Bristol
Town of Bristol Zoning Ordinance
§ 28-151

Accessory dwelling units

  • (a) Eligibility. One accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per lot is allowed under the following circumstances:

    • (1) On an owner-occupied property as a reasonable accommodation for family members with disabilities; or

    • (2) On a lot with a total lot area of 20,000 square feet or more for which the primary use is residential; or

    • (3) Where the proposed ADU is located within the existing footprint of the primary structure or existing accessory attached or detached structure and does not expand the footprint of the structure.

  • (b) Dimensional requirements.

    • (1) All ADUs shall comply with the dimensional standards for an accessory structure in the same zoning district.

    • (2) The maximum unit size for an ADU is as follows:

      • a. For a studio or one bedroom ADU, 900 square feet or 60 percent of the floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is less.

      • b. For a two bedroom ADU, 1,200 square feet or 60 percent of the floor area of the principal dwelling, whichever is less.

      • c. ADUs shall be limited to no more than two bedrooms.

      • d. One off-street parking space per bedroom shall be required.

  • (c) Prohibition of short-term rental.

    • (1) ADUs cannot be offered or rented for tourist or transient use (defined as occupancy less than 30 days) or through a hosting platform.

  • (d) Procedural requirements.

    • (1) ADUs shall be allowed as part of applications for new primary dwelling units or subdivisions. For proposed ADUs that are part of a larger development proposal, such ADUs shall not be counted toward density of the proposal.

    • (2) Any application that includes ADUs may be considered through a unified development review process.

    • (3) An ADU that does not meet the requirements of this section shall be reviewed through an application for a dimensional variance.

(Amend. of 1-27-21; Ord. No. 2025-07, Att., 5-28-25)