Accessory Living Units (ALU)
Zoning Administration
- Benny Beckham
- Administrator
- County Annex Building
- 1st Floor
- 10 SW 2nd Avenue
- Gainesville, Fl 32601
- Phone: 352-374-5243
- Fax: 352-491-4510
- Hours: 8:30-4:00 pm
- Map
- GM staff directory
- County staff directory
Accessory living units (also known as accessory apartments, guest apartments, in-law apartments, family apartments or secondary units) provide supplementary housing that are integrated into existing single family neighborhoods to provide a lower priced housing alternative with no negative impact on the character of the neighborhood. Because the units are small, they are more affordable than full-size rentals.
In what zoning districts are ALU's allowed?
One additional living unit is allowed accessory to the principal structure without counting toward gross residential density in the following residential zoning districts:
- RE, RE-1, R-1aa, R-1a, R-1b and R-1c in Estate Residential, Low Density, or Medium Density land use designations
The unit must be a minimum of 400 SF, and a maximum of 40% of the gross square footage of the principal residence or 800 SF, whichever is less, and may have only one bedroom.
- One additional living unit may be allowed in the Agriculture (A) district if the density requirement can be met (10 or more acres=1 unit/5 acres)
The accessory unit in Agriculture must be a maximum of 50% of the gross square footage of the principal residence or 1000 SF, whichever is greater, and may have no more than two bedrooms
A detached garage can be constructed as an Accessory Living Unit
What are the benefits of Accessory Living Units?
Adding an ALU has many benefits to homeowners including giving them the ability to care for a family member and providing
extra income by renting the ALU to both family members or non-family members. It also allows homeowners in need of at-home services,
to offer low or rent free housing to those performing those services. The ALU provides a moderately priced rental option for
low-income residents as well.
See Section 404.24 of the Land
Development Code (ULDC) for more detailed information about Accessory Living Units.
What standards must an Acessory Living Unit meet?
See the urban or rural Accessory Living Unit checklist for the specific application and site requirements. Generally the following site standards must be met:
Accessory living units on less than five acres must be designed in a similar architectural style as the principal residence, and may be
either attached to the principal structure or a separate detached building.
All accessory living units must meet the principal building setbacks of the zoning district in which they are located.
All accessory living units must have an additional parking space served by the same driveway as the principal residence.
On lots less than five acres, the entrance to any attached accessory living unit must be to the side or rear of the building,
and any detached accessory living unit’s entrance must be located behind the front building line of the principal residence.
If water and sewer is available, the accessory unit must connect to the system of the principal residence - if it is not available,
the well and septic must meet the requirements of Section 407.110 of the ULDC for residential lots and are encouraged to share
the existing septic if allowed by the County Health Department.
If a property owner loses homestead exception status, the kitchen and other facilities for the separate residence must be removed.
What must I submit with my application?
See the urban or rural Accessory Living Unit checklist for the specific application requirements.
