ADU · Columbia County
Can you build an ADU in Austerlitz, NY?
Town of Austerlitz has 3 districts. All districts allow ADUs. Check your address to confirm the district that applies to your parcel:
What the Austerlitz 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural-Hamlet | 1 ac | 30 / 10 / 15 ft | 40 ft | As of right |
| Main Street-Hamlet | 1 ac | 15 / 10 / 15 ft | 40 ft | As of right |
| Rural Residential | 2 ac | 30 / 20 / 30 ft | 40 ft | As of right |
Agricultural-Hamlet — Minimum lot width 50 ft and minimum lot FRONTAGE 50 ft — Table A publishes both as separate rows and neither was recorded. Table A gives this district exactly seven figures and no coverage limit at all, which is why that field stays empty. § 195-15 Table A prints this district's code as "A-HM"; the record's key is "A-H". The figures match row for row.
Main Street-Hamlet — Minimum lot width 50 ft and minimum lot FRONTAGE 50 ft — Table A publishes both as separate rows and neither was recorded. Table A gives this district exactly seven figures and no coverage limit at all, which is why that field stays empty. § 195-15 Table A prints this district's code as "S-HM"; the record's key is "MS-H". The figures match row for row.
Rural Residential — Minimum lot width 100 ft and minimum lot FRONTAGE 75 ft — Table A publishes both as separate rows and neither was recorded. Table A gives this district exactly seven figures and no coverage limit at all, which is why that field stays empty.
ADUs vs. short-term rentals in Austerlitz
Short-term rentals allowed with local rules for Town of Austerlitz. Local Law No. 2 of 2025 amended the zoning code to require an STR permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer; public hearing held May 15, 2025 and code updated through July 2025 per ecode360. 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 minimum1–2 ac — an ADU still has to fit the district's lot and setback envelope.
- UtilityNYSEG territory.
- Zoning codeecode360.com/14711110
- Building dept(518) 392-3260
- Last reviewed2026-06-02
ADU FAQ — Austerlitz, NY
Are ADUs allowed in Austerlitz, NY?
Town of Austerlitz has 3 districts. All districts allow ADUs. Check your address with the free ADU checker, or confirm with the building department at (518) 392-3260.
Do I need a special permit for an ADU in Austerlitz?
No district in Town of Austerlitz requires a special-use permit for an ADU - 3 districts allow ADUs. Site-plan review or a building permit may still apply.
Can I use an ADU as a short-term rental in Austerlitz?
Short-term rentals allowed with local rules for Town of Austerlitz. 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 Austerlitz
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 Austerlitz, priced by size.
More on Austerlitz: Full zoning for new construction · ADU build cost · House build cost · All Columbia County towns
ADU information for Town of Austerlitz is compiled from the municipal code (last reviewed 2026-06-02) 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) 392-3260 before relying on any answer. Source: Offsite / Aldo zoning dataset, municipalData.js.