Savannah ADU Regulations & Building Guide

Savannah, Georgia, is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population. As of 2021, the city's population stands at approximately 147,087, while the larger Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has about 410,008 residents. This reflects a notable growth in the region, surpassing the U.S. average growth rate.

The city's demographic makeup is diverse, with Black or African American residents making up about 52.35% of the population, followed by White residents at 39.24%. Other racial groups include those of two or more races, Asian, and other races. The median age in Savannah is around 36.9 years, indicating a relatively young population.

Savannah's economy is dynamic, with key employment sectors including Health Care & Social Assistance, Accommodation & Food Services, and Retail Trade. The workforce has been growing, with a 1.11% increase in employment from 2020 to 2021, reaching around 69,000 employees. The median earnings vary by industry, with the highest median earnings for men found in Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, and Public Administration, and for women in Manufacturing, Transportation & Warehousing, and Utilities.

You are allowed to build one ADU on properties in designated zones like A-1, RSF-, RTF-, RMF-1, etc. These ADUs aren't counted in the total number of houses allowed in an area. However, mobile homes, shipping containers, RVs, or trailers are not permitted as ADUs, except manufactured homes in certain zones.

ADUs can either be attached to or detached from the main house. If attached, they need to share a wall with the main house and have a separate entrance, usually on the side or back. Detached ADUs must adhere to specific distance rules from the main house and property lines.

For some zones, your property needs to be 25% larger than the minimum size usually required. The building area of ADUs is included in the total allowed building area on your property. The ADU's size is capped at 40% of the main house's size, up to 700 square feet, although in some zones this can be up to 1,000 square feet. ADUs must meet the city's minimum size requirements and can have only one bedroom.

Design-wise, ADUs should resemble the main house, especially in special areas like historic districts. If you provide parking for the ADU, it should be on the same property and use the same driveway as the main house.

In terms of utilities, the ADU may need to share water and sewer connections with the main house, and a shared electrical meter might be required.

Height restrictions apply as well. In certain areas, ADUs can't be taller than 25 feet or the height of the main house, whichever is shorter. Also, any part of the ADU over 15 feet in height must be set back at least 15 feet from the rear property line unless it's next to a lane.

These rules are effective from May 25, 2023.

California law (AB 68, AB 881, SB 9, and subsequent legislation) guarantees your right to build ADUs. Cities cannot:

• Require owner-occupancy for ADUs permitted after 2020
• Require additional parking for ADUs near transit
• Charge impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft
• Deny ADUs that meet state minimum standards
• Impose lot coverage limits that prevent a 800 sq ft ADU

If you believe your ADU application is being unfairly denied, California HCD can intervene on your behalf.

Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia, is known for its picturesque coastal landscape, rich history, and distinctive Southern charm. Founded in 1733, Savannah is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, beautiful parks, and thriving arts scene.

Population: Savannah has a population of approximately 410,008 residents. The greater Savannah metropolitan area is home to about 400,000 people.

Local Economy: Savannah's economy is diverse, with several key sectors:

1. Tourism: A major driver of the local economy, attracting millions of visitors annually.
2. Port Operations: The Port of Savannah is one of the busiest container ports in the U.S.
3. Manufacturing: Including aerospace, paper products, and chemicals.
4. Healthcare: Several major hospital systems are significant employers.
5. Education: Institutions like Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) play a crucial role.
6. Military: The presence of nearby military bases contributes to the local economy.

Popular Neighborhoods:

1. Historic District: The heart of the city, known for its beautiful squares and historic homes.
2. Victorian District: Features many restored Victorian-era homes.
3. Ardsley Park: A planned suburban community with tree-lined streets and historic homes.
4. Midtown: A diverse area with a mix of residential and commercial properties.
5. Wilmington Island: A suburban area offering a more relaxed, coastal lifestyle.
6. Southside: A rapidly developing area with newer homes and commercial centers.

ADU Regulations in Savannah:

Savannah has relatively recently updated its ADU regulations, though they are more restrictive compared to some cities in California or the Pacific Northwest:

1. Zoning: ADUs are permitted in certain residential zones, primarily in the urban core and mid-city areas.
2. Types of ADUs: Both attached and detached ADUs are allowed, often referred to as "carriage houses" in Savannah.
3. Size Limits:
   • ADUs are generally limited to 24 feet in height and cannot exceed 40% of the heated floor area of the principal dwelling.
   • The maximum size is typically capped at 800 square feet.
4. Parking: One additional off-street parking space is generally required for an ADU, unless certain exceptions apply.
5. Owner Occupancy: The property owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU.
6. Design Standards: ADUs must be designed to be compatible with the principal structure and the neighborhood character.
7. Short-term Rentals: ADUs can potentially be used for short-term rentals, subject to the city's short-term rental regulations and zoning restrictions.
8. Historic District Considerations: In Savannah's Historic District, ADUs (carriage houses) are subject to additional review to ensure compatibility with historic preservation standards.

These regulations aim to increase housing options in Savannah while maintaining the city's unique character and historic integrity.

Unique Aspects of Savannah:

Savannah is famous for its distinctive city plan, featuring 22 park-like squares laid out in a grid pattern. This unique urban design, dating back to the city's founding, contributes significantly to Savannah's charm and livability.

The city's rich history is evident in its architecture, with many well-preserved examples of Federal, Georgian, and Greek Revival styles. The Historic District is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States.

Savannah has a thriving arts and culture scene, largely influenced by SCAD. The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Savannah Music Festival and the Savannah Film Festival.

The city's coastal location provides access to beautiful beaches on nearby Tybee Island, as well as opportunities for water-based recreation and seafood dining.

Savannah is known for its Southern hospitality and has a reputation as a foodie destination, offering both traditional Southern cuisine and innovative modern restaurants.

The city has a unique open container law in the Historic District, allowing adults to carry alcoholic beverages in open plastic containers while walking around.

In conclusion, Savannah offers a unique blend of historical charm, coastal beauty, and modern amenities. Its ADU regulations, while more restrictive than some other cities, reflect an effort to balance increased housing options with preservation of the city's unique character. As Savannah continues to grow and attract new residents, particularly in the tech and creative sectors, it will be interesting to see how these regulations evolve to meet changing housing needs while maintaining the city's distinctive appeal.

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