ADU · Erie County
Can you build an ADU in Collins, NY?
Town of Collins has 2 districts. All districts allow ADUs with occupancy restrictions. Check your address to confirm the district that applies to your parcel:
What the Collins 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R Residential District | 0.459 ac | 40 / 10 / 50 ft | 30 ft | Occupancy restricted |
| R-A Residential-Agricultural District | 0.918 ac | 40 / 10 / 50 ft | 30 ft | Occupancy restricted |
ADUs vs. short-term rentals in Collins
No local short-term-rental law on record - which is not the same as permission for Town of Collins. No local short-term-rental law found for Town of Collins as of 2026-08-06; absence of a found law is not permission. New York State's 2025 STR registry (Ch. 99 of the Laws of 2025) separately requires every host statewide to register through the Erie County registry. Confirm with the town at (716) 532-4887 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 minimum0.459–0.918 ac — an ADU still has to fit the district's lot and setback envelope.
- UtilityNational Grid territory.
- Building dept(716) 532-4887
- Last reviewed2026-08-06
ADU FAQ — Collins, NY
Are ADUs allowed in Collins, NY?
Town of Collins has 2 districts. All districts allow ADUs with occupancy restrictions. Check your address with the free ADU checker, or confirm with the building department at (716) 532-4887.
Do I need a special permit for an ADU in Collins?
No district in Town of Collins requires a special-use permit for an ADU - 2 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 Collins?
No local short-term-rental law on record - which is not the same as permission for Town of Collins. 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 Collins
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 Collins, priced by size.
More on Collins: Full zoning for new construction · ADU build cost · House build cost · All Erie County towns
ADU information for Town of Collins 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) 532-4887 before relying on any answer. Source: Offsite / Aldo zoning dataset, municipalData.js.