ADU · Sullivan County
Can you build an ADU in Rockland, NY?
Town of Rockland has 5 districts. All districts allow ADUs with occupancy restrictions. Check your address to confirm the district that applies to your parcel:
What the Rockland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Conservation District | 2 ac | 25 / 25 / 50 ft | 35 ft | Occupancy restricted |
| Residential District (1-acre) | 1 ac | 20 / 25 / 40 ft | 30 ft | Occupancy restricted |
| Residential District (0.25-acre) | 0.25 ac | 20 / 15 / 30 ft | 35 ft | Occupancy restricted |
| Neighborhood Business District | 0.23 ac | 30 / 20 / 30 ft | 35 ft | Occupancy restricted |
| General Business District | — | 10 / 5 / - ft | 40 ft | Occupancy restricted |
ADUs vs. short-term rentals in Rockland
Short-term rentals allowed with local rules for Town of Rockland. Town of Rockland passed a Short-Term Rental local law on July 6, 2023, requiring property owners to submit an application at Town Hall. STRs are permitted in all zoning districts where residential dwellings are allowed, subject to safety inspection. 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 minimum0.25–2 ac — an ADU still has to fit the district's lot and setback envelope.
- UtilityNYSEG territory.
- Building dept(845) 439-5450
- Last reviewed2026-08-16
ADU FAQ — Rockland, NY
Are ADUs allowed in Rockland, NY?
Town of Rockland has 5 districts. All districts allow ADUs with occupancy restrictions. Check your address with the free ADU checker, or confirm with the building department at (845) 439-5450.
Do I need a special permit for an ADU in Rockland?
No district in Town of Rockland requires a special-use permit for an ADU - 5 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 Rockland?
Short-term rentals allowed with local rules for Town of Rockland. 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 Rockland
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 Rockland, priced by size.
More on Rockland: Full zoning for new construction · ADU build cost · House build cost · All Sullivan County towns
ADU information for Town of Rockland 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) 439-5450 before relying on any answer. Source: Offsite / Aldo zoning dataset, municipalData.js.