5 rules for unincorporated Ulster County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
New York has no statewide ADU preemption. Ulster County does not regulate ADUs at the county level — each town and village decides. Many Ulster towns (New Paltz, Woodstock, Rosendale, Saugerties) allow accessory apartments subject to owner-occupancy and size limits.
Ulster County defers shed regulation to towns. NY Uniform Code typically exempts sheds under 144 sq ft from a building permit, but zoning approval is still required. Most towns set 5-10 ft side/rear setbacks for accessory structures.
Garage conversions in Ulster County require a building permit in every town because they change the occupancy classification from accessory to habitable. County Health Department septic review is required if on-site sanitary capacity changes.
Ulster County has no countywide carport rule. Most towns treat carports as accessory structures subject to the same setbacks as garages. A building permit is required for any carport with a permanent roof.
New York recognizes tiny homes under Appendix Q of the 2020 Residential Code (permanent foundations) and treats RV-style tiny homes on wheels as recreational vehicles. Ulster County has no specific tiny-home law; each town decides where they are allowed.
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Ulster County Ordinance Hub →