Charlotte, NC Accessory Structures: ADU Permits (2026)

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.