Charlotte's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), effective June 1, 2023, permits accessory dwelling units by right in all residential zoning districts under Section 7.103. ADUs are limited to 1,000 sq ft detached or 800 sq ft attached. Permits are issued by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement (LUESA) on the city's behalf. Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are separate, per NC General Statute 160D-1110.
Charlotte adopted the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) on August 22, 2022, effective June 1, 2023, replacing the prior Zoning Ordinance. UDO Section 7.103 permits ADUs by right in all residential zoning districts (N1, N2, N1-A, N1-B, N1-C, N1-D, NC, etc.) - a substantial expansion from the prior code, which limited ADUs to certain districts and required special approval. Size limits: Detached ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft or 50% of the principal dwelling, whichever is less; attached ADUs up to 800 sq ft or 35% of the principal dwelling, whichever is less. One ADU per lot. The ADU and primary dwelling must remain under common ownership. ADUs cannot have a separate driveway (except corner lots or alley access). Permits are filed through Charlotte's online portal (https://www.charlottenc.gov/Permitting), and code enforcement is performed by Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) at 2145 Suttle Ave. Building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are issued separately per NC General Statute 160D-1110. The 2018 NC Residential Code (Volume VII) governs structural design. Historic district review is required in Dilworth, Wesley Heights, Plaza-Midwood, and other locally designated historic districts.
Unpermitted construction violates Charlotte UDO Sec. 1.6 and NC General Statute 160D-1116. Stop-work orders, doubled permit fees, and required removal apply. Failure to obtain Certificate of Occupancy prevents legal use. Code Enforcement civil penalties up to $500 per day for repeat violations.
Charlotte, NC
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