ADU · Albany County
Can you build an ADU in Ravena, NY?
Village of Ravena has 6 districts. 3 districts prohibit ADUs, 2 allow them with occupancy restrictions. 1 district has incomplete data - verify with the building department at (518) 756-8201. Check your address to confirm the district that applies to your parcel:
What the Ravena code indicates by district
The table below shows how each district treats ADUs, alongside the lot and setback standards that govern a second unit. District boundaries and conditions vary, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the district that applies to your parcel.
| District | Min lot | Setbacks F / S / R | Max height | ADU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commercial | 0.2296 ac | — | 60 ft | — |
| Industrial | 0.9183 ac | 50 / - / - ft | — | Occupancy restricted |
| Municipality | — | 35 / 35 / 35 ft | — | Occupancy restricted |
| Single Family Residential | 0.3444 ac | 25 / 10 / 20 ft | 35 ft | No |
| Two Family Residential | 0.4591 ac | 25 / 10 / 15 ft | 30 ft | No |
| Mobile Home Park | — | — | — | No |
ADUs vs. short-term rentals in Ravena
No local short-term-rental law on record - which is not the same as permission for Village of Ravena. No local STR ordinance found as of Jun 2026. Hosts are subject to the 2025 NYS statewide STR registry law only. These are separate questions from whether you can build an ADU — a unit you're allowed to add isn't automatically one you're allowed to rent nightly, so check both.
Good to know
- Residential lot minimum0.3444–0.4591 ac — an ADU still has to fit the district's lot and setback envelope.
- UtilityNational Grid territory.
- Building dept(518) 756-8201
- Last reviewed2026-07-08
ADU FAQ — Ravena, NY
Are ADUs allowed in Ravena, NY?
Village of Ravena has 6 districts. 3 districts prohibit ADUs, 2 allow them with occupancy restrictions. 1 district has incomplete data - verify with the building department at (518) 756-8201. Check your address with the free ADU checker.
Do I need a special permit for an ADU in Ravena?
No district in Village of Ravena requires a special-use permit for an ADU - 3 districts prohibit ADUs, 2 allow them with occupancy restrictions. Site-plan review or a building permit may still apply.
Can I use an ADU as a short-term rental in Ravena?
No local short-term-rental law on record - which is not the same as permission for Village of Ravena. ADU occupancy and short-term-rental rules are separate: an ADU you can build isn't automatically one you can rent nightly. Confirm both before you count on STR income.
What an ADU costs to build in Ravena
Permission is one question and budget is another. An 800 sq ft accessory unit here runs roughly $195k–260k at a standard finish, and the per-square-foot rate comes in above a full house because the kitchen, bath, panel and heating plant cost the same either way. See the full cost to build an ADU in Ravena, priced by size.
More on Ravena: Full zoning for new construction · ADU build cost · House build cost · All Albany County towns
ADU information for Village of Ravena is compiled from the municipal code (last reviewed 2026-07-08) and provided for decision-support only — not legal or architectural advice. ADU eligibility, size, owner-occupancy and permit conditions vary by district and often carry exceptions; verify with the building department at (518) 756-8201 before relying on any answer. Source: Offsite / Aldo zoning dataset, municipalData.js.