Accessory Structures in Cary, NC (2026)
8 verified accessory structures rules for Cary, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Cary has adopted ADU regulations as part of its Housing Plan. ADUs are permitted as accessory dwelling units on residential lots subject to size, setback, and design standards in the LDO.
Cary Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Cary's Land Development Ordinance (LDO) Chapter 4 regulates accessory dwelling units as a permitted accessory use in most residential zoning districts, subject to size and setback standards. Permits are issued by the Cary Inspections and Permits Department. Under NC General Statute 160D-1110, building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are issued separately. Cary also requires zoning compliance review.
Cary ADU Permits (LDO Sec. 4.4; NCGS 160D-1110)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Cary does not charge a general residential impact fee on ADUs. North Carolina law (NCGS Ch. 162A) authorizes water and sewer system development fees (SDFs). NCGS 162A-205 exempts ADUs under 1,500 sq ft from sewer SDF when sharing a connection with the principal dwelling. Costs are limited to building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees plus any new utility tap and capacity fees.
Cary ADU Fees (No General Impact Fee; NCGS 162A-205 SDF)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Cary's Land Development Ordinance has historically tied accessory dwelling and accessory apartment use to the principal residence on the same lot, with owner-occupancy expectations consistent with typical NC accessory-use practice. North Carolina has no statewide ADU statute preempting local owner-occupancy rules. HOA covenants frequently impose their own owner-occupancy requirements that operate independently of town zoning.
Cary ADU Owner-Occupancy (Check LDO; No NC ADU Statute)
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Cary allows long-term ADU rentals without a town license. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) operate under Cary's general use regulations because the town has no STR-specific permit program. The NC Court of Appeals decision in Schroeder v. City of Wilmington (2019) bars local governments from outright banning short-term rentals. Wake County collects a 6% room occupancy tax; NC sales taxes also apply to short stays.
Cary ADU Rental Restrictions (NC Preemption on STR Bans)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Cary allows sheds and accessory structures. Small sheds under certain size thresholds may not require building permits but must comply with zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits.
Cary Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Cary require building permits and must meet habitable space standards. The conversion must comply with parking requirements for the property unless converting to an ADU.
Cary Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Cary regulates carports as accessory structures under Land Development Ordinance Section 5.3.4 and Table 6.3-1. Detached carports must sit at least 5 feet from rear and side lot lines and outside required roadway (front) setbacks. Carports that are roofed and open on three or more sides are exempt from accessory-structure floor area limits when located outside the principal-structure setback.
Carport Rules in Cary
Some RestrictionsLooking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cary city rules.
Accessory Structures in Wake County →