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Housing · Market Insights

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What is an ADU? Understanding Accessory Dwelling Units and Their Benefits

What is an ADU? An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)is a secondary living unit that has a separate kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, that exists within or on the same lot as a detached dwelling also know as a single-fam

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What is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)is a secondary living unit that has a separate kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, that exists within or on the same lot as a detached dwelling also know as a single-family home. It could be detached, attached, interior (Upper Level), above garage or garage conversion.

Benefits of ADUs

  • Missing Middle Housing
  • Aging in Place
  • Multigenerational Households
  • Affordable Housing
  • Income Generation
  • In Pinellas County, Florida, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) must adhere to the following requirements:

  • Size:ADUs cannot exceed 750 square feet or 50% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling whichever is less. For example, if you have a 1,200 sqft home, the max ADU size you could build would be 600 sqft. Larger ADUs may be approved with a Type 2 review.
  • Number:Only one ADU is allowed per parcel of ownership.
  • Occupancy:ADUs cannot have more than two people per bedroom, plus two additional people in a common area, with a maximum occupancy of 10 people.
  • Utility Connection:ADUs cannot have a separate metered utility connection.
  • Owner Occupancy:The primary dwelling must be owner-occupied.
  • Setbacks and Lot Coverage:All setbacks and lot coverage provisions must be met.
  • Architectural Style:The ADU must match the architectural style of the existing home.
  • Egress:The ADU must have two means of egress.
  • Parking:The ADU must have an additional parking space on the property.
  • Clearwater Requirement:In Clearwater, make sure to submit a " Homeowner Affidavit for Accessory Dwelling Unit ."
  • It’s crucial to consult with a licensed professional to ensure your property and ADU comply with all local zoning laws and regulations. Contact Blue Hawk Exchange, and they will arrange for a licensed contractor to assess whether you can build an ADU on your property.