• Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory Dwelling Units

Update – April 15, 2025

At its April 10 meeting, Cary Town Council adopted ACT 32, a significant update to Cary’s Land Development Ordinance that expands opportunities for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The amendment passed with a unanimous vote and will go into effect on June 2.
 

This update is part of Cary’s broader strategy to create more housing choices for our community. 

What’s Changing? 

With ACT 32, ADUs are now allowed in all residential zoning districts where detached dwellings are allowed, and with increased maximum sizes (depending on the property and primary home size). The updated ordinance also simplifies the rules to make it easier for property owners to build them. While this change increases flexibility, some limitations still apply, such as setbacks and requirements set by homeowners associations or the North Carolina building code. 

To learn more about ADUs and the ordinance updates, visit Cary’s ADU information page