Accessory Dwelling Unit Incentive Program

• Must rent the ADU to an individual earning at or below 120% area medium income (AMI) for 12 of the first 24 months once certificate of occupancy is received by the homeowner
• The lease requirement may be waived if the ADU resident is aged 62 or older
• Interested applicants should review the site checklist on the next page to help determine your property's eligibility and readiness to construct an ADU 

Before submitting an application for the ADU Incentive Program, review the site checklist(PDF, 404KB) questions below to ensure your ADU meets all eligibility requirements.

• Will your planned ADU project be located in the City of Orlando?
  • Your property must be located within Orlando city limits. Only properties inside the City of Orlando boundaries are eligible for ADU permits. Check if your property is in city limits.

• Will your planned ADU project comply with the City’s Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) limits?
  • Your ADU, including any new driveways, patios, or walkways, cannot exceed 500 total square feet. Additionally, per ISR limitations, your existing house, planned ADU, and all existing and planned paved areas cannot cover more than 55% of your property. Measure your current existing structures, impervious surfaces, and planned ADU project (including any new paved surfaces) to determine if the total complies with both requirements. Learn more about size requirements and ISR requirements.

• Will your planned ADU project be outside of a flood zone?
  • Check the city's flood zone maps to see if you reside within a flood zone.

• Will your planned ADU project comply with the City’s Water and Wetland setback requirements?
  • Your ADU must be set back the required distance from any lakes, ponds, creeks, or wetlands. If your property is near water features or wetlands, your ADU must be built a certain distance away from them to protect the environment. Learn more about water setbacks.

• Will your planned ADU project comply with the City’s easement restrictions?
  • Your ADU cannot be built on any dedicated easement. Easements are areas of your property reserved for utilities like power lines, potable- or storm- water pipes, or sewer lines. Even though it's your land, you can't build on these areas. Find utility easement information.

• Will your planned ADU project comply with the City’s backyard and property-line requirements?
  • Your ADU cannot be built in your front yard. It must also be at least 10-feet away from all property lines. Learn more about setback requirements.

• Will your planned ADU project comply with the City’s water drainage requirements?
  • Your ADU project cannot change how rainwater currently flows across your property. After building your ADU, rainwater must continue to drain the same way it does now. You can't redirect water onto neighboring properties or block natural drainage. Learn about drainage requirements.

Fill out the ADU Incentive Program application and email to Ben Paquin at ben.paquin@orlando.gov for review. You may also call 407.246.2723 for more information.

ADU Incentive Program Application(PDF, 436KB)