ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated ChathamTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Chatham, NC
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
37,078
Owner-occupied
50%
Zoning districts
64
Avg Home Value
$442,970
Median Lot Size
2.23 acres
Avg Income
$110,323
Residential Types:
37,078 housing units
Other
100%
Zoning Districts:
40,234 parcels · 64 districts
R-1
68%(27,434)
A-R
7%(2,878)
R-5
7%(2,752)
CUD-CC
6%(2,410)
Other
12%(4,760)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Chatham, NC?
Unincorporated Chatham, NC follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 1,500 sq ft of heated living space
- –ADU must be smaller than the principal dwelling
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum 1,500 sq ft of heated living space for a detached ADU
- –Must be smaller than the principal residential dwelling
Parking
- –2 spaces per dwelling unit; tandem parking allowed for single-family/two-family; parking must be on the same lot; front-yard lots >6 spaces prohibited in R5/R2/R1/O&I/IL; CD-MU: site plan may override standard parking.
ADU State Law
What can you build in North Carolina?
- –North Carolina does not have a statewide ADU mandate; ADU rules are set by individual municipalities.
- –Building/fire codes are set statewide, but whether an ADU is allowed is local zoning.
- –There is active proposed legislation (H627 / S495, "Regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units") that would create G.S. 160D-917 and require local governments to allow at least one ADU in certain single-family areas, but it is not enacted.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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ADU rules in other North Carolina municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Chatham County