Accessory Structures in Charleston County, SC (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Charleston County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
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 ADU Rules (Unincorporated)
Some RestrictionsCharleston 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...
Shed & Carport Rules
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.
Carport Rules in Charleston County
Some RestrictionsCharleston 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.
Tiny Homes
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.
Tiny Homes & Manufactured Units in Charleston County
Some RestrictionsCharleston 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.
Accessory Structures by City in Charleston County
2 cities in Charleston County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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