ADU rules in Alachua County

ULDC Sec. 404.24(a): an accessory dwelling unit 'may be attached or detached from the principal building.' One ADU is allowed as an accessory use to a principal structure, excluded from gross residential density, in the A, RE, RE-1, R-1aa, R-1a, R-1b, and R-1c districts within the rural/agriculture, rural cluster, estate residential, low density, or medium density residential land use designations. The unit type may be any dwelling type allowed in the zoning district (Sec. 404.24(b)), and must meet the district's setbacks and height limits (Sec. 404.24(d)).

Same provision: ULDC Sec. 404.24(a) expressly allows the ADU to be 'attached or detached from the principal building,' subject to the same district and land-use-designation eligibility and to all zoning district standards including setbacks and building height.

ULDC Sec. 404.24(f): 'The living area of the unit shall be a maximum of fifty (50) percent of the principal residence or one thousand seven hundred (1,700) square feet, whichever is greater.' Because the cap is the greater of the two, ADUs up to 1,700 sq ft are allowed regardless of primary-home size, and larger ADUs are allowed where 50% of the principal residence exceeds 1,700 sq ft. The county's official ADU page adds that there is no minimum size.

ULDC Sec. 404.24(e): 'Property owner residency in either the primary or accessory dwelling unit shall be a requirement for permitting of accessory dwelling units.' In existing residential areas the applicant must show proof of homestead exemption before a building permit issues (or file an affidavit of intent to reside when permitting both units together); in new developments, deed restrictions or covenants must bar occupancy of the ADU unless homestead status is maintained on the lot. The county's ADU page states that if homestead exemption is lost, the kitchen and other facilities of the separate residence must be removed.

ULDC Sec. 404.24(c) imposes no minimum parking count for ADUs: off-street parking 'if provided' shall be located on the lot of the principal building, and the ADU and any off-street spaces must be served by the same driveway as the principal building (no separate driveway or curb cut).

ULDC Sec. 404.24 allows a single ADU 'as an accessory use to a principal structure' in the eligible districts, subject to listed standards; no special exception or public hearing is required. Per the county's official ADU page, approval is administrative: a $70 Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning permit through the Citizenserve portal (site plan, floor plan, and ADU affidavit), followed by a standard building permit.

ULDC Sec. 404.24 sets no minimum lease term. Sec. 404.24(h) bars separate sale of the ADU unless properly subdivided under Chapter 407, Article VIII. The county's official ADU page states an ADU may be used as a short-term rental (e.g. Airbnb) provided it is properly permitted, the 5% Tourist Development Tax is paid on rentals of six months or less, and the owner lives on the property in either unit while maintaining homestead exemption. The homestead-based owner-occupancy rule in Sec. 404.24(e) effectively conditions all rental use on the owner residing on site.