The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity initiative is opening doors for Accessory Dwelling Units but not every lot automatically qualifies. For Staten Island and Brooklyn homeowners, knowing whether your lot is eligible is the first step before pursuing a detached ADU, garage conversion or basement unit.

Here’s what the City of Yes framework indicates about ADU-eligible lots.

General Eligibility (Based on 2024–2025 Draft Zoning Text)

According to NYC Department of City Planning’s draft materials:

• Single-family and two-family residential lots are eligible for one ADU, as long as zoning and building-code requirements are met.

• Lots must be legally developed residential lots in R1 through R5 districts.

• ADUs must fit within lot coverage, height and setback rules applicable to that district.

• Corner lots and wider lots have more flexibility for detached structures.
  (NYC City Planning – City of Yes Housing Opportunity, 2024)

What Disqualifies a Lot

• Lots in special flood hazard zones may require additional compliance or may be excluded.

• Lots without enough rear or side yard depth to meet egress and access rules.

• Lots with illegal existing units may need correction before adding an ADU.

• Lots with deed restrictions that prohibit additional dwellings.

• Multi-family or commercial lots - ADU framework focuses on small-home residential zoning.

Staten Island and Brooklyn Implications

Staten Island’s R1–R3 zones make it one of the most ADU-friendly boroughs under the proposal. Many single-family homes already have garages or side yards suitable for detached units.
Brooklyn neighborhoods like Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge and Marine Park can benefit from garage conversions or small accessory structures, but tight lots may limit detached ADUs.

What Homeowners Should Verify

• Your zoning district (R1–R5 lots are primary ADU targets).

• Lot size, width and side/rear yard depth.

• Whether your lot has an existing accessory structure that qualifies for conversion.

• Whether flood or environmental overlays apply.

Understanding eligibility is step one. With the right lot, an ADU becomes a real option - for rental income, multi-generational living, or future property value.

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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