ADU · Sullivan County
Can you build an ADU in Highland, NY?
Town of Highland has 4 districts. All districts allow ADUs with a special-use permit. Check your address to confirm the district that applies to your parcel:
What the Highland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamlet Commercial District | 1 ac | 20 / 20 / 50 ft | 35 ft | Special permit |
| Residential District (2-acre) | 2 ac | 35 / 20 / 50 ft | 35 ft | Special permit |
| Residential District (3-acre) | 3 ac | 50 / 30 / 50 ft | 35 ft | Special permit |
| Waterfront/Lakeshore Residential District | 3 ac | 50 / 30 / 50 ft | 35 ft | Special permit |
ADUs vs. short-term rentals in Highland
Short-term rentals allowed with local rules for Town of Highland. Town of Highland passed an STR local law in 2021/2022 requiring an annual operating permit ($500/year), site plan/special use approval for non-owner-occupied rentals, a safety/egress plan, and a parking and garbage removal plan. 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 minimum2–3 ac — an ADU still has to fit the district's lot and setback envelope.
- UtilityNYSEG territory.
- Building dept(845) 557-6085
- Last reviewed2026-08-16
ADU FAQ — Highland, NY
Are ADUs allowed in Highland, NY?
Town of Highland has 4 districts. All districts allow ADUs with a special-use permit. Check your address with the free ADU checker, or confirm with the building department at (845) 557-6085.
Do I need a special permit for an ADU in Highland?
Yes. Every district in Town of Highland requires a special-use permit for an ADU rather than allowing one as of right. Check the conditions attached to it before you design.
Can I use an ADU as a short-term rental in Highland?
Short-term rentals allowed with local rules for Town of Highland. 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 Highland
Permission is one question and budget is another. An 800 sq ft accessory unit here runs roughly $190k–250k 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 Highland, priced by size.
More on Highland: Full zoning for new construction · ADU build cost · House build cost · All Sullivan County towns
ADU information for Town of Highland is compiled from the municipal code (last reviewed 2026-08-16) 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) 557-6085 before relying on any answer. Source: Offsite / Aldo zoning dataset, municipalData.js.