5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Charleston County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Charleston County, one accessory dwelling unit is allowed per lot in Agricultural and Residential districts. In the Rural Area the ADU cannot exceed 1,500 square feet of heated floor area, and it must meet all normal district setbacks.
Charleston County ZLDR Sec. 6.5.9
In Agricultural and Residential Zoning Districts, one Accessory Dwelling Unit may be established on an existing Lot subject to the following standards: A. If located in the Rural Area, the Lot must have a minimum area at least 50 percent larger than the minimum area required for a Principal Structure and the heated gross floor area of the Accessory Dwelling Unit shall not exceed 1,500 square fe...
Detached sheds in unincorporated Charleston County must sit wholly to the rear of the house, at least three feet from any interior lot line and at least six feet from any dwelling. A zoning permit is triggered once impervious area grows past set thresholds.
Charleston County ZLDR Sec. 6.5.8.B
A detached Accessory Structure shall be located: 1. Wholly to the rear of the Principal Structure, provided that this limitation shall not apply to carports or Garages; 2. At least six feet from any other Dwelling, including those under construction; 3. At least three feet from any interior Lot line in a Residential Zoning District.
Converting a garage or accessory structure into living space in unincorporated Charleston County requires a zoning permit, and if it becomes a second dwelling it must satisfy the accessory dwelling unit standards of ZLDR Sec. 6.5.9.
Carports are treated as accessory structures in unincorporated Charleston County, but unlike sheds they are exempt from the rule requiring accessory structures to sit wholly behind the house. They still must meet interior-lot-line and district setbacks.
Charleston County ZLDR Sec. 6.5.8.B.1
A detached Accessory Structure shall be located: 1. Wholly to the rear of the Principal Structure, provided that this limitation shall not apply to carports or Garages; 2. At least six feet from any other Dwelling, including those under construction; 3. At least three feet from any interior Lot line in a Residential Zoning District.
Charleston County has no separate tiny-home ordinance. A tiny home on a permanent foundation is treated as an accessory dwelling unit or principal dwelling; a manufactured unit is limited to caretaker's quarters in Agricultural districts or temporary use during construction.
Charleston County ZLDR Sec. 6.5.10
In Agricultural Zoning Districts, a Manufactured Housing Unit may be used for one caretaker's quarters. It shall not be permitted for other than residential use unless authorized elsewhere in this Ordinance. ... Such a temporary unit shall be removed from the premises within 30 days of issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the permanent Structure.
2 cities in Charleston County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Charleston County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Charleston County Ordinance Hub →