ADU rules in Raleigh, NC β also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances β cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Raleigh allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by-right in all residential zoning districts under UDO Section 2.5.1, making it one of the most permissive ADU regimes in North Carolina. Detached and attached ADUs up to 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the primary dwelling (whichever is less) are permitted without a special use permit. Short-term rental of ADUs is prohibited; they must serve long-term occupancy only.
Raleigh passed sweeping ADU reform in 2020 under text change TC-4-20, removing the prior requirement for Board of Adjustment approval and allowing ADUs by-right on any lot with a single-family detached home in R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6, R-10, RX, and residential mixed-use districts. This aligns with NC Gen Stat Chapter 160D on local zoning authority and places Raleigh at the forefront of ADU policy in North Carolina. Under UDO 2.5.1, an ADU may be attached (basement apartment, above-garage unit connected to the main dwelling) or detached (standalone cottage, garage conversion with living space). Maximum size is 1,000 square feet of heated floor area, or 50 percent of the principal dwelling's heated area, whichever is less. Height is capped at 25 feet for detached ADUs, and the structure must respect the standard accessory structure setbacks: 5 feet from side and rear property lines, unless the ADU has a habitable door or window facing a side lot line, in which case the setback increases to 10 feet. One off-street parking space is required for the ADU in addition to spaces for the main dwelling, except in transit-served areas where the requirement is waived. Owner-occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the ADU is required; investors cannot rent out both units to separate tenants. The ADU may not be rented for terms shorter than 30 days, effectively banning Airbnb use. Permits are issued by Raleigh Development Services and require site plan review, building permits, and connection to city water and sewer (or approved private systems in unincorporated Wake County portions). HOAs may still restrict or prohibit ADUs through private covenants, and many Raleigh subdivisions do.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Raleigh code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decor. UDO setback rules in Section 1.5.5 apply to permanent str...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance regulating residential holiday inflatables. General noise rules under Raleigh Code Chapter 12 and right-of-way rules under Code...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. There is no display-window restriction, brightness cap, or duration limit. UDO outdoor l...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh requires building, gas, electrical, and plumbing trade permits for built-in outdoor kitchens with utility connections under the NC State Building Cod...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential wood-fired smokers or pizza ovens. Smoke nuisance complaints fall under Raleigh Code Sectio...
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers over 1 pound on combustible balconies of multi-family buildings under the North Carolina F...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wake County.
See how other cities in Wake County handle adu rules.
See how Raleigh's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.