ADU · Orange County
Can you build an ADU in Highlands, NY?
Town of Highlands has 9 districts. All districts prohibit ADUs. Check your address to confirm the district that applies to your parcel:
What the Highlands 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Residence | 0.92 ac | 45 / 20 / 45 ft | 35 ft | No |
| Single-Family Residence | 0.46 ac | 45 / 20 / 45 ft | 35 ft | No |
| Two-Family Residence | 0.17 ac | 30 / 10 / 30 ft | 35 ft | No |
| Garden Apartment Residence | 0.13 ac | 20 / 10 / 25 ft | 35 ft | No |
| Moderate-Density Apartment Residence | 0.11 ac | 20 / 10 / 25 ft | 35 ft | No |
| High-Density Apartment Residence | 0.11 ac | 20 / 10 / 25 ft | 35 ft | No |
| Mobile Home Court | 3.44 ac | 50 / 25 / 25 ft | 35 ft | No |
| Rural Residence | 0.92 ac | 45 / 20 / 45 ft | 35 ft | No |
| Business | 0.34 ac | 30 / 20 / 30 ft | 35 ft | No |
ADUs vs. short-term rentals in Highlands
Short-term rentals allowed with local rules for Town of Highlands. STR ordinance enacted 2022; amended 2024. Permit required with $500 annual fee and inspection. Allowed in residential districts where single-family dwellings permitted. 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 minimum0.11–3.44 ac — an ADU still has to fit the district's lot and setback envelope.
- UtilityCentral Hudson territory.
- Building dept(845) 446-4280
- Last reviewed2026-07-08
ADU FAQ — Highlands, NY
Are ADUs allowed in Highlands, NY?
Town of Highlands has 9 districts. All districts prohibit ADUs. Check your address with the free ADU checker, or confirm with the building department at (845) 446-4280.
Do I need a special permit for an ADU in Highlands?
No. No district in Town of Highlands permits an ADU, so there is no permit to apply for. Codes change, so verify with the building department at (845) 446-4280 before ruling it out.
Can I use an ADU as a short-term rental in Highlands?
Short-term rentals allowed with local rules for Town of Highlands. 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 Highlands
Permission is one question and budget is another. An 800 sq ft accessory unit here runs roughly $205k–270k 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 Highlands, priced by size.
More on Highlands: Full zoning for new construction · ADU build cost · House build cost · All Orange County towns
ADU information for Town of Highlands 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 (845) 446-4280 before relying on any answer. Source: Offsite / Aldo zoning dataset, municipalData.js.