What Is an ADU? Exploring Accessory Dwellings in Atlanta

Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are becoming increasingly popular across the country. Along with this, local housing authorities are establishing specific regulations and guidelines for the construction and operation of these accessory dwellings to ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and other requirements. But what is an ADU? Let’s explore what it is, from its legal definition to the relevant building requirements and even zoning considerations. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• ADUs are secondary housing units built on the same property as a primary residence and must include independent living features such as a kitchen, bathroom, and separate entrance.
• In Atlanta, current regulations primarily allow detached ADUs and impose specific zoning, setback, height, and size requirements depending on the property’s zoning district.
• Building an ADU in Atlanta can provide several benefits, including additional rental income, increased property value, flexible living options, and better use of unused property space.

What Is an ADU?

Through our experience in Atlanta GA property management, we know that ADUs are defined as a small secondary housing unit added within the same property or lot as the main dwelling unit. ADUs are independent housing units in the sense that they must have their own kitchen/kitchenette, dedicated living area, bathroom, and a separate entryway from the main house. This setup is also often referred to as an in-law suite, a backyard cottage, or simply a secondary dwelling unit.

Generally, ADUs can either be attached to the main housing unit or built detached from it. However, in many Atlanta zoning districts, detached ADUs are the most commonly permitted type, though regulations may vary depending on zoning overlays, historic districts, and future ordinance updates.

Aside from this, local housing authorities usually have specific guidelines for construction and building requirements – from the maximum square footage to height limits and more. At the same time, ADUs are usually governed by local zoning laws, permitting requirements, and occupancy regulations. We’ll discuss more of that later.

ADU vs Tiny Homes: What’s the Difference?

When we talk about what an ADU is, a question that commonly pops up is how it differs from the equally popular tiny home builds. While these two types of housing may look similar at first glance, there are fundamental differences between an ADU and a tiny home.

First and foremost, tiny homes are not bound by the rule that they must be built on the same lot as a primary housing unit. Unlike ADUs that are typically located on the same property as a main residence, a tiny home can be a standalone residence. Even more so, some tiny homes are built on permanent foundations, while others are designed for mobility and may be regulated differently from permanent residential structures.

In line with this, another major difference between ADUs and tiny homes revolves around zoning restrictions. Basically, there are limitations as to the areas where ADUs are allowed. For example, in Atlanta, ADUs are typically permitted in the R4, R4A, and R5 zoning districts, as well as in select SPIs and historic districts.

ADU Zoning Considerations and Requirements in Atlanta

Now that we’ve touched on the topic of zoning restrictions and other ADU requirements in Atlanta, let’s discuss what exactly local regulations say about building an accessory dwelling unit. This can serve as your primary guideline on building, using, and managing an ADU in Atlanta.

First, let’s talk about zoning considerations. As mentioned earlier, ADUs are permitted in several residential zoning districts, including R4, R4A, and R5. But to know whether or not an ADU is allowed in your area, there are Atlanta zoning map tools that you can use to identify applicable zoning rules and limitations.

Now, a key element in ADU zoning is the setback requirements. In Atlanta’s  R4 and R4A zones, there is a 7-foot side setback and 15-foot rear setback for detached ADUs. On the other hand, the R5 zone requires a lower 4-foot side and rear setback from property lines. Do keep note that setback distances can differ depending on the zoning district and specific property conditions.

Moving on to building requirements, ADUs in Atlanta also follow strict size, height, and lot coverage limits. However, this can still vary depending on local ordinances, zone-specific restrictions, and additional rules regarding accessory structures. So, always review your laws in your jurisdiction to ensure compliance.

With that, here’s a rundown of the general ADU building requirements from Atlanta’s zoning ordinance:

• A 20-foot maximum height for accessory dwellings.
• A maximum total square footage of 750 square feet for ADUs or no more than 30% of the primary residence’s square footage, whichever is less (depends on zoning).
• The ADU and the main house together cannot occupy more than 55% of the property’s total lot area.
• The accessory dwelling unit can’t cover more than 25% of the lot’s rear yard.
• Generally, the combined floor area ratio (FAR) of both the ADU and the primary housing unit cannot exceed 50% of the property’s lot area.

Why Build an ADU in Atlanta

At this point, you might be wondering as to why you should consider building an accessory dwelling unit in Atlanta. Well, ADUs can have a variety of purposes that you can benefit from.

For one, investing in an additional accessory unit can be a lucrative way to generate rental income. ADUs have become a popular housing option due to their smaller footprint and flexible living arrangements. So, there is a growing market for ADU rentals, especially in a highly competitive rental market like Atlanta. You can leverage an accessory dwelling unit as a long-term rental unit, a vacation rental, or a temporary housing option. Keep in mind that short-term rentals in Atlanta may require registration, permitting, and compliance with local STR regulations.

On the other hand, another way that you can leverage ADUs is to use them to significantly boost your property’s value. Think of an ADU as an added feature or amenity that you won’t normally find in other residential homes. So, this can be used to leverage a more favorable market value if you decide to sell your property later on.

Now, coming from a more practical perspective, you can also build an ADU for personal use – such as guest accommodations, home offices, or additional living space for household members. Not to mention that ADUs offer a great opportunity to maximize the often unused backyard space. Thus, ADUs allow you to get the most out of your real estate assets without having to put more capital into buying more land.

The Future of ADUs in Atlanta, BMG Says…

So, what is an ADU? In Atlanta, an accessory dwelling unit can be a viable source of rental income and an option for expanding residential housing availability. What’s even better is that proposed ADU policy changes in Atlanta are further enhancing ADU constructions – from allowing attached ADUs to increasing size allowances and height limits. Simply put, the future of accessory dwelling units in Atlanta looks even more promising.

Looking to leverage ADUs as a rental? Working with a property management company, like Bay Property Management Group, might just be what you need. With our experience and expertise, we can help you navigate rental regulations and compliance requirements. On top of that, we can handle key rental operations such as tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance coordination while maintaining compliance with Fair Housing laws and other housing regulations. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today to learn more!