Accessory Structures in Greenville County, SC (2026)
4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Greenville County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In unincorporated Greenville County, one detached accessory dwelling unit is allowed alongside a principal home only in the AG (Agricultural Preservation) district. It cannot exceed 50% of the primary dwelling's square footage, must sit in a side or rear yard, and must share the primary home's driveway.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules in Unincorporated Greenville County
Some RestrictionsGreenville County Zoning Ordinance, Art. 6, Accessory Dwelling (B)
Only one detached accessory dwelling unit may be permitted in conjunction with a principle dwelling in the AG, Agricultural Preservation District... The accessory dwelling unit shall not be larger than 50% of the primary dwelling's gross square footage.
Shed & Carport Rules
A carport is an accessory structure in Greenville County. It follows the same accessory-building rule: in the rear or side yard it must be set back at least five feet from any lot line, and it may not cover more than 20% of the rear yard.
Carport Rules in Unincorporated Greenville County
Some RestrictionsGreenville County Zoning Ordinance, Art. 4 (Definitions, Accessory Building)
Accessory Building – An incidental subordinate building customarily incidental to and located on the same lot occupied by the main use or building, such as a detached garage.
Garage Conversions
Greenville County has no separate garage-conversion permit, but converting a garage into living space is a change of use that must meet the zoning district's building setbacks and dwelling standards, plus a South Carolina building permit for the work.
Garage Conversions and Setback Measurement in Greenville County
Some RestrictionsGreenville County Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 7:3 (Setback measurement)
Setbacks are measured from the foundation wall. Overhangs, architectural embellishments, etc. may encroach the setback a maximum of 2 feet. Cantilevers consisting of roofed over space may not encroach the setback line.
Tiny Homes
Greenville County has no general tiny-home category. A manufactured home may be allowed in any district as a Temporary Accessory Dwelling for a hardship or medical need, only by Board of Zoning Appeals permit, for up to one year at a time, and must be removed within 30 days of
Tiny Homes and Temporary Accessory Dwellings in Greenville County
Some RestrictionsGreenville County Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 11:9 (Temporary Accessory Dwelling)
A manufactured home as defined in Article 4 of this Ordinance may be permitted in any zoning district as a temporary accessory residential use which shall be clearly subordinate to a principal single-family detached dwelling or manufactured home.
Accessory Structures by City in Greenville County
1 cities in Greenville County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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