ADUs are allowed in Elizabeth CityTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Elizabeth City, NC
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
7,545
Owner-occupied
52%
Zoning districts
28
Avg Home Value
$137,952
Median Lot Size
0.19 acres
Avg Income
$55,983
Residential Types:
7,545 housing units
Other
100%
Zoning Districts:
9,256 parcels · 28 districts
R-6
29%(2,699)
R-8
26%(2,430)
R-10
13%(1,230)
R-15
9%(831)
Other
22%(2,066)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Elizabeth City, NC?
Elizabeth City, 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 internal/attached ADU size is the lesser of 25% of the principal building’s heated/habitable floor area and the remaining portion of 25% of total floor area after other accessory uses.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of a detached accessory dwelling unit is 50% of the principal dwelling's gross floor area.
Parking
- –1 space per attached ADU; 2 spaces per detached ADU (in addition to principal dwelling); CB district exempt; permit may allow deviations with reasons noted on the permit
Rental Restrictions
- –Short-term rentals limited to 29 days per stay; only one whole-house lodging per lot/parcel; annual permit/renewal and district approvals required.
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.
Check my propertyHow can we help you?
Get matched with trusted local builders
Understand what's allowed on your property
Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
ADU rules in other North Carolina municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Pasquotank County