Accessory Structures in Greenville County, SC (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Greenville County, South Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Greenville County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

ADU Rules

Greenville County does not allow standalone accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or accessory apartments in its single-family residential zoning districts. The County's published Zoning AnswerBook explicitly states that, in single-family residential districts, "converting a basement or garage into a separate apartment is prohibited." Only the one dwelling unit permitted by the zoning district (per Use Table 6.1 of the Greenville County Zoning Ordinance) is allowed on a single-family lot. Property owners wanting an additional dwelling unit must either own land in a multi-family district (e.g., R-M series) or apply for a zoning change or other land-use approval through the Zoning Administration office.

Greenville County, SC Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules — Conversion to Separate Apartment Prohibited

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Shed Rules

In Greenville County, SC, sheds and other detached accessory structures in single-family residential districts must be located in the rear yard, per the county Zoning Administration. Under South Carolina Residential Code §R105.2 (adopted state-wide), a one-story detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less is exempt from a building permit, but it must still comply with Greenville County zoning placement rules. For specific setback and dimensional requirements for a given parcel, contact the Greenville County Code Enforcement Division (864-467-7425).

Greenville County Shed Rules – Rear-Yard Placement + SC 200 sq ft Permit Exemption

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Garage Conversions

Greenville County, SC prohibits converting a basement or garage into a separate apartment in single-family residential zoning districts. The Greenville County Answer Book on Zoning states the rule directly: "converting a basement or garage into a separate apartment" is not allowed. Interior conversions of a garage into additional living space that remains part of the primary single-family dwelling (not a separate dwelling unit) may be permissible but require a Greenville County building permit through the Building Safety Department. Any conversion must meet SC Residential Code requirements for habitable space.