Accessory Structures in Sarasota, FL (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Sarasota, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
The City of Sarasota, Florida caps accessory dwelling units at one per zoning lot, 650 square feet of floor area, and 24 feet in height when detached, with owner-occupancy required in the single-family RSF zones under the Zoning Code.
City of Sarasota ADU Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsSarasota Zoning Code § VII-602(cc)(2)a, (3)c.3, (3)e.1
Maximum of one accessory dwelling unit per zoning lot is permitted. Accessory dwelling units shall not be included in calculating the maximum density... Maximum size. The size of the accessory dwelling unit may be no more than 650 square feet of floor area... Height. The maximum height allowed for a detached accessory dwelling unit is 24 feet.
ADU Owner Occupancy
Building a new accessory dwelling unit in Sarasota's RSF-E, RSF-1, RSF-2, RSF-3 or RSF-4 zones requires a sworn affidavit before the city issues the building permit: either the main house or the ADU must be owner-occupied, verified through the property's homestead exemption status, under Zoning Code Section VII-602(cc)(2.1)b-c.
City of Sarasota ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsSarasota Zoning Code § VII-602(cc)(2.1)b-c
(cc)(2.1) Provisions applicable in RSF-E, RSF-1, RSF-2, RSF-3, and RSF-4 zones. b. The applicant shall provide the city with an affidavit stating the owner agrees to reside in either the principal dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit. c. Either the principal dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit shall be owner-occupied. Owner occupancy shall be determined by homestead status.
ADU Rental Restrictions
If a City of Sarasota accessory dwelling unit in an RSF-E, RSF-1, RSF-2, RSF-3 or RSF-4 zone will be rented, the building-permit applicant must first file an affidavit committing to rent it at an affordable rate to a household earning no more than 120 percent of area median income, under Zoning Code Section VII-602(cc)(2.1)a.
City of Sarasota ADU Affordable Rental Rule
Some RestrictionsSarasota Zoning Code § VII-602(cc)(2.1)a
(cc)(2.1) Provisions applicable in RSF-E, RSF-1, RSF-2, RSF-3, and RSF-4 zones. a. The applicant for a building permit for construction of a new accessory dwelling unit shall provide the city with an affidavit stating that if the accessory dwelling unit is rented, it will be rented at an affordable rate to person(s) with a household income at or below 120 percent AMI.
Shed & Carport Rules
The City of Sarasota, Florida permits garden sheds and tool houses as accessory structures by right in every residential district, subject to a 5-foot setback from rear and side property lines and a ban on placing them in any required front yard.
City of Sarasota Shed Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsSarasota Zoning Code § VII-903(13), (1)e
Noncommercial greenhouses and plant nurseries, tool houses and garden sheds, garden work centers, children's play areas and equipment, private barbecue pits and similar accessory uses shall be permitted as accessory buildings and structures in all residential districts... Accessory structures in the rear and side yards... shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the rear and side property ...
Garage Conversions
Converting a garage into living space in Sarasota is allowed as one of four ways to create an accessory dwelling unit, but the converted space is capped at 650 square feet, can't have its main entrance through the garage door, and follows the same ADU parking and design standards, under Zoning Code Section VII-602(cc)(3)c.
City of Sarasota Garage-to-ADU Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsSarasota Zoning Code § VII-602(cc)(3)c.1(i)
(cc)(3)c. Requirements for all accessory dwelling units. All accessory dwelling units must meet the following: 1. Creation. An accessory dwelling unit may only be created through the following methods: (i) Converting existing living area, attic or garage; (ii) Adding floor area to the living area or garage of an existing detached or attached single family dwelling; (iii) Constructing a detached...
Looking for Sarasota County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sarasota city rules.
Accessory Structures in Sarasota County →