Iredell County, NC Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Performance Requirement R6, Accessory Dwelling Unit, permits an ADU only as accessory to a single-family dwelling and requires it to be clearly subordinate to the principal structure. For a detached unit using a separate septic or well system, the minimum lot size doubles to twice the district's minimum lot requirement; otherwise the underlying zoning district's standards from Chapter 2 apply. The heated floor area cannot exceed 650 square feet, though the unit may be combined with a garage or workshop. No more than one accessory dwelling unit is allowed per lot, and it must be owned by the same person who owns the principal dwelling, closing off separate ownership or a rental-only arrangement on a subdivided interest.

The ADU cannot be served by a driveway separate from the one serving the principal dwelling where it connects to the road, must be located in the rear or side yard, and must meet the rear and side yard setback requirements that apply to a principal structure in that district. It must also meet the district's height requirement under Chapter 2. 1 marks the accessory dwelling unit use as "R" (additional performance requirements apply) in AC, RA, RUR districts and as "S" (special use permit required) in RR, R-20 and R-12, with "R" again in R-8 and RO, meaning the 650-square-foot cap and ownership rule are mandatory regardless of which approval track applies.