Building Charlotte’s Future – One Backyard at a Time
The City of Charlotte is making it easier for property owners to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their property.
Whether you’re planning for family, aging in place, or looking to earn rental income, ADUs create flexible, lower-cost housing options without the need for new land. They’re a smart way to meet changing household needs while helping Charlotte grow more sustainably and equitably.
Use this site to:
- Learn what an ADU is and how it can benefit you and your community
- See if your property qualifies
- Explore design and permitting steps
- Discover available funding options
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an additional residential unit that can either be attached to the existing house, like a converted basement or garage, or detached, such as a separate building in the backyard. ADUs go by many names across the country—granny flat, guest house, in-law suite, DADU (Detached ADU)—but the key features are the same: they include a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and a separate entrance. In short, they’re a complete home that functions independently from the main house.
If a structure is used as a residence—even temporarily—and includes these living features, it’s considered an ADU.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) must be a permanent, residential structure and cannot be created by converting manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, campers, or any other type of motor vehicle. ADUs may only be added as an accessory to a single-family home or to a duplex that is not located on a sublot. Only one ADU is allowed per lot, and it must remain under the same ownership as the main home. Property owners may choose to rent out their ADU if they wish.
ADUs are a powerful tool for property owners and for Charlotte’s future. They offer a variety of benefits that support both individual goals and broader community needs:
- Expand Affordable Housing - ADUs create lower-cost housing options in neighborhoods where prices may be out of reach—without requiring new land development.
- Support Multigenerational Living – From aging parents to returning adult children, ADUs provide a flexible, private space for family members to live nearby.
- Increase Accessibility – With thoughtful design, ADUs can support individuals with disabilities who want independence and proximity to caregivers.
- Boost Financial Flexibility – Property owners can rent their ADU to generate income, cover mortgage costs, or fund renovations and future goals
- Maximize Land Use – ADUs make better use of Charlotte’s existing infrastructure and promote walkable, well-connected neighborhoods
- Adapt to Life Changes – As households grow, shrink, or shift, ADUs provide a way to stay in place and meet changing needs – without leaving the community.
Find out if a property could qualifies for an ADU in just seconds by using the MyADU Eligibility Tool.
Building an ADU is a multi-step process—but with the right guidance, it’s more achievable than you might think. The steps below walk you through what’s currently allowed under Charlotte’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for detached ADUs (DADUs).
While there are a variety of ADU types that may suit your property—attached or detached—Charlotte’s current UDO only provides development standards for Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs). If you’re considering an attached ADU, contact the ADU Customer Support team at MyADU@charlottenc.gov.
STEP 1: Explore Feasibility & Set Goals
- Use the Charlotte ADU Mapping Tool to get a general sense of feasibility (this isn’t a guarantee, but it’s a helpful first step)
- Think about how you’ll use the ADU – rental income, family member, home office, etc.
- Consider your budget range. Construction costs vary widely (more on that on the FAQs page)
Who’s Involved:
STEP 2: Design Your ADU
Choose your layout. You have multiple options:
- Use one of the UDO-compliant ADU plans provided by the City of Charlotte (available only to participants in the upcoming Queen City ADU Program), or
- Hire a design professional (e.g., an architect or residential designer) to create a custom plan or utilize one of their pre-existing designs, if available.
- Make sure your design fits your property’s layout and considers items such as, but not limited to, Charlotte's UDO location standards, driveway standards, tree locations, slope, and utility access.
Who’s Involved:
- Designer, architect, or design-build firm
- Charlotte ADU Customer Support Team
Optional: Contractor or builder input on constructability and cost.
STEP 3: Submit for Permits
ADUs in Charlotte require permits from both the City and County. This process ensures your plans meet zoning, construction, and safety codes. Permitting includes two key steps:
- City of Charlotte – Land Development Individual Residential Lot (LDIRL) Permit
- Reviews zoning, stormwater, and tree regulations
- Determines site feasibility based on your actual plans
- Must be approved before moving forward
- Mecklenburg County – Building Permit
- Reviews construction details like structure, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical
- Confirms code compliance before allowing construction to begin
IMPORTANT: The City LDIRL permit must be approved prior to County Building Permit approval.
Who’s Involved:
- City of Charlotte Land Development Staff (for LDIRL)
- Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement (for building permit)
- Your designer or builder, who typically submits plans and manages the process (services may vary depending on the company)
For more an outline of the permitting process and additional resources, visit the “ADU Resource & Support HUB” tab.
STEP 4: Plan for Utilities
You’ll need to make sure your ADU can connect to water, sewer, and electricity.
- A licensed plumber and electrician will help figure out how to connect your ADU to the main home’s utility lines or whether new connections are needed.
- Charlotte Water can confirm whether a water/sewer connection is available at your address
- If your ADU is in a floodplain, flood insurance may be required.
If the ADU is within an accessory structure, you will want to have early conversations with your contractor to better understand if additional permitting with Charlotte Water and Duke Energy is required.
STEP 5: Construction
Once your permits are approved and your builder is ready, it’s time to build! You’ll need to:
- Hire a licensed contractor or builder to handle the actual construction
- Ensure all inspections are scheduled and passed (foundation, framing, final)
- Stay in communication with your team about timing, costs, and changes
Who’s Involved:
- Contractor or Builder
- City/County Inspectors
- Property Manager (if applicable)
We believe ADUs are part of the solution to a more inclusive, affordable Charlotte—and we’re here to help you build one.
The City of Charlotte is offering financial assistance and key resources through the Queen City ADUs Program to support eligible property owners who commit to renting their ADU at affordable rates. Whether you're building an attached or detached unit, this program is designed to reduce barriers and make ADU development more accessible.
Whether you're hoping to support a loved one, generate rental income, or provide housing for someone in need, Queen City ADUs can help make your vision possible.
Want to be notified when applications open? Fill out the interest form to receive updates and more information about the program.
Questions about building an ADU in Charlotte? See below for our commonly asked questions that may have the answers you’re looking for.
Q. How Much Does It Cost to Build an ADU in Charlotte?
A. It depends, costs vary based on the size of the unit, type of unit (attached, detached, conversion, etc.), materials and finishes, utility connection needs, and site-specific challenges like slope or trees. Estimated ranges can start around $90,000 and go up to $250,000+, but using a pre-designed plan and an experienced builder can help reduce costs. Reaching out to the City for early guidance may help reduce time and costs.
Q. How Do You Finance an ADU?
A. There are several ways to finance an ADU, depending on your financial situation, home equity, and the scope of your project. The most common options include:
- Cash-Out Refinance
- Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
- Renovation or Construction Loans
- Personal Loans
It’s always best to talk with a lender or financial advisor to determine which option is best for your situation.
In addition, the City may be able to support you with financing your ADU. Complete the interest form to stay informed about program updates and funding opportunities.
Q. How Long Does it Take to Build an ADU?
A. The timeline to build an ADU can vary depending on your property, design, and how quickly you're able to move through each step. On average, the full process — from design to move-in — can take 6 months to 2 years. Here's a general breakdown:
- Project Planning: 1-3 Months (time to research, preliminary feasibility, and set goals)
- Project Design: 2-6 Months (Longer if creating a fully custom design, but often faster if your builder already has pre-designed plans available that you'd like to choose from)
- Permitting: 1-3 Months (includes City Land Development and County Building Permits)
- Construction: 6-18 Months (timeline varies depending on whether you’re building from scratch or converting an existing structure)
If you already have a site plan, are using a builder’s pre-designed ADU plan, using a UDO-compliant plan from the City of Charlotte (if applicable), or are converting an existing space (such as a garage or basement), your timeline may be shorter. Whether your ADU is attached or detached can also affect how long each phase takes. Partnering with experienced professionals who understand the City’s permitting process can help minimize delays and keep your project on track.
Q. Who Can Access the City's ADU Design Plans?
A. At this time, only property owners participating in the Queen City ADU Program (coming soon) have access to the City's library of UDO-compliant ADU design plans. These plans are provided at no cost as part of the program. All ADUs must still go through the required permitting process before construction begins.
Q. If I Choose a City-Approved ADU Plan, Who Builds It?
A. The City will not build the ADU for you. You’ll still need to hire your own licensed contractor or builder to complete the project. However, by using a City-approved plan, you can ski the design phase and move forward with a layout that’s already been reviewed for permitting – saving both time and design costs.
Q. What Construction Considerations Should I Be Aware Of?
A. Some of the key things to plan for include:
- Utility access: You’ll need water, sewer, and electricity
- Yard access: Is there room for construction equipment?
- Grading: Is your lot flat or sloped? This affects cost
- Tree protection: Some trees may not be removed or may require a permit
- Stormwater management: Rain runoff must be addressed to avoid flooding
Q. Can I Live in My ADU or Rent it Out?
A. Yes, you can live in it yourself, use it as a home for a family member or friend, or rent it long-term. If participating in the Queen City ADU Program, you may be subject to specific restrictions and requirements. Please be sure to check program requirements.
Q. How Do I Know if I Can Connect Water and Sewer to My ADU?
A. A plumber or builder can assess this during your design phase. You can also contact Charlotte Water directly to ask about connection availability. Your utility connections will be reviewed during the building permit phase, and your plumber will pull a separate permit for installation.
Q. My Property is in a HOA. Can I Build an ADU?
A. Even if your property meets the city's zoning requirements for an ADU, your Homeowners Association (HOA) may have additional restrictions. Some HOAs limit or prohibit ADUs, while others have specific design or approval guidelines. Be sure to check your HOA's rules and get approval from your association before moving forward.
Q: Where Can I Build an ADU?
A: ADUs are permitted within the following City of Charlotte zoning districts: N1-A, N1-B, N1-C, N1-D, N1-E, N1-F, N2-A, N2-B, N2-C, MHP, CG, CR, IC-1, IC-2, OFC, OG, IMU, NC, CAC-1, CAC-2, RA, UC, UE, TOD-UC, TOD-NC, TOD-CC, and TOD-TR. Furthermore, an ADU may only be allowed as accessory to a single-family dwelling or a duplex if the duplex dwelling is not located on a sublot.
Prepare for Your Permit
You will need to establish a new address with Mecklenburg County for the proposed ADU to apply for a permit.
Prepare Submittal Materials
You will need to provide the following:
- Site Plan (lot lines, setbacks, driveways, trees, easements, stormwater features, etc.)
- Building Elevations (front, side, rear views)
- Completed ADU Declaration Form
- Address Assignment Documentation from Mecklenburg County
Pay Fees
Fees are required before reviews begin. Fees include:
Reviews & Corrections
- City staff will review your application for compliance.
- If corrections are required, you'll receive a notice in your Accela portal.
- Upload corrected plans to continue the review process.
Inspections & Final Approval
- Schedule required inspections with both City and County
- Once your plans are approved and inspections passed, the City issues your permit
- A Certificate of Occupancy is required before your ADU can be lived in or rented
If your ADU is within an existing accessory structure, talk with your contractor early about Charlotte Water and Duke Energy connections.
UDO Residential Reviews
All ADUs are residential projects requiring LDIRL review.
The City also requires Urban Forestry and Stormwater reviews
To review permit submittal instructions, checklists, and flowcharts, visit:
If you would like to speak with someone about the ADU Mapping Tool report or questions about building an ADU in Charlotte:
Please note, while we will try to be as comprehensive as possible, the zoning information provided will be in response to your specific question(s) using the most current version of the UDO. The guidance may not include all the requirements from other City and County Departments, or cover all UDO requirements and processes that your property may be subject to.
For Queen City ADU Loan Program questions, contact Jessika McNeill at jessika.mcneill@charlottenc.gov