What an ADU feasibility check tells you
It confirms whether an accessory dwelling unit — also called a granny flat, backyard cottage, in-law suite, or casita — can be built on your specific lot, before you spend anything on design.
Your flood zone matters most in Tampa Bay
Much of Tampa Bay sits in a FEMA flood zone — and your zone decides whether you’ll pay to elevate.
The tool pulls your real zone from FEMA’s National Flood Hazard Layer — an accurate answer in seconds, not a guess.
ADU rules across Tampa Bay
Every municipality sets its own rules — Tampa is different from St. Pete, Clearwater, or county land.
Full rentable ADUs up to 950 sq ft in overlay areas — Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, East Tampa, Sulphur Springs, Temple Crest, Wellswood, Riverside Heights, Lowry Park. Elsewhere, a 600 sq ft Extended Family Residence for family. Owner-occupancy and one off-street space required.
St. Pete permits ADUs in many single-family areas, subject to city size, setback, and utility-connection rules. Much of the city is coastal, so a flood-zone and elevation check is an essential first step.
Clearwater and unincorporated Pinellas allow ADUs in qualifying residential zones. Pinellas connection/impact fees and coastal flood elevation are the main cost drivers to confirm early.
Pasco allows ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft if smaller than the main home. Owner-occupancy isn’t required, but short-term rentals under 180 days aren’t permitted without special approval.
Rules also vary across Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Largo, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, and New Port Richey. The check works for any Tampa Bay address; your free report confirms your exact parcel.
Not sure which rules apply to your lot?
Run the free check — it takes about a minute.
Check My Property →ADU vs. Extended Family Residence
An ADU can be rented to anyone; an EFR is family-only — and that decides what you can build.
A full ADU is a self-contained unit with its own kitchen, bath, and entrance, allowed in Tampa only in the overlay areas. An Extended Family Residence is easier to permit in more places but is limited to family, capped at 600 sq ft, and may restrict a second kitchen. If a full ADU isn’t available on your lot, an EFR, garage conversion, or home addition usually still is.