Accessory Structures in Bartow County, GA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Bartow County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Unincorporated Bartow County allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot in residential districts and A-1, capped at 50 percent of the main home's heated area or 1,000 square feet on lots under an acre, rising to 75 percent or 1,500 square feet on one-to-ten-acre lots. RVs, manufactured homes and tiny houses do not qualify.
Bartow County ADU Size and Rules
Some RestrictionsBartow County Zoning Ordinance § 5.3.5(A), (C), (D), (H), (I)
A.No more than one accessory dwelling unit per lot. A single-family principal dwelling unit must exist on the lot or have a building permit issued for a principal dwelling, which must have passed the rough-in/framing inspection. ... C.Heated floor area shall not exceed 50 percent of the heated floor area of the principal building, or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less on lots less than one ac...
ADU Rental Restrictions
In unincorporated Bartow County, an accessory dwelling unit such as a guest house, pool house or garage apartment cannot be rented out. The Zoning Ordinance limits occupancy of an ADU to the property owner or the owner's relatives and guests, with no payment or consideration allowed.
Bartow County Bans Renting Accessory Dwelling Units
Heavy RestrictionsBartow County Zoning Ordinance § 5.3.5(B)
5.3.5 Accessory Dwelling Units (such as a guest house, pool house or garage apartment) are allowed in residential zoning districts and A-1 zoned properties with the following standards: ... B.The structure shall be owner-occupied or by relatives or guests only, and cannot be used as rental property.C.Heated floor area shall not exceed 50 percent of the heated floor area of the principal buildin...
Shed & Carport Rules
In unincorporated Bartow County, a personal storage building, garage, or other accessory building under 400 square feet needs no building permit as long as it is not used for income-producing activity or as living quarters. County Code § 18-162(1) sets the exemption; larger or occupied sheds still need a permit from the building official.
Bartow County Shed Permit Exemption
Light RestrictionsBartow County Code § 18-162(1)
A building permit shall not be required for the following structures or mechanical work: (1)A personal storage building, garage or other accessory building which is less than 400 square feet and will not be used for income producing activities nor as living quarters;
Tiny Homes
Unincorporated Bartow County's zoning ordinance bars anyone from living in a tiny house, whether full time or temporarily, on a residential lot. The structure is grouped with tents, storage buildings, RV campers and shipping containers as living quarters the county does not recognize as a lawful dwelling. Only a permanently erected dwelling unit built to code qualifies as residential living quarters.
Tiny House Occupancy Banned in Bartow County
Heavy RestrictionsBartow County Zoning Ordinance § 6.5
No lot may be used for temporary or permanent residential living quarters unless a permanent dwelling unit has been lawfully erected on the lot, pursuant to the provisions of this Ordinance and applicable building and safety codes. Indications that a property is being used as temporary or permanent residential living quarters include actions such as spending significant time at the location on ...
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