Accessory Structures in Vanderburgh County, IN (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Vanderburgh County, Indiana.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
An accessory dwelling unit is allowed only on a lot with a single-family home or duplex as the principal use, under Zoning Code Section 17.12.072. It must run 400 to 800 square feet (or up to 40 percent of the principal structure's floor area, whichever is greater), sit on a lot of at least 5,000 square feet, and only one ADU is allowed per property.
Vanderburgh County ADU Size & Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsVanderburgh County Code § 17.12.072(A), (B)
An ADU shall only be permitted on a lot with a single-family home or duplex as the principal residential use... A. Dimensional ADU requirements 1. Size in Floor Area (outside measurements): Minimum -- 400 square feet; Maximum -- 800 square feet or forty percent (40%) the floor area of the principal structure, whichever is greater... 4. Shall only be permitted on lots that are 5,000 squ...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Vanderburgh County requires the property owner to live in either the principal home or the ADU itself under Section 17.12.072(B)(6). The owner must sign an affidavit filed with the ADU application and record a deed or title restriction with the County Recorder stating that the principal residence or the ADU will be owner-occupied.
Vanderburgh County ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Significant RestrictionsVanderburgh County Code § 17.12.072(B)(6)
6. The owner of the property shall live in either the principal structure or the ADU, and shall sign an affidavit to be filed with the ADU application committing to comply with the requirements of this Section; and shall record a deed or title restriction in the Vanderburgh County Recorder's office stating that: "Either the principal residence or the ADU shall be occupied by the property own...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Vanderburgh County lets a lot with one accessory dwelling unit, but the property owner must live in either the principal home or the ADU as a primary residence, sign a compliance affidavit, and record a deed restriction with the County Recorder before the Area Plan Commission issues the required permit.
Vanderburgh County ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Significant RestrictionsVanderburgh County Code § 17.12.072(B)(6)
The owner of the property shall live in either the principal structure or the ADU, and shall sign an affidavit to be filed with the ADU application committing to comply with the requirements of this Section; and shall record a deed or title restriction in the Vanderburgh County Recorder’s office stating that: “Either the principal residence or the ADU shall be occupied by the property owner(s) ...
Shed & Carport Rules
A shed or other accessory structure in unincorporated Vanderburgh County must stay subordinate in height and area to the principal home, sit at least two feet from any side or rear lot line, and stay out of the front yard unless it is set back at least 200 feet from the front property line, under Zoning Code Section 17.12.070.
Vanderburgh County Shed & Accessory Rules
Some RestrictionsVanderburgh County Code § 17.12.070(A), (B)
A. A structure or use that is clearly incidental to a principal structure or use, and which is located on the same lot or an adjacent undeveloped lot with the principal structure or use and with the same ownership, is an accessory use... 2. ...accessory structures and uses must be subordinate in height, area (lot coverage), and purpose to the principal residential structure or use. 3. ...
Accessory Structures by City in Vanderburgh County
1 cities in Vanderburgh County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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