Accessory Structures in Wilmington, NC (2026)
2 verified accessory structures rules for Wilmington, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Wilmington allows one accessory apartment per lot, attached or detached, in most single-family and multifamily zoning districts, capped at 800 to 1,200 square feet depending on type, under Sec. 18-247 and Sec. 18-248, plus two extra off-street parking spaces and a city manager-approved site plan.
Wilmington Accessory Apartment (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsWilmington City Code § 18-247
Accessory apartments shall be allowed in the R-7, R-10, R-15, R-20, and PD Districts if the following criteria are met: (a)Reserved;(b)Two (2) additional off-street parking spaces shall be required;(c)Only one accessory apartment, whether attached or detached, shall be permitted per lot;(d)Reserved;(e)The attached accessory apartment shall have a separate entrance screened from the public right...
Shed & Carport Rules
A backyard shed or detached garage in Wilmington counts as an accessory building: residential lots get two of them, they must sit behind the front of the house, stay 5 feet off the side and rear lines, and cap out at the height of the primary structure or 35 feet, whichever is less, under Sec. 18-249.
Wilmington Accessory Building & Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsWilmington City Code § 18-249
(a)Number of accessory buildings. In the residential districts, no more than two (2) accessory buildings shall be permitted per lot, with the following exceptions:(1)Bona fide agricultural uses. Lots of four (4) acres or greater shall be allowed two (2) additional accessory buildings.(2)City approved community gardens.a.One (1) accessory building not exceeding twelve (12) feet in any dimension ...
Looking for New Hanover County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Wilmington city rules.
Accessory Structures in New Hanover County →