ADU Rules in Savannah, GA (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Savannah, GA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Savannah, GA.
Savannah, GA permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law governs the approval process. In Savannah, the City of Savannah Development Services — Permits and Inspections handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Savannah.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Savannah: Detached ADU: up to 1000 sq ft (max height: 24 feet). Attached ADU: Up to 40% of primary dwelling floor area. Savannah Zoning Ordinance. Detached ADUs (accessory structures) limited to 1,000 sqft in residential zones. Attached/internal ADUs limited to 40% of primary dwelling gross floor area. Savannah's historic carriage house typology — traditional rear-lot structures accessed from lanes — is the predominant ADU form in the Historic District. JADU is a California-specific designation not applicable in Georgia.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 1000 sq ft | 24 feet |
| Attached ADU | Up to 40% of primary dwelling floor area | Per zone height limit |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Savannah: Plan check fee: $200–$800. Building permit fee: $400–$2,000 based on construction value. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: $800–$4,000 total fees (add $500–$1,500 for Historic District review). Savannah Development Services permit fees based on construction valuation. Historic District COA review fee separate from building permit fee. No broad development impact fees. Flood zone properties may require FEMA elevation certificate — fee for surveyor service not included.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $200–$800 |
| Building Permit | $400–$2,000 based on construction value |
| Impact Fees | None |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | $800–$4,000 total fees (add $500–$1,500 for Historic District review) |
Permit Timeline
Savannah ADU Permit Timeline: Savannah Development Services processes permits. Standard residential ADU: 4-6 weeks. Historic District ADU: additional 6-10 weeks for MPC Certificate of Appropriateness review. Savannah's historic review process is thorough — pre-application meeting with MPC staff strongly recommended for Historic District projects. Apply through the City of Savannah Development Services — Permits and Inspections online permit portal. Phone: (912) 651-6780.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Savannah: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: 5 feet. Rear setback: 5 feet. Savannah Zoning Ordinance. Detached ADUs require 5 ft rear and 5 ft side setbacks in standard residential zones. Savannah's Historic District lane system (rear alleys serving rows of historic squares) allows rear-yard accessory structures with reduced rear setbacks to 3 ft when facing a lane. Front setbacks follow the historic streetwall alignment in the Historic District — new construction must align with adjacent historic facades.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: Parking requirements vary by zone. Historic District properties may have waived or reduced parking requirements — the ward square design predates automobile parking. Standard residential zones require 1 parking space per ADU. Savannah's walkable downtown and Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus service reduce parking demand in many districts.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Maximum one ADU per single-family residential lot
- ADU must be on same lot as primary dwelling
- Historic District ADUs require MPC Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior design
- Materials, windows, and architectural details in Historic District must be contextually appropriate
- Savannah's lane system (rear alleys) provides access for rear-yard ADUs in historic squares
- Flood zone properties require elevated construction per Savannah floodplain management ordinance
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Savannah: Single-family lots: 1. Multifamily properties: Additional units within base zone density limits. Savannah allows one ADU per single-family lot. Savannah's 2040 Comprehensive Plan (CORE SAVANNAH) supports ADU development as a housing affordability and historic preservation tool — rehabilitated carriage houses preserve historic fabric while creating housing.
Single-Family Lots
1
Multifamily Properties
Additional units within base zone density limits
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Savannah has 4 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Savannah's Historic District is one of the most comprehensive historic preservation overlay districts in the United States. The 2.2-square-mile National Historic Landmark District encompasses Oglethorpe's 1733 ward square plan with 22 intact park squares. The Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) reviews all exterior alterations, new construction, and demolitions in the Historic District for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). MPC guidelines specify materials, window types, door designs, masonry pointing, signage, and landscape elements. Savannah also has Victorian District and Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District overlays with design review requirements. Savannah's historic preservation program is widely regarded as one of the most successful in the US, having saved the 1734 downtown from 1950s urban renewal demolition. Source: https://www.thempc.org/ Look up historic district boundaries at: https://www.thempc.org/hpd/search
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Savannah?
Yes. Savannah, GA allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1.
How big can an ADU be in Savannah?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Savannah is 1,000 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Savannah?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Savannah is Savannah Development Services processes permits. Standard residential ADU: 4-6 weeks. Historic District ADU: additional 6-10 weeks for MPC Certificate of Appropriateness review. Savannah's historic review process is thorough — pre-application meeting with MPC staff strongly recommended for Historic District projects.. Total estimated permit fees are $800–$4,000 total fees (add $500–$1,500 for Historic District review).
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Savannah?
No, Savannah does not require additional parking for ADUs.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Savannah?
No, owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs in Savannah.
Source: City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance Title 8; Metropolitan Planning Commission Historic District Guidelines. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source