Before You Build in Charlotte, NC: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Swimming pools in Charlotte must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high per NC Residential Code §R326 and the NC Building Code. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, opening outward from the pool. Openings cannot permit passage of a 4-inch sphere. Above-ground pools with ladders that are secured or removable may use the pool wall as the barrier.

Charlotte's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Article 17 caps residential fences at 5 feet in front setbacks, 6 feet in side setbacks, and 8 feet in rear setbacks within Neighborhood 1, Neighborhood 2, and MHP districts. Other zoning districts allow up to 8 feet along frontages with the portion above 3 feet required to be at least 75% open. Sight triangles and stormwater easements are protected.

Hot tubs and spas in Charlotte require a building permit and electrical permit when installed. Barriers or locking rigid covers meeting ASTM F1346 are required for tubs holding more than 24 inches of water. Electrical connections need a GFCI-protected dedicated circuit by a licensed electrician. Setback from property lines typically 5-10 feet.

Charlotte enforces the North Carolina Residential Code Appendix NC-A (based on IRC Appendix AG and the ISPSC), which requires a barrier around any residential pool, spa, or hot tub holding water deeper than 24 inches. The barrier must be at least 48 inches high, with no opening that allows passage of a 4-inch sphere, and all gates must be self-closing and self-latching, opening outward away from the pool.

Charlotte permits one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per lot containing a single-family or qualifying duplex use, regulated by the Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). An ADU within a detached accessory structure may have a floor area no greater than 50% of the principal dwelling's floor area, and in no case exceed 1,000 heated square feet. The ADU and the principal dwelling must be under the same ownership.

Charlotte allows conversion of an existing detached or attached garage into habitable space under the Unified Development Ordinance. If the converted space contains independent cooking and sanitary facilities, it is treated as an accessory dwelling unit under UDO Article 17 and must meet ADU standards (one ADU per lot, attached cap of 800 sq ft or 35% of principal, detached cap of 1,000 sq ft or 50%). Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required, and converted habitable space must satisfy the North Carolina Residential Code.

Carports in Charlotte are regulated as accessory structures under the UDO. They require a building permit if over 200 square feet or attached to the dwelling. Side and rear yard placements are preferred; front-yard carports face restrictions in most residential districts. Height is generally capped at 15-20 feet and material must be compatible with the primary dwelling.

Charlotte allows residential storage sheds and similar detached accessory structures under Article 17 of the Unified Development Ordinance. Sheds must sit on the same lot as the principal dwelling, generally maintain a minimum 3-foot setback from side and rear lot lines, and the cumulative square footage of all accessory structures on a residential lot may not exceed the heated square footage of the first floor of the principal dwelling.

Charlotte and Mecklenburg County prohibit most open burning of yard waste, construction debris, and trash within city limits, with narrow exceptions for small recreational fires and certain agricultural burns outside the urban service area.

Portable outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are not classified as open burning in Charlotte. No permit required. Fuel area must not exceed 3 ft diameter and 2 ft height. Must be >25 ft from structures, constantly attended, with extinguishing equipment on hand.