Accessory Structures in Charlotte, NC (2026)
2 verified accessory structures rules for Charlotte, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Charlotte allows exactly one accessory dwelling unit per lot alongside a single-family or duplex home in any district that already allows that principal dwelling. An ADU built in an accessory structure is capped at 600 heated square feet, or 70% of the main home's floor area if larger, but never more than 1,000 square feet.
Charlotte Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsCharlotte Unified Development Ordinance § 15.6.F(1),(3),(4),(6)
F. Dwelling - Accessory Unit (ADU) 1. The accessory dwelling unit (ADU) shall be clearly subordinate to the principal residential use. 3. Only one ADU shall be permitted on the lot. 4. The ADU and its associated principal dwelling shall be under the same ownership. 6. An ADU located within an accessory structure shall comply with the following additional requirements: a. The heated floor ar...
Shed & Carport Rules
Charlotte caps total accessory structure square footage on residential lots at the heated first-floor area of the house, keeps sheds out of front setbacks, and requires at least 3 feet from side and rear lot lines under UDO Article 17.
Charlotte Shed and Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsCharlotte UDO § 17.1 (General Standards for Accessory Structures)
2. Accessory structures in an established side or rear setback shall be located a minimum of three feet from a lot line except as follows: a. Accessory structures with a height of 24 feet or more shall be setback from any rear lot line a minimum of 15 feet and from any side lot line by the dimension of the required side setback for the zoning district. ... F. For lots in residential use, the cu...