Accessory Structures in Union County, NC (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Union County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Unincorporated Union County allows one accessory dwelling unit per parcel in any residential zoning district, but only on a lot with a single principal house, and the unit cannot exceed half the size of that principal dwelling under the Unified Development Ordinance.
Union County Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsUnion County Unified Development Ordinance § 35.030 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Accessory dwelling units are allowed in all residential zoning districts and only on lots occupied by a single principal dwelling unit. (Amended 1-2-2024) ... No more than one accessory dwelling unit is allowed per parcel. The accessory unit shall not be greater than 50% of the size of the principal dwelling unit.
Shed & Carport Rules
A shed or other accessory building in an unincorporated Union County residential district needs a zoning permit and, if set completely behind the rear building line, only a 5-foot rear and side setback, though taller sheds must step that setback back further and total lot coverage cannot exceed 40 percent.
Union County Shed Setback and Coverage Rules
Some RestrictionsUnion County Unified Development Ordinance § 35.020 (General Regulations)
Accessory buildings located in the rear yard (completely behind the rear building line) of an allowed residential use are subject to minimum rear and interior side setbacks of 5 feet, provided that if the high point of the roof or any appurtenance of an accessory building exceeds 12 feet in height, the accessory building must be set back from rear and side lot lines an additional one foot for e...
All Union County ordinances
See every category we cover for Union County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Union County Ordinance Hub →