Accessory Structures in Durham, NC (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Durham, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Durham's UDO lets one accessory dwelling unit onto most residential lots under Sec. 5.4.2 without added parking. A standard ADU is capped at 1,000 square feet on a single story and 1,200 heated square feet total, RR District lots of four-plus acres can go up to 50% of the primary home's area, and a travel trailer or RV can't serve as an ADU except for stays of two weeks or less.
Durham Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards
Some RestrictionsDurham UDO Sec. 5.4.2
Accessory dwellings shall be subject to the following additional requirements: ... An accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed as follows: On a residential lot developed with one or two primary dwelling units. Only one accessory dwelling shall be allowed. If a primary dwelling is a single-family residence, an accessory structure may be a duplex, so long as the total heated sf of the Accessory D...
Shed & Carport Rules
A backyard shed in Durham is regulated as an 'accessory structure' under UDO § 5.4.1, jointly administered by Durham City-County Planning within the city limits. It can't be larger than the primary house, must sit behind the front building line, and needs at least a five-foot side/rear setback in most residential districts. Height is capped at two stories/32 feet or the house's own height, whichever is greater.
Durham Backyard Shed Standards
Some RestrictionsDurham Unified Development Ordinance § 5.4.1
Accessory structures shall be subject to the following additional requirements: The square footage of an accessory structure shall not be larger than the primary structure. ... Except in the RU and RC Districts, the accessory structure shall be set back at least five feet from the rear and side property lines. Accessory structures in the RU and RC Districts shall be set back at least three feet...
Garage Conversions
Durham's Unified Development Ordinance exempts accessory dwelling units from height limits when they are created by converting existing space inside the primary house, such as a garage, rather than adding new construction. The heated floor area is capped at 1,000 square feet on a single story or 1,200 square feet total, and can never equal or exceed the primary home's own floor area.
Durham ADU Garage Conversion Height Rule
Some RestrictionsUDO § 5.4.2, Accessory Dwellings
For detached accessory dwelling units, the maximum height for accessory structures shall apply. Accessory dwellings that are an addition to the primary structure shall conform to the applicable height limits for the primary structure. Height limits shall not be considered if the accessory dwelling is only a conversion of existing space within the primary structure. ... The heated floor area of ...
Looking for Durham County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Durham city rules.
Accessory Structures in Durham County →