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Accessory Structures in Yonkers, NY (2026)

9 verified accessory structures rules for Yonkers, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

ADU Rules

Yonkers permits accessory dwelling units in specified residential districts subject to owner-occupancy, off-street parking, and setback requirements under Zoning Ordinance Chapter 43. NY has no statewide ADU preemption.

accessory-structures/adu-rules

Some Restrictions

ADU Permits

Yonkers regulates accessory dwelling units as 'accessory apartments' under Chapter 43 (Zoning) of the City Code, with supplemental standards in Article VI (Sections 43-40 and 43-41). Accessory apartments are an Article VII special use requiring Planning Board review and approval. A building permit and a separate certificate of occupancy must be issued by the Department of Housing and Buildings before lawful occupancy.

Yonkers Accessory Apartment Permit Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

ADU Impact Fees

Yonkers does not impose a dedicated impact fee on accessory apartments. Applicants pay the standard Chapter 43 special use permit application fee plus building permit fees set by the Department of Housing and Buildings fee schedule. The published fee for accessory residential uses or structures for single- and two-family uses is $175 at the special use stage, with building, plumbing, electrical, and certificate of occupancy fees additional.

Yonkers Accessory Apartment Impact Fees

Few Restrictions

ADU Owner Occupancy

Yonkers requires that the property owner occupy and maintain the principal dwelling building on the lot as their primary residence. The accessory apartment itself may only be occupied by relatives of the lot owner or the owner's spouse - including children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, nephews, and nieces. Non-relative tenants are not permitted under the current Chapter 43 supplemental regulations.

Yonkers Accessory Apartment Owner-Occupancy

Heavy Restrictions

ADU Rental Restrictions

Yonkers accessory apartments may not be operated as short-term rentals (under 30 days) and may not be leased to non-relatives even on long-term terms. Chapter 43 limits occupancy to relatives of the lot owner or spouse. New York State Multiple Dwelling Law generally prohibits rentals of less than 30 days in Class A multiple dwellings statewide, and the 2024 statewide STR registry law adds tax-collection obligations through booking platforms.

Yonkers Accessory Apartment Rental Restrictions

Heavy Restrictions

Shed Rules

Sheds in Yonkers under 100-144 sq ft (per zoning district) may be exempt from building permits but must meet setback rules. Larger sheds require Building Department permits.

accessory-structures/shed-rules

Some Restrictions

Garage Conversions

Converting a garage to living space in Yonkers requires building permits, compliance with residential code (egress, insulation, heat, ventilation), and typically replacement of required off-street parking.

accessory-structures/garage-conversions

Heavy Restrictions

Carport Rules

Carports in Yonkers are treated as accessory structures requiring building permits and conformance with zoning setbacks. Must be anchored, meet wind-load requirements, and respect side/rear setback minimums.

accessory-structures/carport-rules

Some Restrictions

Tiny Homes

Tiny homes on foundations in Yonkers are regulated as ADUs or primary dwellings under Zoning Ch. 43. Tiny homes on wheels (RVs) cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zones.

accessory-structures/tiny-homes

Heavy Restrictions

Looking for Westchester County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Yonkers city rules.

Accessory Structures in Westchester County