Accessory Structures in Sarasota County, FL (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Sarasota County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Sarasota County allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per lot in its RSF and RE residential districts, but caps it at 750 square feet unless the lot is double the district's minimum lot size, which raises the cap to the smaller of 1,200 square feet or half the principal home's living area. Sec. 124-76(b)(2)b.4 sets the rules.
Sarasota County Accessory Dwelling Unit Size Limits
Some RestrictionsSarasota County Code § 124-76(b)(2)b.4 (RSF District)
4.Accessory dwelling unit, subject to the following:i.No accessory dwelling units shall be permitted on Barrier Islands or within cluster subdivisions.ii.Only one accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted per lot or parcel. Previously permitted guest houses, except for guest houses on the Barrier Islands or within cluster subdivisions, shall be considered an accessory dwelling unit.iii.The pro...
Shed & Carport Rules
In unincorporated Sarasota County, detached accessory structures such as sheds may not exceed 20 feet in height (or the height of the principal structure if taller) and may not sit in a required yard except where the zoning code expressly allows. Waterfront accessory structures over 30 inches tall must sit
Shed and Accessory Structure Rules in Sarasota County
Some RestrictionsSarasota County Zoning Regs, Accessory Uses and Structures (Sec. 5.4)
In residential districts, accessory uses and structures shall not be located in a required yard, except as expressly provided elsewhere in these zoning regulations.
Accessory Structures by City in Sarasota County
2 cities in Sarasota County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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