Savannah's ADU regulations are moderately restrictive due to historic preservation requirements. ADUs are allowed in select residential zones, but historic district designation can complicate projects.
Zoning & Size Requirements [1][2]
Yes, you can build an ADU in Savannah. A detached ADU can be up to 800 sq ft under current Georgia and Savannah zoning rules.
| Allowed Zones | Select residential zones (non-historic) |
| Max Size (Detached) | 800 sq ft or 40% of the principal dwelling's heated floor area (whichever is less) |
| Max Size (Attached) | 600 sq ft |
| Max Size (JADU) | Not allowed |
| Max Height | 24 feet (portions above 15 ft must be set back at least 15 ft from the rear lot line) |
| Max Units | 1 ADU per lot |
Setback Requirements [1][2]
Savannah requires a rear setback of about 4 ft for a detached ADU, and one off-street parking space is required. Owner-occupancy is set by local rules (confirm with the city).
| Rear Setback | 4 feet (detached accessory; Confirm with Savannah Planning for your zone) |
| Side Setback | 4 feet (Confirm with Savannah Planning for your zone) |
| Front Setback | 25 feet |
| Parking Required | 1 space per unit |
| Owner Occupancy | Often required |
| Min Lot Size | 5,500 sq ft |
Permit Process & Fees
An ADU permit in Savannah typically costs $2,800-$4,500 and takes 75-120 days, through a standard permit review.
| Approval Process | Building permit + historic review (if applicable) |
| Review Timeline | 75-120 days |
| Permit Fees | $2,800-$4,500 |
| Impact Fees | $1,000-$1,800 |
| Plan Check | 3-4 weeks |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Not available |
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Construction Costs [3][4]
Building an ADU in Savannah typically costs $130,000-$260,000 ($175-$345 per sq ft); a garage conversion runs $70,000-$160,000.
| Average Build Cost | $130,000-$260,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $175-$345 |
| Garage Conversion | $70,000-$160,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $100,000-$220,000 |
Finance Your ADU Project
Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders.
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Rental Income Potential [5][6]
A 2-bedroom ADU in Savannah rents for around $1,700-$2,400/mo, an estimated 6-8% annual return.
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $1,300-$1,800/mo |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $1,700-$2,400/mo |
| Short-Term Rental | Permitted with license |
| Est. Annual ROI | 6-8% annual return |
Explore Prefab ADU Options
Prefab ADUs can save 20-40% vs. traditional construction and cut build time in half.
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Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- ADUs ("carriage houses") allowed in select residential zones; 800 sq ft / 40% of heated floor area cap, 24 ft height limit
- Owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU
- Historic and conservation overlay districts require additional architectural review
- No statewide Georgia ADU legislation — policy remains entirely local; confirm current standards with City of Savannah
Tips for Building an ADU in Savannah
- Historic preservation is major consideration; verify zone compatibility early
- Tourism market creates vacation rental income opportunity
- Owner-occupancy often required; limits pure investment strategies
- Historic district restrictions can add significant timeline and cost
ADU Builders in Savannah
Looking for an ADU builder in Savannah? ADU projects need a contractor experienced with local zoning, the permit process, and utility connections — not every general contractor has built one. We match Savannah homeowners with experienced local ADU contractors who provide free, no-obligation quotes. Getting at least three bids typically saves 20-40% on the same scope.
Sources & References
All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — City of Savannah Planning Department — Accessed 2026-06-28
- Savannah, GA ADU Regulations industry_guide — Accessed 2026-06-28
- Angi — ADU Construction Cost Data Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Angi — Local ADU Contractor Costs Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Zillow Rental Manager — Market Rent Data Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- HUD Fair Market Rents Government Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does an ADU cost in Savannah?
How much can I rent an ADU for in Savannah?
Do I need parking for an ADU in Savannah?
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Savannah?
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