ADU rules in Forsyth County, NC — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County UDO allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per lot, attached or detached, in districts that permit the principal single-family use. A detached ADU is capped at 1,000 square feet and 25 feet tall on a permanent foundation.
The joint City-County UDO (adopted under N.C. Gen. Stat. Ch. 160D) permits one ADU per lot. A detached ADU is limited to 70% of the principal structure's floor area up to a maximum of 1,000 square feet; regardless of the main house size, a detached ADU of 576 square feet is always allowed. Detached ADUs are capped at 25 feet in height, must sit on a permanent foundation, and cannot be placed in front of the front facade of the main house. RVs and trailers may not be used as an ADU. No additional off-street parking is required. Inside Winston-Salem city limits the current conditional-use provisions apply; the unincorporated county follows the county UDO provisions.
Building or occupying an unpermitted ADU is a UDO zoning violation; the county can issue a notice of violation, deny permits, and pursue civil penalties or abatement until the structure conforms.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Forsyth County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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