Accessory Structures in Buncombe County, NC (2026)

1 rule for unincorporated Buncombe County, North Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Buncombe County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

ADU Rules

Unincorporated Buncombe County (the Asheville area outside city limits) is unusually permissive for accessory dwelling units. Chapter 78 of the Code of Ordinances allows 'two residential dwelling units (attached or detached)' as a use by right in every residential and open-use district (R-LD, R-1, R-2, R-3, OU), letting most homeowners add a second full home or detached ADU on a single lot without rezoning. Accessory structures used as ADUs must follow §78-663 standards. North Carolina Session Law 2025 (S495) further mandates that local governments allow at least one ADU per single-family lot for permit applications filed on or after October 1, 2025.

ADU & Second-Dwelling Rules in Unincorporated Buncombe County

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

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