Accessory Structures in Schenectady, NY (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Schenectady, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Schenectady allows a temporary 'accessory home-care unit' on a single-family lot, but only with a special use permit under Section 264-29B(13). The unit can go inside the existing house, be added on, be a detached temporary structure, or be carved out of an existing garage, and it cannot exceed one bedroom.
Schenectady Accessory Home-Care Unit Rules
Significant RestrictionsSchenectady City Code § 264-29B(13) (Accessory home-care units in single-family dwellings)
Accessory home-care units in single-family dwellings. This subsection of Chapter 264 authorizes the establishment of a temporary accessory home-care unit on the same lot as an existing single-family dwelling upon issuance of a special use permit in accordance with Article XIV of this chapter. ... (b) General requirements. An application to the Planning Commission for a special use permit for an...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Schenectady's accessory home-care unit program is an owner-occupancy program: Section 264-29B(13)(b)[9] requires the owner of the single-family lot to live in at least one of the two dwelling units on the property, and the second occupant generally must be 55 or older, or unable to live independently due to disability.
Schenectady ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Significant RestrictionsSchenectady City Code § 264-29B(13)(b)[9] (Accessory home-care units, owner-occupancy requirement)
[9] The owner(s) of the one-family lot upon which the accessory unit is located shall occupy at least one of the dwelling units on the premises. ... [11] The occupant(s) of at least one of the dwelling units shall be 55 years of age or older or unable to live independently due to disability. For the purpose of this subsection, "disability" is defined as a person or persons eligible to receive s...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Schenectady allows an accessory home-care unit on a single-family lot only through a Planning Commission special use permit, and only if one occupant is 55 or older, or disabled, and living in a traditional family relationship with the owner-occupant. The unit tops out at one bedroom, needs annual permit renewal, and failing to renew triggers a zoning violation.
Schenectady ADU Renters Must Be 55 or Disabled
Significant RestrictionsSchenectady City Code § 264-29B(13)(b)[7], [9], [10], [11], [12] and (c)[1]
[9] The owner(s) of the one-family lot upon which the accessory unit is located shall occupy at least one of the dwelling units on the premises. [10] An accessory home-care unit must not contain more than one bedroom. [11] The occupant(s) of at least one of the dwelling units shall be 55 years of age or older or unable to live independently due to disability. [ ... 12] The relationship between ...
Shed & Carport Rules
A detached tool or storage shed at a Schenectady one- or two-family home skips the building permit if its gross floor area stays at or under 144 square feet; sheds are also a listed permitted accessory use in every zoning district under § 264-29.
Schenectady Shed Rules: 144 Square Feet, No Permit
Light RestrictionsSchenectady City Code § 137-4B(1); § 264-29B(3)
§ 137-4. Building permits. ... B. Exemptions. No building permit shall be required for work in any of the following categories: (1) Construction or installation of one-story detached structures associated with one- or two-family dwellings or multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) which are used for tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the gross floor area does not...