We read this municipality’s code, but parts of our finding still need confirming. Treat it as a starting point and confirm with the code office.
Not the same as the Town of Geneseo. The Town of Geneseo defines ADUs broadly, but we could not find the rules that say where they are allowed. See Livingston County. Check which one is on your property tax bill.
The Village of Geneseo allows a small in-house apartment, up to 600 sq ft, with the owner living in the main home.
The code has ADU standards, but we have not confirmed which permit each zoning district requires.
Whether any of this applies to your lot depends on your zoning district and your property.
The rules we found
| What the code says | Allowed; permit type not confirmed |
|---|---|
| Detached (backyard) unit | No. Only inside an existing main building |
| Inside or attached | Yes, inside the existing house; no new outside stairway or entrance unless code or accessibility requires it |
| Size limit | No more than 40% of the main unit or 600 sq ft, whichever is smaller |
| Bedrooms | None stated |
| Owner must live on site | Yes. The owner lives in the main unit |
| How approval works | Per the village bulk and use tables (permit type not confirmed) |
| Other rules | One per lot, with no separate utility meters. It must be designed so it can become part of the house again. If it sits empty for more than 12 months, it loses its legal status. |
Code section: §130-61 Accessory dwelling units
What the size rule means for your house
With a 1,600 sq ft house, the largest ADU this rule allows is about 600 sq ft.
sq ft
Rounded down to the nearest 10 sq ft. Towns measure differently (some count only finished living space, some leave out the garage), so ask the code office how it measures yours.
What this means for your plans
- The owner has to live on the property. If you plan to move away, spend winters somewhere else or sell, read the owner rule above closely. Renting and owner rules.
What we’re still confirming
- Districts and permit type from the use tables
Before you spend money on drawings
- Confirm the Village of Geneseo governs your lot: it should be the municipality on your property tax bill.
- Find your zoning district on the municipal zoning map; the rules above can differ by district.
- Call or write the code office with your address and what you’re picturing, and ask for the answer and the code section in writing.
- On septic or a well? Ask the Livingston County health department whether the system can serve an extra bedroom. On public sewer? Ask your sewer district.
Our guides explain the approval process, site and utility checks and what an ADU costs.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. The Village of Geneseo decides what can be built on your property.