- Max size850 sq ft
- Owner occupancyRequired
Hastings on Hudson has established clear ADU guidelines that, while having specific requirements, provide a pathway for homeowners to build on their existing property. Whether you're considering a primary residence for a family member, a rental income source, or an independent square footage for your growing family, understanding the local zoning rules is essential to moving forward with confidence. We've reviewed Hastings on Hudson's zoning regulations in detail and outlined the key requirements below. Rules can change, so confirm details with the Hastings on Hudson Planning Department or book a free consultation with our team before starting your project.
Status
- Adoption status
- Active — ADUs (accessory apartments) were first authorized approximately 2003 by Village local law; as of November 2024, 22 ADUs have been approved/built in the Village
- Governing ordinance
- Village of Hastings-on-Hudson Zoning Code Chapter 295 (referenced by Planning Board as governing section 295-103); ADU approval authority resides in the Planning Board per §295-103
- Subsequent relaxation
- The Village has relaxed ADU restrictions since original adoption, as noted in November 2024 regional memo
Eligibility
Where ADUs are allowed
- Zoning districts permitted
- All single-family residential zoning districts — R-20, R-10, R-7.5, 2R
- Lot type / use restrictions
- Single-family residential properties; lot must have more than 2,000 sq ft of lot area
- Minimum lot area required
- Greater than 2,000 sq ft
- Limit per property
- One ADU per lot
Types allowed
- Attached ADU (interior conversion)
- Yes — basement, attic conversions confirmed
- Attached ADU (addition)
- Yes
- Detached ADU (garage conversion)
- Yes — garage conversions confirmed
- Detached ADU (new construction)
- Yes — small stand-alone units on a single-family lot are listed as a permitted type
- OFA secondary source
- Lists only attached/converted types; the Village official sources are more expansive and are controlling
Size and placement
Size limits
- Minimum sq ft
- 300 sq ft
- Maximum sq ft
- 850 sq ft and no more than 33% of the principal dwelling's floor area; the Planning Board may approve an exception to the 33% cap
- Maximum bedrooms
- 2 bedrooms
- Maximum roof height (accessory structure)
- 15 ft
Setbacks
- General rule
- Must comply with Chapter 295 setback requirements applicable to the zone; the OFA source notes there are "specific yard specifications" but does not reproduce numeric values
- Residential districts noted in Chapter 295
- R-20, R-10, R-7.5, 2R
Rules for use
Parking
- 1-bedroom ADU
- 1 additional off-street parking space required
- 2-bedroom ADU
- 2 additional off-street parking spaces required
- Location
- All parking spaces must be on the same property as the ADU
Owner occupancy
- Required
- Yes — the owner of the single-family residence must occupy one of the dwelling units on the premises as their principal residence
Rental use
- Short-term rental
- Likely prohibited; Village sources describe ADUs as providing housing for long-term tenants (teachers, students, first responders) and the Plus One program requires no STR use
- Long-term rental
- Permitted; generates rental income for homeowners
How to apply in Hastings on Hudson
- Planning Board approval required
- Planning Board issues ADU permits per §295-103; public hearing required
- Building permit
- Required from Village Building Inspector
- Timeline
- Permit approval typically takes 4 to 8 weeks on average
- ADU Application
- Downloadable ADU Application form available from the Planning Board
- Application submission deadline
- New applications must be submitted to the Building Inspector at least four weeks prior to the scheduled Planning Board meeting date
- Contact
- Village of Hastings-on-Hudson Planning Board / Building Inspector, 7 Maple Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
Recent and pending changes
- Law originally adopted ~2003; relaxed over timeThe Greenburgh Town Board memo (November 2024) notes Hastings-on-Hudson law was approved in 2003 and the Village "recently relaxed restrictions"
- July 2025 Plus One ADU info sessionThe Village hosted a new Plus One ADU informational webinar in July 2025, indicating active program promotion
Important details
- Plus One ADU Program: Up to $125,000 available per property through Westchester County Habitat for Humanity and Housing Action Council. Services include design, budgeting, permitting, environmental assessment, contractor selection, and construction. Eligibility: household income at or below 100% of Westchester AMI, adjusted for family size
- Application instructions: The Village Planning Board's website provides a downloadable ADU Application form and an application instruction sheet
- Track record: As of November 2024, Hastings-on-Hudson had 22 ADUs approved/built, among the higher counts of any Westchester village; the Building Inspector characterized the program as running smoothly with very few neighbor complaints in 12+ years
Frequently asked questions
How much of my house can an ADU be in Hastings on Hudson?
In Hastings on Hudson, an accessory apartment must be between 300 and 850 square feet and cannot exceed 33 percent of the principal dwelling's floor area (unless the Planning Board approves an exception).
Do I need to live in my house to have an ADU in Hastings on Hudson?
Yes, owner occupancy is required. The owner of the single-family residence must occupy one of the dwelling units on the premises as their principal residence.
How many parking spaces must I provide for an ADU in Hastings on Hudson?
One additional off-street parking space is required for a one-bedroom ADU, or two spaces if the ADU has two bedrooms. Parking must be located on the same property.
Sources (7)
- Village of Hastings-on-Hudson Planning Board official page — ADU permittingprimary
- Village of Hastings-on-Hudson Civic Alert — Plus One ADU Info Session (2025)primary
- Village of Hastings-on-Hudson Civic Alert — "Would you like to create an accessory apartment?" (grant announcement)primary
- eCode360 — Supplementary Regulations Chapter 295 (Village of Hastings-on-Hudson)primary
- Haven ADU — Hastings-on-Hudson guide (confirmed size 300–850 sq ft, 33% cap, owner occupancy, 1–2 parking spaces)
- OFA ADU Regulations — Hastings-on-Hudson entry
- Greenburgh Town Board Memo (November 2024) — Notes Hastings-on-Hudson law approved 2003, 22 ADUs approved/built
Last reviewed 2026-04-26. Local rules can change — verify the latest details with the Hastings on Hudson planning department, or book a free consultation with our team before starting your project. This page is informational and is not legal advice.