ADU · Sullivan County
Can you build an ADU in Tusten, NY?
Town of Tusten has 7 districts. 6 districts allow ADUs, 1 does not. Check your address to confirm the district that applies to your parcel:
What the Tusten 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scenic River District | 5 ac | 50 / 35 / 50 ft | 35 ft | As of right |
| Recreational River District | 3 ac | 50 / 35 / 50 ft | 35 ft | As of right |
| Rural Residential District | 3 ac | 50 / 35 / 50 ft | 35 ft | As of right |
| Rural Development District | 3 ac | 50 / 35 / 50 ft | 35 ft | As of right |
| General Residential District | 0.34 ac | 40 / 25 / 50 ft | 28 ft | As of right |
| Roadside Business District | 0.46 ac | 40 / 25 / 30 ft | 35 ft | As of right |
| Downtown Business District | 0.46 ac | 40 / 25 / 30 ft | 35 ft | No |
ADUs vs. short-term rentals in Tusten
No local short-term-rental law on record - which is not the same as permission for Town of Tusten. No local STR ordinance found as of Jun 2026. The Town of Tusten has adopted a wait-and-see approach and currently has no STR regulations. 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 minimum0.34–3 ac — an ADU still has to fit the district's lot and setback envelope.
- UtilityNYSEG territory.
- Building dept(845) 252-7146
- Last reviewed2026-08-16
ADU FAQ — Tusten, NY
Are ADUs allowed in Tusten, NY?
Town of Tusten has 7 districts. 6 districts allow ADUs, 1 does not. Check your address with the free ADU checker, or confirm with the building department at (845) 252-7146.
Do I need a special permit for an ADU in Tusten?
No district in Town of Tusten requires a special-use permit for an ADU - 6 districts allow ADUs, 1 does not. Site-plan review or a building permit may still apply.
Can I use an ADU as a short-term rental in Tusten?
No local short-term-rental law on record - which is not the same as permission for Town of Tusten. 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 Tusten
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 Tusten, priced by size.
More on Tusten: Full zoning for new construction · ADU build cost · House build cost · All Sullivan County towns
ADU information for Town of Tusten 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) 252-7146 before relying on any answer. Source: Offsite / Aldo zoning dataset, municipalData.js.