Rear yard depth is one of the quiet rules that eliminates many ADU plans. Even when zoning allows an ADU, minimum rear yard depth must be maintained. This requirement protects light, air and open space, and it often conflicts with proposed rear yard ADU designs.

What Rear Yard Depth Means

Rear yard depth refers to the minimum distance that must remain open between the rear lot line and the nearest building wall. Existing homes, additions and garages all count when calculating this distance.

An ADU cannot reduce the rear yard below the required depth.

Why This Stops ADUs

• Many Staten Island lots already have deep rear additions.

• Detached garages often sit inside the required rear yard.

• Adding an ADU would push the building line too far back.

• Narrow lots limit design flexibility even more.

Removing structures may be required to create compliant depth.

What Homeowners Should Check First

• Current rear yard depth measurement

• Zoning district minimums

• Whether existing structures are non compliant

• Whether removal of garages or sheds is allowed

• Impact on open space requirements

Zoning may allow ADUs, but rear yard depth decides whether one fits.

—

Joseph Ranola | Five-Star Staten Island & South Brooklyn Realtor® (30 + Google reviews)
Associate Broker · Matias Real Estate | Founder · Bridge & Boro Team
Serving 103xx and 11209 / 11214 / 11228 | $25 M + closed volume
📞 917-716-1496 | ranolarealestate.com