Town of Cary, NC

06/05/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/05/2025 08:24

ADU Restrictions Eased to Support Housing Options in Cary

  • 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, NC - 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. For more information on Cary's commitment to housing, visit housing.carync.gov.

Primary Contacts

If you have specific questions about Town services or operations, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email 311@carync.gov.

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Town of Cary, NC published this content on June 05, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 05, 2025 at 14:25 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io