New Paltz ADU Zoning Guide

Last reviewed 2026-04-26

Max size1,800 sq ft
Owner occupancyRequired

New Paltz's zoning code supports ADU development on qualifying single-family properties, providing flexible housing options for creative homeowners. Whether you're considering multigenerational housing for family members, a rental unit with reliable income, or an independent living space for caregivers or assistants, understanding the local zoning rules is essential to moving forward with confidence. We've reviewed New Paltz's zoning regulations in detail and outlined the key requirements below. Rules can change, so confirm details with the New Paltz Planning Department or book a free consultation with our team before starting your project.

Status

Village of New Paltz — Adoption status: Active — accessory dwelling units are governed by Village Code Chapter 175, Section 175-30
Town of New Paltz — Adoption status: Active — a local law governing accessory dwelling units was adopted April 28, 2023
Jurisdiction note: The Village of New Paltz and the Town of New Paltz are separate municipalities with overlapping names; homeowners should confirm which jurisdiction their property falls under before applying

Eligibility

Where ADUs are allowed

Village — Zoning districts permitted: All residential zones permitting single-family dwellings; ADUs allowed by special use permit
Town — Zoning districts permitted: All residential zones where single-family residences are permitted
Lot type / use restrictions: Single-family lots only; one dwelling unit on the lot
Limit per property: One ADU per lot

Types allowed

Village — Attached ADU (interior conversion): Yes — only attached ADUs within principal buildings are currently allowed in the Village
Village — Detached ADU (new construction): Not currently allowed in the Village
Town — All types: Attached, detached, and converted ADUs are permitted in the Town

Size and placement

Size limits

Village — Minimum sq ft: 300 sq ft
Village — Maximum sq ft: 35% of the habitable area of the principal dwelling (example given: principal = 1,800 sq ft, ADU = 630 sq ft or less)
Town — Minimum sq ft: 350 sq ft
Town — Maximum sq ft: 45% of the total legally finished area of the principal dwelling unit
OFA secondary source (Town): No more than 900 sq ft or 45% of the primary dwelling's floor area, whichever is less

Setbacks

Village — Rule: Must meet setback requirements of zoning district
Village — Egress restriction: Dwellings shall have only one exterior front entrance

Rules for use

Parking

Village: Total parking must equal 1.5x the total number of dwelling units
Town: Total parking must equal 1.5x the total number of dwelling units

Owner occupancy

Required: Yes — owner occupancy is required in both Village and Town
Village — owner-occupancy: The owner must occupy one of the dwelling units

Rental use

Village and Town — Short-term rental: Not specifically prohibited in primary sources for the ADU itself; however, the Village does not address STR use; the Plus One program requires long-term rental only
Village and Town — Long-term rental: Permitted

How to apply in New Paltz

Village — Special use permit: Required from Village Planning Board
Village — Building permit: Required after special use permit approval
Town — Building permit: The Code Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector approves ADUs, with authority to refer to the Planning Board for site plan review
Village contact: Village of New Paltz Building Department
Town contact: Town of New Paltz Building Department, 52 Clearwater Rd., PO Box 550, New Paltz, NY 12561

Recent and pending changes

Town of New Paltz Local Law (adopted April 28, 2023)
Established ADU regulations for the Town; adopted after public hearing; Code Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector is primary approval authority with Planning Board referral authority
Village ADU update pending (as of September 2024)
The September 2024 presentation noted that the Village currently allows only attached ADUs but was considering future amendments to allow detached ADUs
Ulster County Plus One Round 2 launch (September 2024)
Applications opened September 17, 2024; priority window for shovel-ready projects closed October 14, 2024

Important details

Ulster County Plus One ADU Program: Up to $125,000 available for eligible homeowners in the Village. Services include design, permitting, budgeting, environmental review, contractor selection, construction oversight, and post-construction monitoring. 10-year affordability covenant
Village currently: attached only: Detached ADUs are currently not permitted in the Village of New Paltz; only interior/attached conversions within the principal building are allowed; future amendment may change this
Town vs. Village jurisdiction: Homeowners should confirm whether their parcel is in the Village of New Paltz (governed by Village Code Chapter 175) or the Town of New Paltz (governed by the 2023 local law), as they are separate municipalities with different rules

Frequently asked questions

Can I build an ADU in any zoning district in New Paltz?

In the Town of New Paltz, ADUs are permitted in any zoning district that allows single-family residential use. A building permit can be issued by the Code Enforcement Officer or Building Inspector.

Does owner occupancy matter for New Paltz ADUs?

Yes, the principal residential lot must be owner-occupied at the time of application and at all times while the ADU is established. The ADU must be self-contained on a permanent foundation.

What types of ADUs are allowed in New Paltz?

Accessory dwelling units must remain subordinate in size to the principal dwelling and be created within an existing principal dwelling or by converting existing space in lawful residential accessory structures with no exterior expansion.

Sources (6)

Last reviewed 2026-04-26. Local rules can change — verify the latest details with the New Paltz planning department, or book a free consultation with our team before starting your project. This page is informational and is not legal advice.