- Max size1,000 sq ft
- Owner occupancyNot required
Manchester, CT permits accessory dwelling units by right under Article II, Section 1.03.01(v) of the Zoning Regulations. The town adopted the rule in 2021, making ADUs permitted in all single family zones without a Special Permit or public hearing. The unit can be attached, located within the principal dwelling, or detached on the same lot. The cap is the lesser of 30 percent of the principal dwelling's net floor area or 1,000 square feet, with a 350 square foot minimum. Manchester aligned closely with Connecticut's Public Act 21-29 default framework.
Status
- Adoption status
- Active. Article II, Section 1.03.01(v). Adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission in 2021.
- Governing ordinance
- Town of Manchester Zoning Regulations, Article II, Section 1.03.01(v) (Accessory Apartment or Accessory Dwelling Unit)
- Key differentiator
- By-right pathway in all single family zones with no Special Permit and no public hearing. Owner occupancy not required per the primary code text. Pending REG-0008-2025 amendment would extend ADUs to two family lots (detached only).
Considering an ADU in Manchester? Book a free consultation — we’ll watch for ordinance updates and walk through your options.
Eligibility
Where ADUs are allowed
- Zoning districts permitted
- All single family zones
- Lot type
- Single family lots
- Limit per property
- One ADU per lot
- Footprint cap
- Principal dwelling or accessory building footprint cannot increase by more than 30 percent to accommodate the ADU
Types allowed
- Attached ADU (within or adjoining principal)
- Yes
- Detached ADU (separate accessory building)
- Yes
- Interior conversion
- Yes
Size and placement
Size limits
- Minimum sq ft
- 350 sq ft of net floor area
- Maximum sq ft
- 1,000 sq ft, or 30 percent of the principal dwelling's net floor area, whichever is less
- Footprint expansion cap
- 30 percent maximum increase in principal or accessory building footprint
Setbacks
- Setback requirements
- Underlying zone setbacks, lot size, building frontage, building height, and maximum buildable area apply
Rules for use
Parking
- ADU parking requirement
- At least 1 off street space
- Curb cut
- Additional curb cuts servicing an ADU are not permitted
Rental use
- Short-term rental
- Not specifically addressed in Section 1.03.01(v). Standard Manchester rental rules apply.
- Long-term rental
- Permitted
How to apply in Manchester
- Default pathway
- By right. Building permit required.
- Special Permit
- Not required
- Public hearing
- Not required
- Contact
- Manchester Planning and Zoning Department
Recent and pending changes
- 2021Section 1.03.01(v) adopted by the Manchester Planning and Zoning Commission, permitting ADUs by right in all single family zones.
Important details
- By-right pathway: Manchester's Affordable Housing Plan (adopted 12/6/22) and Manchester Next Plan of Conservation and Development (adopted 6/21/23) both reference allowing ADUs by right in all single family zones.
- Footprint cap: The principal dwelling or accessory building footprint cannot increase by more than 30 percent to accommodate the ADU under Section 1.03.01(v)(5).
- Pending two-family extension: REG-0008-2025 would extend ADUs to two family lots, detached only. Currently a draft, not yet adopted as of the most recent retrieved source.
- Design rules: Section 1.03.01(v)(8) requires preservation of single family residential qualities, with privacy orientation, complementary materials, and matching roof shapes.
Frequently asked questions
Where in Manchester are ADUs allowed?
By right in all single family zones under Section 1.03.01(v). One ADU per lot, attached, detached, or as an interior conversion. The town adopted the rule in 2021 to align with Connecticut's Public Act 21-29.
What's the size cap?
Minimum 350 square feet of net floor area. Maximum 30 percent of the principal dwelling's net floor area, or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. The principal dwelling or accessory building footprint cannot be increased by more than 30 percent to accommodate the unit.
Will I need a public hearing?
No. Manchester's ADU rule is by right in all single family zones. Architecturally compatible ADUs do not require a Special Permit or public hearing. Building permit is still required, and any additional curb cut to serve the ADU is not allowed.
Sources (3)
Last reviewed 2026-04-28. Local rules can change — verify the latest details with the Manchester planning department, or book a free consultation with our team before starting your project. This page is informational and is not legal advice.