Can You Build an ADU in Augusta?
ADU rules in Augusta are set by local zoning in Georgia. Many Georgia cities allow ADUs — here's what to check, plus typical costs ($138,500–$227,000 for a 700 sq ft detached unit).
Construction costs in Augusta track close to the Georgia state average.
Detached ADU (700 sq ft)
$138,500–$227,000
Garage conversion (400 sq ft)
$43,000–$79,000
Statewide protection
Local rules
What applies in Augusta
Augusta-Richmond County's zoning ordinance sets city-specific conditions for ADUs. It requires a building permit for a new ADU or a conversion and requires the proposal to meet zoning, building, health and safety codes.
- One household is permitted per ADU under the ordinance's general requirements.
- Either the primary residence or ADU must be owner-occupied for at least nine months of the calendar year.
- An ADU cannot be sold separately from the principal dwelling, and short-term rental use is restricted unless another local ordinance expressly allows it.
Source checked 2026-09-21: Augusta-Richmond County zoning ordinance, Article 3. Rules can change, so confirm your parcel and current application requirements with the city.
Estimate your Augusta ADU cost
Your property
ADU typeEstimated cost in Georgia
$138,500 – $227,000
≈ $198–$324/sq ft turnkey · midpoint $183,000
- $124,500
- Construction
- $32,900
- Design & permits
- $25,600
- Site work
- iSize set locally. This state leaves ADU size limits to your city — typical caps run 600–1,200 sq ft. Check your local code.
- iParking. Set by local ordinance — commonly 1 space per ADU unless near transit.
- iOwner-occupancy varies. Owner-occupancy rules are set locally in this state.
- ✓Lot has room. A 700 sq ft ADU uses about 12% of your 6,000 sq ft lot — comfortably within typical coverage limits.
Rule basis: Local zoning governs — rules vary by city/county
If you rent it out
$975–$1,575
est. rent/mo
8.4%
gross yield
12.9 yrs
payback
~$14,229/yr after a 7% vacancy allowance, before financing & maintenance.
Financed over 20 yrs at 7.5%, the build is about $1,474/mo — vs ~$1,275/mo in estimated rent.
Estimates are for planning only and are based on regional construction-cost indices and published statewide ADU statutes. Local ordinances, lot conditions and contractor pricing vary — always confirm with your city planning department and a licensed contractor.
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Other Georgia cities
Estimates are for planning only and are based on regional construction-cost indices and published statewide ADU statutes. Local ordinances, lot conditions and contractor pricing vary — always confirm with your city planning department and a licensed contractor.