Accessory Structures in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
8 verified accessory structures rules for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Philadelphia ADUs are governed by Phila. Code §14-604(11). Limited to 800 sq ft, one per lot, allowed only in RSA-5/CMX-1 districts on lots ≥1,600 sq ft or in historic buildings. Owner must occupy the main unit or ADU. Zoning + Building permits required.
Philadelphia ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Heavy RestrictionsADU Permits
Philadelphia permits ADUs under Title 14 (Zoning Code) where the underlying district allows. Most RSA-5 and RSD-3 rowhouse zones allow ADUs by right. Permits are processed through Licenses and Inspections. Lot size, setbacks, and building code compliance under Title 4 apply.
Philadelphia ADU Permits
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Philadelphia does not charge development impact fees on residential ADUs. The city charges only standard permit and plan-review fees through L+I. Philadelphia Water Department charges connection fees only where new service is installed. PA does not authorize municipal school impact fees.
Philadelphia ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Philadelphia does not require owner-occupancy for ADUs under Title 14. The city imposes no residency restriction on ADU property owners. HOAs governed by the Pennsylvania Uniform Planned Community Act (UPCA) may impose owner-occupancy through covenants, subject to reasonableness requirements.
Philadelphia ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Philadelphia requires a rental license for all rental units including ADUs under Property Maintenance Code Section PM-102.1. Pennsylvania preempts municipal rent control. Short-term rentals require separate Visit Philadelphia STR license. ADU long-term rentals are unrestricted in lease terms but must maintain rental license.
Philadelphia ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space or an ADU requires a Zoning Permit and Building Permit. Existing detached garages may qualify as the ADU structure under Phila. Code §14-604(11) in eligible districts. Owner-occupancy required if used as ADU.
Philadelphia Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsPhiladelphia Zoning Code § 14-604(11)
Accessory Dwelling Unit Checklist [...] Owner Occupied: The principal dwelling unit or the ADU must be occupied by the owner of the subject lot, AND Before final occupancy of the accessory dwelling unit, the property owner shall record an affidavit and deed restriction, stating that the property owner will reside on the property, in either the principal or ADU. Maximum of One ADU: No more than ...
Carport Rules
Carports in Philadelphia are regulated as accessory structures under Phila. Code §14-604. They must be constructed in conjunction with or after the principal structure, comply with setback and height limits for the applicable zoning district, and obtain a zoning and building permit from L&I. In residential districts, they are typically permitted in side and rear yards.
Philadelphia Carport Construction Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Philadelphia does not have specific tiny home regulations. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted under §14-604(11) but must be within an existing principal building or existing detached accessory building. New freestanding ADU construction is not permitted by right. Tiny homes on wheels may be classified as RVs under §12-919.
Philadelphia Tiny Home & Small Dwelling Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Philadelphia County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Philadelphia city rules.
Accessory Structures in Philadelphia County →