Charlotte, NC Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Charlotte regulates sheds as accessory structures under Charlotte UDO Article 17 (Accessory Structures), which became effective with the consolidated UDO on June 1, 2023. Per Article 17 general standards, an accessory structure must be located on the same site as the principal structure it supports and may not be constructed before the principal structure or use has received building permit or zoning use approval. The cumulative square footage of all accessory structures on a residential lot - excluding accessory dwelling units - may not exceed the total heated square footage of the first floor of the principal dwelling. Sheds and similar accessory structures placed in an established side or rear setback must be located at least 3 feet from the side or rear lot line, and must not be located in a required front yard or street-side yard, with limited exceptions in the UDO. Accessory structures 24 feet or more in height, or shorter than 24 feet but taller than the principal structure, must be set back at least 15 feet from the rear lot line and must meet the underlying district side setback. Accessory structures may not be placed within recorded easements. Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement administers the building code; under the North Carolina Residential Code, a building permit is generally required for any structure exceeding 12 feet in any dimension or with electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work, while smaller prefabricated sheds may proceed under a zoning use permit only. State enabling authority for these zoning rules comes from NCGS Chapter 160D.