Accessory Structures in Spartanburg County, SC (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In areas governed by the Unified Land Management Ordinance, a single detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is permitted so long as it is no larger than one-third of the principal home's floor area and meets the Table 3 dimensional and setback requirements.
Accessory Apartments Allowed in Unincorporated Spartanburg County
Some RestrictionsSpartanburg County ULMO Section 3.05 (Accessory Apartments)
A single detached accessory dwelling unit no greater than 1/3 the floor area of the principal dwelling may be permitted, provided all applicable requirements of Table 3 are met and other public agencies have been satisfied.
Shed & Carport Rules
The ULMO treats a carport attached to the principal home as an accessory use when it is at least 75 percent open or unenclosed. It must meet the Table 3 setbacks that apply to accessory uses. Enclosing a carport can reclassify it and change setback requirements.
Carports Count as Accessory Structures When Mostly Open
Some RestrictionsSpartanburg County ULMO, Definitions (Building, Accessory)
Included in this definition are private garages, storage sheds, workshops, domestic animal shelters, pool houses, etc., when detached from the principal buildings, and carports attached to the principal building when at least 75 percent open or unenclosed.
Garage Conversions
Spartanburg County's ULMO has no dedicated garage-conversion section. A detached garage is defined as an accessory building; converting it into habitable living quarters creates an accessory dwelling unit and must meet the Section 3.05 one-third-size limit, Table 3 setbacks, and building code.
Converting a Garage into Living Space Triggers ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsSpartanburg County ULMO, Definitions (Building, Accessory)
Building, Accessory - A subordinate structure on the same lot as the principal or main building or use occupied or devoted to a use incidental to the principal use. Included in this definition are private garages, storage sheds, workshops, domestic animal shelters, pool houses, etc.
Tiny Homes
Spartanburg County's ULMO bars using a recreational vehicle or travel trailer for permanent residential use because they don't meet HUD or International Residential Code standards. An RV-style tiny home may sit on-site up to 90 days per year only while building a house.
Tiny Homes on Wheels Cannot Be Permanent Residences
Some RestrictionsSpartanburg County ULMO Section 3.03-2 (Use of Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes, Travel Trailers, and RVs)
No recreational vehicle or travel trailer shall be used or permitted for permanent residential use... A recreational vehicle may be set up for a period of up to 90 days within a twelve-month period for the purposes of living on site while building a residence.
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