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.
Irondequoit allows an attached or detached in-law unit by special permit in its residential districts; who may live there needs confirming.
The code allows an ADU only with a special use permit, which a board must approve, usually after a public hearing. Approval is not automatic.
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 with a special use permit |
|---|---|
| Detached (backyard) unit | Yes, an in-law unit may be attached or detached |
| Inside or attached | Yes |
| Size limit | District height, coverage and bulk rules; no separate cap found |
| Bedrooms | Not stated in the code we read |
| Owner must live on site | Needs written confirmation |
| How approval works | Town Board special use permit and Planning Board site plan review |
| Other rules | One in-law unit per home, in the RR, R1, R2 and R3 zoning districts. The code doesn't say exactly which relatives qualify or give a clear right to rent the unit, so ask the town. |
Code section: §235-8B(1)(d), B(2), especially B(2)(d) (Irondequoit residential permitted uses and approvals)
What this means for your plans
- Expect a public hearing where neighbors can speak, and a board decision that can take a few months. How special use permits work.
What we’re still confirming
- This comes from our review of the code on September 16, 2026. Confirm with the town before you rely on it.
Before you spend money on drawings
- Confirm the Town of Irondequoit 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 Monroe 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 Town of Irondequoit decides what can be built on your property.