Local planning guide · Reviewed September 27, 2026
Could your property
make room for family?
An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a second living space on the same property as your main home. It could be inside your home, part of an addition, or a separate backyard home.
Manatee and Sarasota counties have changed some of their rules to allow more options. What you can build still depends on your property. Here are the basics.
Which rules apply
to your home?
First, find out whether your property follows county or city rules. The county information below applies to land outside city limits, often called “unincorporated” land. Your mailing address does not always tell you which rules apply.
Next, check your zoning—the rules for what can be built on your land. Neighborhood restrictions may matter too, including homeowners association (HOA) rules.
In Lakewood Ranch, check which county your property is in and whether your neighborhood has special development rules. Inside the City of Sarasota, start with the city’s zoning rules.
Not sure where to start? Send us your property address and what you have in mind. You do not need to understand zoning codes before reaching out.
What changed
in Manatee?
In January 2025, the county removed its old 750- and 1,000-square-foot ADU limits. It also changed how many ADUs or guest houses may be allowed based on the amount of land.
- How big can it be? Up to 80% of your main home’s air-conditioned area under its roof. Other property rules can still limit the size.
- Where is it allowed? Certain agricultural, residential, village, and planned-development zones qualify. The county labels them A, A-1, RSF, VIL, and PD. Planned developments need extra review. ADUs are not allowed in the Whitfield Residential Overlay or Bayshore Gardens Park and Recreation District.
- Who must live there? The owner must live in the main home or the ADU, and both homes must have the same ownership.
- What else matters? Building height, distance from property lines, appearance, and parking still matter. Ask the county how many units your land allows.
Official sources: Ordinance 25-08, adopted January 14, 2025 (PDF) and Manatee County’s current land development rules.
What changed
in Sarasota?
In March 2026, the county expanded ADU options. The changes include more options in rural and estate areas and larger ADUs on certain residential lots. See the March 3 adoption record, Item 27.
- Residential Estate and Residential Single Family zones (RE and RSF): The usual limit is 750 square feet. Certain lots that are twice the required minimum lot size may qualify for more space. For those lots, the limit is half the main home’s enclosed living area or 1,200 square feet—whichever is smaller. Ask the county whether your lot qualifies.
- Open Use Rural and Open Use Estate zones (OUR and OUE): The ADU must be smaller than the main home. These zones use different size rules from RE and RSF.
- Other limits: The owner must live in one of the homes. ADUs are not allowed on barrier islands or in developments classified as cluster subdivisions. Rules for parking, height, property-line distances, building coverage, number of units, and rentals also apply.
Official source: Sarasota County zoning rules, Section 124-76. The March 2026 change was adopted as Ordinance 2025-041. Older guides may not include it.
What should you check first?
Where do you want to build?
Start with your address. If you have a property survey showing the boundaries and buildings, that helps too.
Who will live there?
Think about privacy, easy access, and how your family’s needs may change. Mention any plans to rent the space.
Inside, attached, or separate?
You might convert space in your home, build an addition, or add a separate home. We can discuss which idea is worth exploring.
Is there room?
Check required distances from property lines, called setbacks. Also check flooding, drainage, parking, and areas reserved for utilities or access. Our flood-zone planning guide explains which questions to ask.
Can utilities support it?
Water, sewer or septic, and electricity may need upgrades. Include those costs when planning your budget.
What approvals are needed?
Check county or city permits, fees, and neighborhood restrictions before paying for detailed plans or committing to construction.
You do not need all the answers to start a conversation. Tell us where your property is and how you hope to bring your family closer together.
This guide is a starting point, not approval to build. Rules can change, and each property is different. Confirm the current requirements with the county or city before buying land or committing to plans.
Official planning contacts: Manatee County · Sarasota County.
Start in your county.
Explore ADU options, property questions and the next steps for your family.
Let’s make room for what matters.
Tell Eric and David who the home is for, where you’d like to build, and what matters most. Early ideas are welcome—you don’t need finished plans.
941-241-7660
Text us your project idea
eric@deforestcustomhomes.com
What happens after you send this?
We’ll review your ideas and follow up using the contact details you provide. Our first conversation is about your family, your property, and whether the project is a good fit.
Before any paid planning or design work begins, we’ll discuss its scope and fee with you.
See the steps from idea to construction ↗Prefer to talk? Call or text. Please do not send sensitive financial or identity documents.