- Max size750 sq ft
- Owner occupancyRequired
Rhinebeck has two jurisdictions — the Town of Rhinebeck and the incorporated Village of Rhinebeck. Most ADU rules sit in the Town's Chapter 125 zoning code (§125-68D for ADUs within the principal structure, §125-68E for detached ADUs). The Village of Rhinebeck is one of 8 Dutchess County Plus One ADU Program participating municipalities — homeowners in the Village may be eligible for grants up to $125,000 administered by Hudson River Housing.
Status
- Adoption status
- Active — both ADU within principal structure (§125-68D) and detached ADU (§125-68E) are established Special Permit uses in the Town of Rhinebeck Zoning Code; Chapter 125 adopted December 29, 2009 by L.L. No. 6-2009
- Governing ordinance
- Town of Rhinebeck Zoning Code, Chapter 125; ADU standards at §125-68D (within principal structure) and §125-68E (detached)
Eligibility
Where ADUs are allowed
- Lot type / use restrictions
- Single-family residential lots; ADU must be accessory to a one-family dwelling
- Minimum lot area required
- Varies by district (HP20 = 20 acres min; RA10 = 10 acres min; RC5 = 5 acres min; RL5 = 5 acres min; RM1 = 1 acre min)
- Limit per property
- One ADU per lot
Types allowed
- Attached ADU (interior conversion)
- Yes — §125-68D "Accessory Dwelling Unit (within principal structure)"
- Detached ADU (new construction or accessory structure)
- Yes — §125-68E "Accessory Dwelling Unit (detached)"
- Guest cottage (§125-68YY — distinct type)
- A guest cottage is a separate use type with different standards (maximum 600 sq ft per §125-68(YY)(1)); it is not the same as an ADU
Size and placement
Size limits
- Maximum sq ft (ADU — §125-68D/68E)
- 750 sq ft per OFA secondary source; §125-68D/68E specific text not retrieved — verify with Planning Department
- Guest cottage (§125-68YY)
- Maximum 600 sq ft (confirmed from ZBA case); this is a distinct separate use type from ADU
Setbacks
| Zone | Side Setback (Principal) | Accessory Structure Setback (75% rule) |
|---|---|---|
| RA10 | 100 ft | 75 ft |
| RL5 | Confirm with code | Confirm with code |
- Accessory structure setback rule (§125-27(A)(2))
- No accessory structure shall be set back less than 75% of the minimum side setback of the zone. Example: RA10 zone has 100 ft side yard setback; 75% = 75 ft minimum setback for an accessory structure
- Accessory structure size limit (§125-27(A)(4))
- All roofed or enclosed accessory structures in aggregate shall not comprise more floor area than the principal dwelling or 1,500 sq ft, whichever is greater
- Parking — not in front yard
- Parking is not allowed in the front yard
Rules for use
Parking
- Requirement
- Additional off-street parking required as required by zoning for the overall dwelling
- Front yard restriction
- Parking may not be in the front yard
Owner occupancy
- Required
- Yes — owner occupancy is required
Rental use
- Long-term rental
- Permitted in the unit the owner does not occupy
- Short-term rental — Plus One grant ADU
- Prohibited. The Plus One ADU Program 10-year affordability covenant precludes short-term rental use of grant-funded ADUs.
How to apply in Rhinebeck
- Special use permit required
- From Town of Rhinebeck Planning Board for both §125-68D and §125-68E ADU types; site plan review also required for S designations
- Building permit
- Required from Town of Rhinebeck Code Enforcement Officer after Planning Board approval
- Contact
- Town of Rhinebeck Planning Board, 80 East Market Street, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Recent and pending changes
- Chapter 125 last amended 06-13-2022eCode360 shows the most recent law update as June 13, 2022
Important details
- Dutchess County Plus One ADU Program: The Village of Rhinebeck is one of 8 participating Dutchess County municipalities. Up to $125,000 per home (administered by Hudson River Housing). Income eligibility up to 100% of Dutchess County AMI; minimum 10-year affordable-rent covenant.
- Guest cottage vs. ADU: The Town of Rhinebeck has two different dwelling-like accessory use types: "Guest Cottage" (§125-68YY, max 600 sq ft, no kitchen, for guests only) and "Accessory Dwelling Unit" (§125-68D/68E, max 750 sq ft, full living unit with kitchen and bath, may be rented). They have different standards; do not confuse them
- Large lot requirement for detached ADUs: Given the RA10 (10-acre) and RC5 (5-acre) district minimums and the 75% accessory structure setback rule, detached ADUs in rural Rhinebeck require substantial lot area
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find Rhinebeck's ADU zoning requirements?
Rhinebeck's zoning code is available through the Town and Village. For specific ADU requirements, contact the Planning Zoning clerk at 845-876-1922 or visit the Town's zoning enforcement office.
Does Rhinebeck allow accessory apartments or cottages?
The Town of Rhinebeck's zoning code may allow various types of accessory dwellings. Contact the Zoning Administrator to determine if ADUs are permitted in your specific zoning district.
What is the approval process for an ADU in Rhinebeck?
ADU approval processes vary by district. Consult the Town's zoning code or speak with the Building Department to understand specific requirements for your property.
Sources (5)
- Town of Rhinebeck District Schedule of Use Regulations (Chapter 125, Attachment 2)primary
- Town of Rhinebeck eCode360 — Chapter 125 Zoning table of contentsprimary
- Town of Rhinebeck ZBA Public Hearing Notice (March 2023) — §125-68(YY)(1) guest cottage max 600 sq ftprimary
- OFA ADU Regulations — Rhinebeck entry (750 sq ft max)
- Hudson River Housing Plus One ADU Program — Dutchess County — Reporting on the Dutchess County Plus One ADU Program ($125,000 per home, Hudson River Housing administered)
Last reviewed 2026-04-27. Local rules can change — verify the latest details with the Rhinebeck planning department, or book a free consultation with our team before starting your project. This page is informational and is not legal advice.