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- Cary homeowners now have more flexibility when it comes to building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
- These flexible living spaces can serve a wide range of needs, from accommodating aging parents or young adult children to providing housing for multi-generational families or individuals with special needs.
- Expanding the potential for ADUs is a key strategy outlined in the 2021 Cary Housing Plan and the Imagine Cary Community Plan, reflecting Cary’s commitment to meeting the needs of a growing and diverse community.
Cary homeowners now have more flexibility when it comes to building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). With recent updates to Cary’s Land Development Ordinance, the Cary Town Council has eased regulations, making it simpler and more accessible for residents to add these secondary units.
ADUs — also known as in-law suites, backyard cottages, or garage apartments — are small secondary housing units located on the same lot as a primary residence. These flexible living spaces can serve a wide range of needs, from accommodating aging parents or young adult children to providing housing for multi-generational families or individuals with special needs.
“This ordinance amendment is an important step forward in realizing the goals of our Cary Housing Plan,” said Heather Whelehan, Cary’s Director of Housing and Community Partnerships. “By making it easier to build ADUs, we’re expanding housing choices and supporting residents at every stage of life.”
ADUs may take several forms, including detached cottages, converted garages, or attached additions. They are regulated by state building codes and may be subject to additional Homeowners Association (HOA) rules where applicable.
Expanding the potential for ADUs is a key strategy outlined in the 2021 Cary Housing Plan and the Imagine Cary Community Plan reflecting Cary’s commitment to meeting the needs of a growing and diverse community.
Residents interested in exploring eligibility requirements and design standards and beginning the application process can visit Cary’s Accessory Dwelling Units webpage for a Citizen Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units.
April 15, 2025 update
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.
One of Cary’s top priorities is ensuring a variety of housing options to meet the diverse needs of our residents. Allowing more ADUs is a key recommendation from the Cary Housing Plan, supporting the Cary’s efforts to offer high-quality, new housing choices—while preserving the character of existing neighborhoods.
What Are ADUs?
ADUs are smaller, self-contained living spaces located on the same lot as a primary home. These can take many forms, such as a garage apartment, a backyard cottage, or an addition to an existing house. Often referred to as “in-law suites” or “granny flats,” ADUs provide flexible living options for seniors, young adults, people with special needs, and multigenerational families.
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.
Looking Ahead
This update is part of Cary’s broader strategy to create more housing choices for our community. Changes are effective June 2. To learn more about ADUs and the ordinance updates visit Cary’s ADU information page.