Scottsville allows a one-bedroom ADU of 300 to 800 sq ft by special permit, owner on site at least six months a year.
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 | Conversion of existing buildings; new cottages need an interpretation |
| Inside or attached | Yes (internal size rules overlap and need a ruling) |
| Size limit | 300 to 800 sq ft and no more than 33% of combined floor area |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Owner must live on site | Yes, six months a year; never rent both units |
| How approval works | Planning Board special permit; site plan for additions and detached units |
| Other rules | One ADU per home, allowed in the R1-16, R1-12 and R1-6 districts but not in RA1-4 or RM. You need one more off-street parking space, and a detached unit can't be split off or sold separately. A separate rule for apartments inside a house requires a house of at least 2,400 sq ft and a unit of at least 650 sq ft, so ask the village how that fits with the 300 sq ft ADU minimum. |
Code section: §170-50A, M (Scottsville ADU and conversion standards). Chapter adopted September 12, 2017.
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.
- 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
- 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 Village of Scottsville 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
- Village of Scottsville code: §170-50A, M (Scottsville ADU and conversion standards) · official source
- Scottsville definitions, §170-6 ACCESSORY and ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT
- Scottsville residential use table, Table 170-11.1
- Scottsville residential dimensional table, Table 170-11.2
- Scottsville residential bulk table, Table 170-11.3
- Scottsville zoning chapter adoption, Chapter 170 history
- Village of Scottsville building or code office
General information, not legal advice. The Village of Scottsville decides what can be built on your property.