Accessory Structures in Gaston County, NC (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Gaston County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Gaston County permits one accessory living unit, called a private residential quarters, per single-family lot, capped at half the main home's ground floor or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less, with a 15-foot setback if detached.
Accessory Dwelling Rules in Gaston County
Some RestrictionsGaston County Unified Development Ordinance § 8.1.17
Private residential quarters shall be permitted as an accessory use to any single-family detached dwelling unit (excluding manufactured homes) in accordance with the following requirements: A.The private residential quarters may be attached to or separate from the principal dwelling unit... C.The ground floor area of the private residential quarters shall be no greater than 50 percent of the gr...
Shed & Carport Rules
Sheds and other accessory structures on Gaston County lots under two acres are capped at 20 feet in height, kept out of the front yard, limited to 4% of the lot's total acreage, and must sit at least 10 feet from any rear or side line and 5 feet from the house. A zoning and building permit must issue before construction starts.
Gaston County Shed Size and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsGaston County Unified Development Ordinance § 9.9.B.3 and § 9.9.C.1
No accessory structure shall be allowed within five (5) feet of any principal structure and shall be setback ten (10) feet from any rear or side yard line. ... For lots less than two (2) acres in size, the following regulations shall apply:a.The height of all accessory structures shall not exceed 20'.b.No accessory structure shall be placed in the front yard.c.The total square footage of all ac...
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