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ADU types we build around Charlotte
Four ways to add a second home to your lot, and the design and permit work that goes with each. Your main house and your town's code decide which fits.
Backyard cottageNew, freestanding, most private.
Garage conversionReuses a structure you already own.
In-law suiteInside or attached to the house.
Garage apartmentA unit above a new or existing garage.
ADU design and permits
Zoning research, plans, engineering, the town zoning review and the county building permit. Included with every build, or as a standalone service.
Design and permitsHow do the types compare under Charlotte's rules?
Based on the City of Charlotte's residential permit form and its ADU declaration, as of October 2026:
| Type | Where it goes | Size limit in Charlotte | Good fit when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard cottage | New detached accessory structure | Up to 50% of the main home's floor area | The rear yard is open and you want full privacy |
| Garage conversion | Existing detached or attached garage | 50% in a detached or accessory structure; 40% if the space is part of the house | The garage is solid and you can give up the parking |
| In-law suite | Inside the main house | Up to 40% of the main home's floor area | You have a basement, wing or bonus room to separate |
| Garage apartment | Above a garage | Up to 50%, and no taller than the main house | The yard is small but you need parking too |
Towns outside Charlotte use their own rules. See service areas.
Can I have more than one ADU in Charlotte?
No. The city's form allows one ADU per lot, as of October 2026. The total square footage of all accessory structures on the lot also cannot exceed the heated first-floor area of the main house, which matters if you already have a large detached garage or workshop.
Which type is usually cheapest?
It depends on the starting point. A sound garage gives you a slab, walls and a roof to work with, so conversions tend to cost least. A new cottage costs more but can be laid out exactly as you want. The Charlotte cost guide has published ranges.
Check what your lot allows
Share the address and the kind of unit you are picturing. We pull the zoning, compare it with the ADU rules for that town, and tell you what looks buildable.
Serving Charlotte, Matthews, Huntersville, Mint Hill and Pineville.