5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Albany County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
No Albany County ADU ordinance. State ADU legislation proposed but not enacted. ADU permissions vary by town: Bethlehem and Guilderland allow accessory apartments; rural towns more restrictive.
NY Uniform Building Code exempts sheds under 144 sq ft from permits. Larger sheds require town building permit. Setbacks typically 3-5 feet side/rear in most Albany County towns.
Garage conversion to habitable space requires building permit, egress compliance, insulation to NY Energy Code, and Certificate of Occupancy amendment. Town building department approval required.
Albany County carports require building permits under NYS Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Typical setbacks are 5-10 feet from side property lines, 15-30 feet front yard, under local zoning. Carports count toward maximum lot coverage; snow load design required for Albany's 45-50 psf ground snow load per ASCE 7.
Albany County tiny homes on foundations follow NYS Residential Code Appendix Q (adopted 2020) for dwellings under 400 sq ft. Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are classified as RVs or manufactured homes under NY Executive Law §373; most Albany County zoning prohibits permanent RV dwelling outside licensed parks.
2 cities in Albany County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Albany County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Albany County Ordinance Hub →