Accessory Dwelling Units Frequently Asked Questions What is an accessory dwelling unit? An ADU is a separate and complete dwelling unit having its own kitchen, bathroom, and living space sharing the same lot as a primary dwelling unit. An ADU can be a detached ADU, such as a stand-alone cottage or it can be an attached ADU, which means that it exists with the primary structure, like a basement or attic apartment. Why does Asheville permit ADUs? ADUs have always been allowed in Asheville. They provide practical housing options for the elderly, empty nesters, young students, and new families, and can provide additional rental income for homeowners. ADUs can help to provide needed housing and do not require the extra expense of purchasing land, can be developed by converting existing structures, and do not usually require the extension of city infrastructure for the additional housing units. Can I build one? If you live in a residential zoning district, one ADU is allowed on each lot that contains or will contain a single-family home. Be sure there are no private restrictive covenants that disallow ADUs on your parcel, which may be recorded with the deed. The issuance of a permit does not eliminate the responsibility of a property owner to comply with applicable private covenant restrictions. Do I need a permit? Yes! You are required to get a permit through the Development Services Department before any work begins. We also recommend that you get a professional survey to be sure you comply with setback requirements and to understand the precise location of utilities (gas, sewer, water, etc). I’m in a Historic District. Can I build an ADU? Yes, ADUs are permitted in local historic districts. In addition to any other necessary permits, ADUs in historic districts require a Major Work Certificate of Appropriateness with review by the Historic Resources Commission (HRC). The design would be reviewed based on the guidelines set forth by the district, which may be more restrictive than the underlying zoning. Get to know your local historic district guidelines before developing ADU plans. Learn more or contact HRC staff by phone at 828-259-5638 or online at www.ashevillenc.gov/hrc. What is the Process? Step 1 Submit an application and building & site plans to the Development Services Department via the Development Portal. The application and plans will be reviewed for compliance with the applicable standards for ADU’s. You will be notified of any potential issues. Step 2 Once plans are approved and a permit is issued, you may begin work. Regular inspections will be required as you complete the various phases of your project. Related Services Learn about large-scale development Keep up to date on current projects and applications. Register a commercial development neighborhood meeting notice Register a notice for a commercial development neighborhood meeting. Schedule a mandatory Technical Review Committee pre-application meeting Schedule your required pre-application meeting for Level II, Level III, Conditional Zoning and Major Subdivision reviews. Schedule an optional early assistance meeting Receive expert technical advice from staff during the preliminary phase of a project, for prospective business owners, developers, and designers Apply for a commercial site development permit Submit development plans for Level I, Level II, Level III, Major Subdivision, Conditional Zoning, or Conditional Use projects. Apply for a homestay permit Apply for a new homestay permit or apply to renew your existing permit. Build an addition or remodel a house Forms and guides to remodel or build an addition to a residential property Apply for a trade permit Apply for residential and commercial electrical, gas piping, plumbing, mechanical, re-roof, or multi-trade permits. Build a detached structure or deck Guide and forms to build a deck, shed, solar array, retaining wall, swimming pool, or other accessory structure on a residential property Build a new house, duplex, townhome or modular home Links to all of the forms you may need to build a new house Look up information about a permit Use online tools to look up information about permits Check whether your address is within city limits Search to see if it is within the City of Asheville's permitting jurisdiction. More Related Services Accessory Dwelling Units News Updated City of Asheville Noise Ordinance goes into effect September 15 Posted on September 9, 2021 by Polly McDaniel At their July 27 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to update the City’s Noise Ordinance with an aim to identify and prioritize noise concerns and develop clear and enforceable thresholds for noise generation. As the newly revised ordinance will go into effect September 15, we wanted to let residents know where to find [...] Major disaster declaration granted for Western North Carolina counties damaged by Tropical Storm Fred, including Buncombe Posted on September 8, 2021September 8, 2021 by Polly McDaniel From the Office of Governor Roy Cooper: The White House and FEMA have granted Governor Roy Cooper’s Aug. 27 request for a major disaster declaration for seven North Carolina counties that were hit hard by floods after Tropical Storm Fred. “This federal disaster declaration will help provide assistance for Western North Carolina communities to rebuild stronger and [...] Flood damages? Info on dedicated call center and local resources Posted on August 20, 2021 by Polly McDaniel As our local leaders are assessing the damage to Buncombe County in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fred, Buncombe County Emergency Services is standing up a call center to connect residents to resources and information. To assist with disaster recovery, Buncombe County has activated a dedicated line for those impacted. An Emergency Services Call Center is [...] More Accessory Dwelling Units News
Register a commercial development neighborhood meeting notice Register a notice for a commercial development neighborhood meeting.
Schedule a mandatory Technical Review Committee pre-application meeting Schedule your required pre-application meeting for Level II, Level III, Conditional Zoning and Major Subdivision reviews.
Schedule an optional early assistance meeting Receive expert technical advice from staff during the preliminary phase of a project, for prospective business owners, developers, and designers
Apply for a commercial site development permit Submit development plans for Level I, Level II, Level III, Major Subdivision, Conditional Zoning, or Conditional Use projects.
Build an addition or remodel a house Forms and guides to remodel or build an addition to a residential property
Apply for a trade permit Apply for residential and commercial electrical, gas piping, plumbing, mechanical, re-roof, or multi-trade permits.
Build a detached structure or deck Guide and forms to build a deck, shed, solar array, retaining wall, swimming pool, or other accessory structure on a residential property
Build a new house, duplex, townhome or modular home Links to all of the forms you may need to build a new house
Check whether your address is within city limits Search to see if it is within the City of Asheville's permitting jurisdiction.
Updated City of Asheville Noise Ordinance goes into effect September 15 Posted on September 9, 2021 by Polly McDaniel At their July 27 meeting, Asheville City Council voted to update the City’s Noise Ordinance with an aim to identify and prioritize noise concerns and develop clear and enforceable thresholds for noise generation. As the newly revised ordinance will go into effect September 15, we wanted to let residents know where to find [...]
Major disaster declaration granted for Western North Carolina counties damaged by Tropical Storm Fred, including Buncombe Posted on September 8, 2021September 8, 2021 by Polly McDaniel From the Office of Governor Roy Cooper: The White House and FEMA have granted Governor Roy Cooper’s Aug. 27 request for a major disaster declaration for seven North Carolina counties that were hit hard by floods after Tropical Storm Fred. “This federal disaster declaration will help provide assistance for Western North Carolina communities to rebuild stronger and [...]
Flood damages? Info on dedicated call center and local resources Posted on August 20, 2021 by Polly McDaniel As our local leaders are assessing the damage to Buncombe County in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fred, Buncombe County Emergency Services is standing up a call center to connect residents to resources and information. To assist with disaster recovery, Buncombe County has activated a dedicated line for those impacted. An Emergency Services Call Center is [...]