

ADUs are allowed in Unincorporated RichmondTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Unincorporated Richmond, NC
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
3
Zoning districts
27
Zoning Districts:
21,738 parcels · 27 districts
R-R
50%(10,828)
A-R
21%(4,497)
V-R
11%(2,388)
RA-20
6%(1,291)
Other
13%(2,734)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Unincorporated Richmond, NC?
Unincorporated Richmond, NC follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Special Permit
- –Detached ADU: Special Permit
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 1,200 sq ft
- –Maximum size equal to 100% of the principal dwelling’s living area
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size equal to the principal dwelling's living area (100%).
- –Absolute maximum size of 1,200 sq ft.
Max Units
- –1 ADU per single-family lot
Owner Occupancy
- –Principal owner must reside in the primary residence.
Rental Restrictions
- –ADU occupancy restricted to family members/legal guardians or professional assisted living persons; renting to unrelated tenants is prohibited
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.
Richmond County