Accessory Structures in Utica, NY (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Utica, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Utica permits one ADU per single- or two-family dwelling. The owner must occupy either the main house or the ADU as a primary residence, and the ADU may not exceed 800 square feet of gross floor area.
Utica NY Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsUtica Zoning Code, Dwelling, Accessory Units (ADU), A-E
Only one ADU per single family dwelling, or one ADU per two family dwelling shall be permitted... The property owner shall occupy either the primary or the ADU as his or her primary residence... An ADU shall not exceed 800 square feet of gross floor area.
Shed Rules
In Utica a one-story detached tool or storage shed of 144 square feet or less needs no building permit. Any accessory structure over six feet tall must sit back from side or rear lot lines a distance equal to its height.
Utica NY Shed Permit and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsUtica City Code § 2-6-51(a)(2)a
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 exceed 144 square feet (13.88 square meters).
Garage Conversions
Utica has no standalone garage-conversion ordinance. Converting a garage to living space is treated as creating a dwelling unit or ADU under the Zoning Code and requires a building permit, code compliance, and off-street parking.
Utica NY Garage and Accessory-Structure Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsUtica Zoning Code, Live-Work, subsection 2
The commercial component shall be restricted to the unit and shall not be conducted in the yard, garage or any accessory structure.
Carport Rules
Utica's Zoning Code defines a carport separately from a garage and treats it as an accessory structure. Like other accessory structures over six feet tall, a carport must be set back from side or rear lot lines a distance equal to its height.
Utica NY Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsUtica City Code, accessory-structure placement
No accessory structure or use which exceeds six feet in height shall be located closer than a distance equal to its height from any side or rear property line.
Tiny Homes
Utica has no dedicated tiny-home ordinance. A permanent tiny house on a foundation is regulated as a dwelling or ADU (max 800 sq ft, owner-occupied) and must meet the NY Uniform Code; movable tiny houses on wheels are not permitted as permanent residences.
Utica NY Tiny Home Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Oneida County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Utica city rules.
Accessory Structures in Oneida County →