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Commissioners adopt ADU ordinance allowing rentals, with size limit tied to main dwelling
Summary
Sarasota County amended its Unified Development Code to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in several zones, allow rental occupancy and remove a strict 1,200 sq ft cap; the board added a motion requiring ADUs be no larger than the primary dwelling before adopting the ordinance.
The Board of County Commissioners approved a change to the Unified Development Code to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the OUR and OUE zoning districts, with updated standards for sizes and rental use.
Planning staff and the board debated how ADUs differ from the older guest‑house rules and whether to impose a fixed square‑foot limit. Commissioner Kutzinger and others argued the ADU policy should avoid unintended consequences of allowing a large separate dwelling relative to a modest primary home. The board amended the ordinance to require that any ADU be no larger than the primary residence, and directed staff to return final ordinance language to the chair for review.
The measure passed unanimously following the amendment and the Land Development Regulation Commission’s consistency finding.
