two-family residence on a zoning lot. At the time of initial occupancy for an ancillary dwelling unit, the zoning lot on which the ...
Shed & Carport Rules
New York City permits sheds, tool rooms, and similar accessory storage buildings in required rear yards in all Residence Districts, provided they do not exceed 10 feet in height above the level of the rear yard. They are permitted only in rear yards, not front or side yards.
NYC Backyard Sheds (Zoning Resolution 23-341)
Some RestrictionsNYC Zoning Resolution Section 23-341, Permitted obstructions in required rear yards or rear yard equivalents
In all Residence Districts, the following obstructions shall be permitted within a required rear yard or rear yard equivalent ... Sheds, tool rooms or other similar accessory buildings or other structures for domestic or agricultural storage, with a height not exceeding 10 feet above the level of the rear yard or rear yard equivalent ... Noncommercial accessory greenhouses, limited to one story...