Accessory Structures in Raleigh, NC (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Raleigh, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Raleigh allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by-right in all residential zoning districts under UDO Section 2.5.1, making it one of the most permissive ADU regimes in North Carolina. Detached and attached ADUs up to 1,000 square feet or 50 percent of the primary dwelling (whichever is less) are permitted without a special use permit. Short-term rental of ADUs is prohibited; they must serve long-term occupancy only.
ADU Rules in Raleigh
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Raleigh permits accessory dwelling units, sometimes called backyard cottages, under Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Section 2.5.1 and Section 6.7. Permits are issued ministerially through the Development Services Department for residential districts.
Raleigh ADU Permit Process
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Raleigh does not impose development impact fees on ADUs, but standard building permit, plan review, and water and sewer connection fees apply through the Development Services Department and Raleigh Water utility under their published fee schedules.
Raleigh ADU Permit and Connection Fees
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Raleigh removed its prior owner-occupancy requirement for accessory dwelling units in the 2020 UDO update. UDO Section 6.7 currently does not impose an owner-occupancy mandate on ADUs.
Raleigh ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Raleigh accessory dwellings may be rented long-term without a separate license. Short-term rental of an ADU requires a Short-Term Rental Zoning Permit under Raleigh UDO Section 6.7.A.5 and Code Section 12-3027.
Raleigh ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Sheds 12 feet by 12 feet (144 square feet) or smaller do not require a building permit in Raleigh, but all sheds regardless of size must comply with UDO setbacks: 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and placement in rear or interior side yards only. Sheds larger than 12x12 require a building permit and must meet the NC Residential Code for anchoring and wind load (115 mph basic wind speed for Wake County).
Shed Rules in Raleigh
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Raleigh requires a building permit, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and usually qualifies as either additional heated floor area of the main dwelling or a detached ADU under UDO 2.5.1. The converted space must meet egress, insulation, and ceiling-height requirements of the NC Residential Code, and lost off-street parking must be replaced on-site in most zoning districts.
Garage Conversions in Raleigh
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Raleigh require a building permit regardless of size and must sit in rear or side yards with 5-foot setbacks; attached carports extending from a house must meet principal-structure setbacks (typically 10 feet side, 20 feet front). Metal and fabric carports are regulated identically to permanent wood structures, and freestanding carports are banned in front yards across all residential zones.
Carport Rules in Raleigh
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Raleigh permits tiny homes on permanent foundations as ADUs under UDO 2.5.1 (up to 1,000 square feet) or as principal dwellings on any conforming lot, and tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are treated as RVs and may not be occupied long-term outside of a licensed RV park. A minimum 150 square feet of habitable floor area is required, and the structure must meet NC Residential Code Appendix Q for tiny houses.
Tiny Homes in Raleigh
Some RestrictionsLooking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Raleigh city rules.
Accessory Structures in Wake County →