Accessory Structures in Catawba County, NC (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Catawba County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Catawba County allows one accessory dwelling unit or guesthouse per lot, capped at 650 square feet or 50 percent of the principal home's heated area, whichever is greater. The ADU must share ownership, meet setbacks and height limits, and generally share a driveway with the main house.
Catawba County Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsCatawba County Code of Ordinances § 44-631
(a)The following are allowed to be used as an accessory dwelling unit/guesthouse:(1)Stick-built home meeting all applicable sections of building code;(2)Modular home meeting all applicable sections of building code; or(3)Class A or B (double-wide/multisection or single-wide) manufactured home subject to:a.A lineal family member or sibling use; andb.Parcel must be located within the DWMH-O distr...
Shed & Carport Rules
A residential shed or other accessory structure in unincorporated Catawba County cannot go in the front setback, must sit at least five feet from the house, ten feet from any side line and five feet from the rear line, and needs a principal-structure permit already on file, per UDO Sec. 44-607.
Catawba County Shed & Accessory Structure Setbacks
Some RestrictionsCatawba County Code of Ordinances § 44-607(1)
An accessory structure cannot be permitted unless a principal structure exists on the same zoning lot or a building permit for a principal structure has been issued at the same time the accessory structure permit is issued.(1)Residential single-use accessory structure.a.Accessory structures must not exceed the maximum permitted height for the zoning district in which the property is located.b.A...
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