Stratford ADU Zoning Guide

Last reviewed 2026-04-28

Max size1,000 sq ft
Owner occupancyRequired

Stratford, CT permits accessory dwelling units under Section 4.4.2 of the Zoning Regulations, with a comprehensive new framework effective January 1, 2025. Both attached and detached ADUs are now permitted on single family lots, capped at 1,000 square feet with a maximum of one bedroom. Detached ADUs have specific dimensional rules: at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, at least 65 feet from the front lot line, and a maximum height of 12 feet to the midpoint of the roof. The Zoning Commission processes applications administratively through Site Plan review, with a 14 day notice to abutting property owners.

Status

Adoption status: Active. Section 4.4.2 effective January 1, 2025.
Governing ordinance: Stratford Zoning Regulations, Section 4.4.2 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Key differentiator: Detached ADUs newly explicit as of January 1, 2025 with their own dimensional schedule. No public hearing by default. Optional voluntary opt-in to Section 8-30g affordable housing program.

Eligibility

Where ADUs are allowed

Zoning districts permitted: All single family residential districts in the Section 4 use schedule
Lot type: Single family zoned lots
Limit per property: One ADU per lot
Coastal overlay: ADUs in flood zones require Coastal Site Plan Review approval

Types allowed

Attached ADU (within principal dwelling): Yes
Detached ADU (free standing accessory structure): Yes (newly explicit January 1, 2025)
Interior conversion: Yes
Attached plus detached on same lot: Not permitted. If a detached ADU is built, the principal structure cannot also contain an attached ADU.

Size and placement

Size limits

Maximum sq ft: 1,000 sq ft
Maximum bedrooms: 1 (libraries, dens, studies, studios, etc. count as bedrooms)
Maximum height (detached): 12 ft to the midpoint of the roof

Setbacks

Detached ADU front setback: Minimum 65 ft from the front property line
Detached ADU side setback: Minimum 5 ft from side property lines
Detached ADU rear setback: Minimum 5 ft from the rear property line
Attached ADU: Underlying zone setbacks apply

Rules for use

Parking

ADU parking requirement: At least 1 off street space, in addition to the principal dwelling's required parking
Front yard restriction: ADU parking cannot be in the required front yard

Owner occupancy

Required: Yes. The principal owner (50 percent or greater interest, including a principal of any owning LLC or corporation) must reside in either the primary dwelling or the ADU.
Permit consequence: Permit is revocable if the owner ceases to occupy one of the units
Separate sale permitted: No. Attached or detached ADUs cannot be sold separately from the principal structure.

Rental use

Short-term rental: Prohibited for any unit on the property containing an ADU. Bed and breakfast establishments also prohibited.
Long-term rental: Permitted of the ADU itself; long term rooms for rent in the principal house are also prohibited.
Affordable housing opt-in: Owner can voluntarily designate the ADU as an affordable accessory residential apartment under CGS Section 8-30g (Section 4.4.2.F), which adds a deed restriction.

How to apply in Stratford

Default pathway: Administrative Site Plan review by the Zoning Commission
Notice requirement: 14 day notice to abutting property owners
Public hearing: Discretionary. Commission may schedule a hearing but is not required to.
Coastal overlay: ADUs in flood zones require Coastal Site Plan Review approval
Contact: Stratford Zoning Commission

Recent and pending changes

2025-01-01
Section 4.4.2 (Accessory Dwelling Units) effective. Comprehensive rewrite that explicitly permits detached ADUs alongside attached, sets dimensional rules, and adds a voluntary affordable housing opt-in pathway.

Important details

Detached ADU dimensional schedule: minimum 5 ft from side and rear lot lines, minimum 65 ft from front lot line, maximum 12 ft height to roof midpoint, maximum 1,000 sq ft.
Voluntary affordability opt-in: Section 4.4.2.F allows the owner to designate the ADU as an affordable accessory residential apartment qualifying under CGS 8-30g, adding a deed restriction.
Coastal flood overlay: ADUs in flood zones require Coastal Site Plan Review approval from the Zoning Commission.
Single bedroom cap: Section 4.4.2.E.8 caps each ADU at 1 bedroom and explicitly counts dens, studies, studios, and similar spaces as bedrooms.

Frequently asked questions

Can I build a detached ADU in Stratford?

Yes. As of January 1, 2025, Section 4.4.2.E.11 explicitly allows one free standing detached ADU on a single family zoned lot. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,000 square feet, sit at least 5 feet from side and rear lines, at least 65 feet from the front lot line, and reach a maximum height of 12 feet to the roof midpoint.

Can I rent out my Stratford ADU?

Yes for long term, no for short term. A property with an ADU may not be used for short or long term rooms for rent or as a bed and breakfast. The owner can opt the ADU into the Section 8-30g affordable housing program voluntarily, adding a deed restriction.

Will I need a public hearing?

Not by default. ADU applications are processed administratively through Site Plan review by the Zoning Commission, with 14 day written notice to abutting property owners. The Commission has the discretion to schedule a public hearing on any application but is not required to.

Sources (3)

Last reviewed 2026-04-28. Local rules can change — verify the latest details with the Stratford planning department, or book a free consultation with our team before starting your project. This page is informational and is not legal advice.