Accessory Structures in Cary, NC (2026)
2 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 allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot with a detached, single-unit home, capped in size and limited to one off-street parking space.
Cary Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 5.3.4(A)
An accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted as an accessory use subject to the following standards: ... There shall be no more than one (1) accessory dwelling unit on a lot. ... At least one (1) off-street parking space shall be provided for an accessory dwelling unit. ... Home occupations shall be prohibited within an accessory dwelling unit.
Shed & Carport Rules
Cary caps detached sheds and other accessory buildings at 33% of the house's heated floor area and requires them to meet Chapter 6 setbacks.
Cary Backyard Shed Size & Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 5.3.2(D)(2), (E)(1)
Accessory structures or vehicles shall meet the standards set forth in Chapter 6 of this Ordinance, and shall not be located within any easements. For structures accessory to residential uses, the combined floor area of all detached accessory structures shall occupy no more than thirty-three (33) percent of the total heated floor area of the principal structure, unless otherwise allowed in this...
Looking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cary city rules.
Accessory Structures in Wake County →