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Accessory Structures in Surry County, NC (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Surry County, North Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

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

ADU Rules

Surry County Code § 154.008(C)(1) allows a second dwelling on a residential lot only in two narrow cases: a watchman or caretaker's home tied to a non-residential use, or a manufactured home placed as a temporary hardship dwelling under a Planning Board conditional use that Environmental Health must approve for septic capacity.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules in Surry County, NC

Significant Restrictions

Surry County Code § 154.008(C)(1)

(1) Accessory dwelling units on same lot as principal dwelling. (a) Accessory dwellings in non-residential districts: in zoning districts not otherwise permitting residential buildings. A watchman or caretaker may occupy a residential dwelling on the same premises where he or she is employed. The residential dwelling must clearly be incidental to the non-residential operation on the zoning ...

Shed & Carport Rules

A detached shed in Surry County's RA rural agricultural district, the county's default residential zoning, has to sit at least 12 feet off the side line and 15 feet off the rear line under the Dimensional Table at § 154.006-15, and it needs a zoning permit before it goes up since sheds count as accessory structures under Chapter 154.

Shed Setback Rules in Surry County NC

Some Restrictions

Surry County Code § 154.006-15(A), (B)(1)

RA, RA-C 1 acre 75 110 40 12 25 50 Corner lots abutting 25 side street Accessory 12 15 structures ... (1) Accessory structures do not include walls or fences.

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