Accessory Structures in Charleston, WV (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Charleston, West Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Charleston allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot, but only as an accessory to an owner-occupied single-family home, with a recorded deed notice and one parking space per bedroom.
Charleston ADU Permits Require Owner Occupancy
Significant RestrictionsCharleston Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 3-060, item 54 (Dwelling, Accessory)
Dwelling, Accessory the following apply: a. Accessory dwelling units are only permitted as an accessory use to an owner occupied single family dwelling use within residential zoning districts. b. Attached accessory dwelling units shall be clearly subordinate and secondary to the principal dwelling unit. Attached accessory dwelling units shall conform to all developm...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Charleston allows accessory dwelling units only on lots where the owner of record lives in the primary house or the ADU itself.
Charleston Requires Owner-Occupancy for ADUs
Significant RestrictionsZoning Ordinance Sec. 3-060(54)(a),(e),(f)
a. Accessory dwelling units are only permitted as an accessory use to an owner occupied single family dwelling use within residential zoning districts. b. Attached accessory dwelling units shall be clearly subordinate and secondary to the principal dwelling unit. Attached accessory dwelling units shall conform to all development standards for principal structures inclu...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Charleston only allows an accessory dwelling unit on a lot where the owner of record lives in either the main house or the ADU, blocking pure investor rentals of both units.
Charleston ADUs Require Owner Occupancy
Significant RestrictionsCharleston, WV Zoning Ordinance Sec. 3-060, Supplemental Regulations (Item 54, Dwelling, Accessory, subsections a, f)
Accessory dwelling units are only permitted as an accessory use to an owner occupied single family dwelling use within residential zoning districts. ... Accessory dwelling units shall only be permitted for owner occupied single family dwellings. ... the accessory dwelling unit or the primary single family unit on the property shall be occupied by the owner of record. If either unit is not owner...
Shed & Carport Rules
Charleston's zoning ordinance treats a detached carport as an accessory structure: it cannot sit in the front yard, must stay at least 3 feet from side and rear lines, and can't exceed 18 feet in height or 672 square feet combined with other accessory buildings.
Charleston Carport Placement and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsCharleston, WV Zoning Ordinance § 3-080(A)(1)–(2)
Accessory Structures shall not be placed in the front yard. If placed in a side yard, accessory structures shall not be located closer to the street than the front building line of the principal structure. 2. Accessory structures shall not be located closer than three feet to the rear and side property lines nor closer than 3 feet to the principal struct...
Looking for Kanawha County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charleston city rules.
Accessory Structures in Kanawha County →