- Max size1,000 sq ft
- Owner occupancyRequired
Beacon permits accessory dwelling units on all single-family lots under §223-36.5 of Chapter 223 (Zoning), as amended in 2022. One ADU per lot, owner-occupancy required via affidavit, no short-term rentals.
Status
- Adoption status
- Active — ADUs are a permitted accessory use on all single-family lots
- Governing ordinance
- City of Beacon Zoning Code, Chapter 223, §223-36.5 (Accessory dwelling units), as amended in 2022
Eligibility
Where ADUs are allowed
- Zoning districts permitted
- All single-family residential lots in the City of Beacon
- Lot type / use restrictions
- Single-family lots only
- Limit per property
- One ADU per lot
Types allowed
- Attached ADU (interior conversion)
- Yes
- Attached ADU (addition)
- Yes
- Detached ADU (new construction)
- Yes — §223-36.5 permits an ADU as a new structure, by modification of or addition to the single-family dwelling, or by conversion of an existing structure
- Detached ADU (accessory structure conversion)
- Yes — garage conversion listed as permitted type
Size and placement
Size limits
- Minimum sq ft
- 200 sq ft
- Maximum sq ft
- 1,000 sq ft, and not more than 50% of the principal building's total square footage
Setbacks
- General rule
- ADUs must comply with Beacon's Zoning Code setback requirements applicable to the district
Rules for use
Parking
- 2025 update
- Parking space requirement removed for ADUs in 2025
- Prior requirement
- Previously required at least 1 off-street parking space for an accessory apartment
Owner occupancy
- Required
- Yes — owner occupancy is required; the owner is required to submit an affidavit at time of building permit application stating they reside on the premises
Rental use
- Short-term rental
- Prohibited — accessory apartments cannot be used as short-term rentals
- Long-term rental
- Permitted
How to apply in Beacon
- Permit required
- Building permit from City of Beacon Building Department
- Owner affidavit
- Owner must submit affidavit stating residency at time of building permit application
- Contact
- City of Beacon Building Department, 1 Municipal Plaza, Beacon, NY 12508
Recent and pending changes
- 2025 parking waiverThe City of Beacon eliminated the off-street parking requirement for ADUs in 2025
- Plus One ADU Program launch (April 2025)City of Beacon announced active participation in the Dutchess County Plus One ADU Program in April 2025, with Hudson River Housing as program administrator
Important details
- Plus One ADU Program: Up to $125,000 available for eligible homeowners through Hudson River Housing's Dutchess County Plus One ADU Program. Launched mid-to-late April 2025. Income eligibility and affordability covenant requirements apply (10-year covenant, affordable rent, no STR)
- Parking no longer required: As of 2025, homeowners do not need to provide an additional off-street parking space when adding an ADU
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum size ADU in Beacon?
In Beacon's single-family districts, ADUs can be between 200 and 1,000 square feet, but not more than 50 percent of the principal building's total square footage.
Can I use my ADU as a short-term rental in Beacon?
No, ADUs in Beacon cannot be used for short-term rentals. The owner of the property must live on-site, and only one ADU is allowed per single-family lot.
Do I need Planning Board approval for an ADU in Beacon?
If the ADU is created inside an existing house with no new construction, the building inspector can approve it. For additions or new construction, Planning Board review is required, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Sources (5)
Last reviewed 2026-04-27. Local rules can change — verify the latest details with the Beacon planning department, or book a free consultation with our team before starting your project. This page is informational and is not legal advice.