ADU · Erie County
Can you build an ADU in Aurora, NY?
Town of Aurora has 3 districts. All districts allow ADUs with occupancy restrictions. Check your address to confirm the district that applies to your parcel:
What the Aurora 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 Single-Family Residential District | 0.75 ac | 75 / 20 / 50 ft | 35 ft | Occupancy restricted |
| R2 Residential District | 0.75 ac | 50 / 12.5 / 40 ft | 35 ft | Occupancy restricted |
| R3 Residential District | 0.75 ac | 50 / 12.5 / 40 ft | 35 ft | Occupancy restricted |
ADUs vs. short-term rentals in Aurora
Short-term rentals allowed for Town of Aurora. Short-term rentals are an expressly named permitted use, with an owner-occupancy limit that decides most cases. Local Law No. 5-2024, adopted 9-9-2024, amended Zoning Chapter 116 to ADD bed-and-breakfast and short-term rental as permitted uses, and § 116-4A defines a SHORT-TERM RENTAL as an owner-occupied residence where a dwelling unit is let. An unhosted, investor-owned whole-house rental therefore does not meet the definition and is not covered by the permission. Confirm the district-by-district permissions in the use schedule before relying on this. New York State's 2025 short-term rental registry (Ch. 99 of the Laws of 2025) separately requires every host statewide to register the unit regardless of local law. Confirm with Town of Aurora at (716) 652-7591 before listing. 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 minimum0.75 ac — an ADU still has to fit the district's lot and setback envelope.
- UtilityNational Grid territory.
- Building dept(716) 652-7591
- Last reviewed2026-08-06
ADU FAQ — Aurora, NY
Are ADUs allowed in Aurora, NY?
Town of Aurora has 3 districts. All districts allow ADUs with occupancy restrictions. Check your address with the free ADU checker, or confirm with the building department at (716) 652-7591.
Do I need a special permit for an ADU in Aurora?
No district in Town of Aurora requires a special-use permit for an ADU - 3 districts allow ADUs with occupancy restrictions. Site-plan review or a building permit may still apply.
Can I use an ADU as a short-term rental in Aurora?
Short-term rentals allowed for Town of Aurora. 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 Aurora
Permission is one question and budget is another. An 800 sq ft accessory unit here runs roughly $200k–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 Aurora, priced by size.
More on Aurora: Full zoning for new construction · ADU build cost · House build cost · All Erie County towns
ADU information for Town of Aurora is compiled from the municipal code (last reviewed 2026-08-06) 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 (716) 652-7591 before relying on any answer. Source: Offsite / Aldo zoning dataset, municipalData.js.