ADU rules in Mecklenburg County, NC — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Under Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) adopted 2023, accessory dwelling units are allowed on most single-family lots in the city. Unincorporated Mecklenburg follows county zoning, which permits ADUs in residential districts subject to size and owner-occupancy limits.
The Charlotte UDO (effective June 2023) allows one ADU per single-family lot by right in most residential zones, with a maximum size of 800 sq ft or 50% of the primary dwelling (whichever is less) and no separate owner-occupancy requirement. Short-term rental of ADUs is regulated separately. In unincorporated Mecklenburg County, zoning ordinances permit accessory dwellings in residential districts with a zoning permit, typically requiring the lot to meet minimum area standards and one unit to be owner-occupied. Towns like Matthews, Mint Hill, Huntersville, Pineville, Cornelius, and Davidson each have their own ADU rules.
Unpermitted ADUs can be ordered removed and the owner can face zoning fines of $100-$500 per day of continuing violation.
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See how Mecklenburg County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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