5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Onondaga County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
ADUs permitted under local zoning in Onondaga County. No statewide NY ADU preemption as of 2026. Town of DeWitt, Manlius, and Syracuse allow accessory apartments with a special use permit.
Sheds under 144 sq ft are typically exempt from NY Uniform Code permit requirements, though setbacks still apply. Sheds over 144 sq ft require a building permit from the town or city.
Converting a garage to habitable space requires a building permit, zoning approval, and an amended certificate of occupancy. Must meet egress, insulation, heat, and light code under NY Uniform Code.
Carports require a building permit if attached to the dwelling or over 144 sq ft. Setbacks match accessory structure rules. Fabric or temporary carports restricted in many towns.
Tiny homes on foundations must comply with NY Uniform Code minimums. NY has no specific tiny-home appendix. Tiny homes on wheels treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings in most Onondaga County zones.
1 cities in Onondaga County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Onondaga County Ordinance Hub →