5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Orange County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
No statewide ADU law. Orange County towns individually permit accessory apartments; Town of Warwick, Newburgh, and New Windsor have accessory-apartment provisions with owner-occupancy and size caps.
In Orange County NY, a building permit is required for sheds over 144 sq ft under the NY Building Code. Sheds under 144 sq ft are typically exempt but must meet zoning setbacks (usually 5-10 ft side, 10 ft rear) in Newburgh, Middletown, Goshen, and most towns.
Garage conversions in Orange County NY require a building permit, zoning review, and full compliance with the NY Residential Code (19 NYCRR 1220). Converted space must meet egress, minimum 7-foot ceiling height, insulation (R-49 ceiling / R-20 walls for Climate Zone 5), smoke and CO alarms, and habitable-space standards. Replacement parking is often required.
Carports in Orange County NY are treated as accessory structures under NY Residential Code 19 NYCRR 1220 and town zoning. A building permit is required, carports must meet zoning setbacks, and front-yard carports are prohibited in most Orange County residential zones. Roof design must meet a ground snow load of approximately 40-50 psf.
Tiny homes on foundations must meet NY Residential Code (Appendix Q adopted). Tiny homes on wheels classified as RVs and cannot be permanent dwellings on residential lots.
1 cities in Orange County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Orange County Ordinance Hub →