Raleigh does not impose development impact fees on ADUs, but standard building permit, plan review, and water and sewer connection fees apply through the Development Services Department and Raleigh Water utility under their published fee schedules.
North Carolina state law (NC Gen. Stat. 160D-1108) prohibits local governments from charging traditional impact fees and instead authorizes system development fees for water and sewer infrastructure. Raleigh charges System Development Fees under NC Gen. Stat. 162A-205 for new water and sewer service, calculated on water meter size. ADUs that connect to the same water meter as the principal dwelling typically pay no separate system development fee. ADUs with a new dedicated meter pay the SDF at the residential rate. Building permit fees apply under Raleigh's published fee schedule based on construction value, plus a plan review fee. A separate water meter is optional for an ADU. The Wake County Public School System does not charge school impact fees.
If Development Services or Raleigh Water improperly assesses a System Development Fee, the applicant may appeal to the Public Utilities Director. After-the-fact permits carry doubled fees under the city fee schedule.
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See how Raleigh's adu impact fees rules stack up against other locations.
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