Accessory Structures in Effingham County, GA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Effingham County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Accessory dwelling units are allowed in every Effingham County residential and agricultural-residential district that permits detached single-family homes, capped at one ADU per lot and never counted toward the district's density. In AR districts an ADU maxes out at 75 percent of the main home's living area or 1,200 square feet, whichever is smaller, and can rise up to 35 feet.
Effingham County ADU Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsEffingham County Zoning Ordinance §§ 3.46.2, 3.46.4
3.46.2 General Provisions. Definitions: A.Accessory dwelling unit (ADU). An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a subordinate, self-contained dwelling unit located on the same lot as a principal dwelling and providing permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. ... D.Quantity. No more than one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is permitted per lot of record. ... 3.46.4 ...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Effingham County allows accessory dwelling units to be rented out for long-term residential occupancy without restriction, and a short-term rental of an ADU is permitted too, but only if it complies with the county's separate short-term rental regulations. What an ADU cannot do is operate as an independent commercial business unless the zoning ordinance expressly allows that elsewhere.
Effingham County ADU Rental Rules
Light RestrictionsEffingham County Zoning Ordinance § 3.46.11
3.46.11 Occupancy and Use. A.Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may be used for long-term residential occupancy.B.Short-term rental of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) shall comply with all applicable county regulations.C.Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) shall not be used as independent commercial operations unless expressly permitted elsewhere in this ordinance.
Shed & Carport Rules
In the county's R, PD-R, AR-1, AR-2, and AR-3 residential districts, a shed or other accessory structure tops out at 25 feet to the roof ridge in R and PD-R, or 35 feet in the AR districts, and must sit at least five feet off the rear and side lines and ten feet from the house. No more than two accessory structures, including a detached garage, are allowed per lot in R and PD-R.
Effingham County Shed and Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsEffingham County Zoning Ordinance, Appendix C §§ 3.3.1, 3.3.2
3.3.1 Accessory structures in the AR-1, AR-2, AR-3, R and PD-R residential districts may be erected within a side or rear yard, provided they conform to the following: (a)Maximum height. 25-foot maximum height to the ridgeline of the roof in the R and PD-R districts; 35 feet in AR-1, AR-2, and AR-3 districts. Accessory structures used for agricultural purposes are exempt from the height restric...
Garage Conversions
Effingham County lets homeowners convert an existing garage or other accessory structure into an accessory dwelling unit, but only if the building is brought into full current building-code compliance for habitable space, meets the ADU size and livable-space standards, does not increase any existing nonconformity, and has verified adequate water, sewer, or septic capacity.
Effingham County Garage-to-ADU Conversion Rule
Some RestrictionsEffingham County Zoning Ordinance § 3.46.10
3.46.10 Conversion of Existing Structures. A.Existing accessory structures may be converted to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) if:1.The structure is brought into full compliance with current building code requirements for habitable space;2.The accessory dwelling unit (ADU) meets the size and livable space standards established in this section;3.The conversion does not increase any nonconformity...
Tiny Homes
Unincorporated Effingham County allows tiny homes only inside R-4 planned manufactured home community districts, as a distinct subdivision type alongside mobile home parks and RV parks. Zoning Ordinance Section 5.8.16 requires a permanent foundation and full compliance with residential building codes, plus a minimum 10-acre development, 4,000-square-foot lots and set setbacks Development Services checks at site plan review.
Tiny Home Subdivisions in Effingham County
Some RestrictionsEffingham County Zoning Ordinance § 5.8.16
5.8.16 Mobile home district development regulations specific to tiny home subdivisions. Tiny homes shall be placed on permanent foundations and comply with all residential building codes. ... Total acreage required 10 acres Minimum lot area (individual site) 4,000 sq. ft. Minimum Road Frontage N/A Minimum lot width at building line 35 feet Minimum front yard setback from pavement 15 feet Minimu...
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