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Accessory Dwelling Units
What is an ADU?
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a separate residential living space on the same lot as another single-family home.
The rise of ADUs has grown dramatically, especially due to the housing market with high prices and low inventory. ADUs are known by many other names, including accessory apartment, backyard cottage, granny flat, guest house, in-law suite, mother/daughter and secondary dwelling unit, among others.
Types of ADUs
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An ADU can be located within, attached to or detached from the main residence. They are intended to be a secondary living space on the same lot as the primary dwelling.
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The type and design of an ADU can vary depending on your property size and surrounding structures.
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An ADU must be attached to a permanent foundation. Mobile homes, RVs, campers, and trailers are not considered ADUs.
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ADUs must have their own kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom facilities, as well as a separate outside entrance.
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Detached: A separate unit from the primary dwelling built in the yard of an existing home and can be used as a rental, in-law suite, or guest house.
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Attached: A unit attached to the primary dwelling, such as an addition with an exterior entrance. Depending on the structure of the home, this may be built as a one or two-story pop out from one side of the house.
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Garage Conversions: Garage conversions turn a preexisting structure into a living space. This includes outfitting it with heating and cooling, insulation, as well as adding water for a bathroom and kitchen.
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Junior ADUs: At less than 500 square feet, a junior ADU is a pint-size version of any of these options.
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Interior: A unit within the primary dwelling, such as a converted basement, attic or above-garage apartment that feature an exterior entrance separate from that for the main house.
Benefits of an ADU
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Intergenerational living: ADUs can help extended families live close together, which can be beneficial for caring for aging relatives or adult children. Also, an ideal homes for people with disabilities or medical challenges for whom closer family attention and care are necessary.
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Rental Income: Short or long term rentals can provide a source of additional income for homeowners.
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Affordable Housing: ADUs can increase the supply of affordable housing, especially in areas with high housing costs. Because of their size and lack of land costs, ADUs often rent for less than apartments in the same area.
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Property Value: ADUs can increase the value of a property.
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Aging in Place: ADUs can allow homeowners to downsize to a smaller, more accessible home while keeping their main house for family or renters.
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Environmental Conservation: ADUs are a form of infill development that can reduce the need for land clearing and new infrastructure. This can help conserve environmental resources and protect biodiversity.
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Sustainability: ADUs can be more sustainable because of their smaller carbon footprints.
North Carolina Requirements for ADUS
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Size: ADUs must be at least 400 square feet, but no more than 30% of the primary dwelling's floor area
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Location: ADUs must be in residential zoning districts and their location depends on the zoning district setbacks and the primary dwelling's location
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Number: Only one ADU is permitted per single lot, unless the property is in a Frequent Transit Area, where two ADUs are allowed
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Foundation: ADUs must have a permanent foundation and cannot be on wheels
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Sale: ADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary dwelling
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Amenities: ADUs must have a kitchen, sanitation provisions, and sleeping
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Parking: ADUs must have at least one off-street parking space in addition to the primary dwelling
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Utilities: ADUs must have standard utilities like water, sewer, and electricity
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Mechanicals: ADUs must have standard mechanicals like heat and plumbing pipes
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Codes: ADUs must comply with applicable safety, health, fire, and building codes
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Emergency egress: ADUs must have a minimum of one emergency egress directly to the exterior
