ADU Rules in Savannah, GA (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Savannah, GA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Whether ADUs are allowed in Savannah, GA has not been confirmed — see the official source before proceeding.
Whether Savannah, GA permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) has not been confirmed from an official source. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. Contact the local building department through their official website to verify current ADU rules before proceeding, as regulations may have changed since this data was last reviewed.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Savannah: Detached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source (max height: varies — see official source). Attached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | See official source | See official source |
| Attached ADU | See official source | See official source |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Savannah: Plan check fee: Varies. Building permit fee: Varies. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: Varies.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $200–$800 |
| Building Permit | $400–$2,000 based on construction value |
| Impact Fees | None |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | See official source |
Permit Timeline
Savannah ADU Permit Timeline: Permit timeline has not been confirmed — contact the department for current processing times. Apply through the local building department online permit portal. Contact them through their official website for current contact information.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Savannah: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: no minimum. Rear setback: no minimum.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: Parking requirements have not been confirmed — see official source.
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: not confirmed — see official source. Multifamily properties: not confirmed — see official source.
- Single-Family Lots
- 1
- Multifamily Properties
- Additional units within base zone density limits
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
We could not confirm a statewide ADU preemption statute for Georgia.
View Georgia preemption detailsFrequently 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?
Savannah parking rules for ADUs: 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.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Savannah?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Savannah: No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs in standard residential zones. Savannah's tourism economy and short-term rental market make investment ADU properties common. Historic District properties used as short-term rentals have separate registration requirements.
Source: City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance Title 8; Metropolitan Planning Commission Historic District Guidelines. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source