ADU’s in The Low Country – Charleston Area Real Estate

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), sometimes called a carriage house or in-law suite, is a separate, detached living space with a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area on the same property as a single-family home.

As the cost of housing continues to rise, local leaders are looking to allow these accessory dwelling units in residential areas to provide more housing options. 

Leaders in the local government of North Charleston recently proposed a new ordinance that would allow homeowners to rent the separate unit to a long-term tenant, which would provide additional income to the homeowner and increase housing stock. 

North Charleston currently allows ADUs in a few overlay districts, such as the Olde North Charleston Historic District and Neighborhood Conservation District, which covers a strip of Park Circle between Spruill and Virginia avenues. The new ordinance is aimed at areas like Park Circle where larger lot sizes can accommodate additional density, as opposed to already dense areas like Liberty Hill, Chicora-Cherokee and Accabee. 

According to the proposed ordinance, an ADU cannot be more than two-thirds the size of the principal dwelling unit or exceed 800 square feet. The lot size must be at least 4,500 square feet. An additional off-street parking spot for the ADU must be provided. All ADUs must be permitted by the city. 

It’s intentional that these additional units are small, said Tim Macholl, the city’s director of planning and zoning, during a November committee meeting. He said the space is ideal for a college student who is spending the summer at home or in-laws staying in town. It also provides an opportunity for additional income for homeowners if they choose to rent it out, he added.  However, these units are not eligible for short-term rental permits, so they can not be used for vacation rental services, like Airbnb. 

The demand for ADU’s is on the rise. They offer some affordable housing solutions, an option for multi-generational living and versatility of home space as they can be used as home offices, living spaces or possibly rentals.

Goose Creek also has previsions in their ordinance for ADU’s and many other municipalities are incorporating guidelines as well to accommodate the ADU trend.

If you are considering an ADU, check with your local municipality and Homeowner Association to make sure they are allowed and to obtain the guidelines, rules and permitting requirements.

read more here Post and Courier

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