5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Gwinnett allows accessory dwelling units in limited zones, typically as accessory apartments within or attached to a primary dwelling, or detached units in specific districts like RA-200. Georgia has no statewide ADU mandate, so local UDO rules control.
Unincorporated Gwinnett typically exempts sheds under 120 square feet from building permits, though zoning setbacks still apply. Larger sheds require building permits. Common accessory structure setbacks: 5-10 feet from side/rear property lines depending on zone.
Converting a garage into living space in unincorporated Gwinnett requires building permits covering structural, electrical, plumbing (if added), mechanical (HVAC), and energy code compliance. Replacement off-street parking must be maintained per UDO minimums.
Carports in unincorporated Gwinnett require a building permit and must meet accessory structure setbacks. Typically must be set back behind the front building line in residential zones, with side/rear setbacks matching zone standards (5-10 ft in R-100).
Tiny homes on permanent foundations in unincorporated Gwinnett must meet the Georgia Residential Code minimum dwelling standards, zoning minimum dwelling size (if any), and setback rules. Tiny homes on wheels (RVs/THOWs) are not legal as permanent dwellings.
4 cities in Gwinnett County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Gwinnett County Ordinance Hub →