Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Parking Standards in Raleigh
Under the City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are not required to provide any dedicated off-street vehicle parking spaces. The Raleigh UDO specifies that there is "No maximum" limit on the number of vehicle spaces that can be provided for an ADU, and there are no minimum requirements for either short-term or long-term bicycle parking [Section 7.1.2.C].
Off-Street Vehicle Parking Requirements
The City of Raleigh does not mandate minimum off-street parking for Accessory Dwelling Units across its various residential and mixed-use districts. According to the UDO's required parking table, ADUs fall under the "Household Living" category and have no restricted maximum for vehicle parking, unlike other multi-unit living arrangements that may have specific caps per unit [Section 7.1.2.C].
While the Raleigh UDO does not require dedicated parking for the ADU, any parking that is voluntarily provided on the lot must still comply with general development standards, such as those governing parking surfaces and driveway locations [Section 7.1.9]. Furthermore, in the Downtown (DX-) District or the Transit Overlay District (-TOD), specialized parking requirements may apply to the principal use of the lot, but they do not impose a minimum requirement on the accessory unit [Section 7.1.3].
ADU Parking and Site Standards Table
| Category | Vehicle Parking (max) | Short-Term Bicycle Parking (min) | Long-Term Bicycle Parking (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | No maximum | None | None |
Bicycle Parking Requirements
The City of Raleigh has established minimum bicycle parking standards for many types of residential developments to encourage alternative transportation. However, Accessory Dwelling Units are explicitly exempted from these requirements. As shown in the UDO Parking Requirements by Use table, the minimum required for both short-term and long-term bicycle parking is "None" [Section 7.1.2.C].
General Regulations for ADUs in Raleigh
In addition to parking, the Raleigh UDO maintains several standards that impact the development of an ADU on a property:
- Location and Form: An ADU is defined as a self-contained dwelling unit located on the same lot as a principal dwelling. It may be detached, attached, or internal to the principal structure (such as a converted basement or a unit above a garage) [Section 12.2].
- Quantity: Generally, there shall be no more than one ADU on a single lot. However, in Frequent Transit Areas as designated by the City's Comprehensive Plan, up to two ADUs may be permitted on a single lot, provided only one is attached to the principal building [Section 2.6.3.D.2].
- Size Limits: The gross floor area of the ADU must be less than the gross floor area of the principal dwelling on the lot [Section 2.6.3.D.1.a].
- Access: All ADU entrances must be externally accessible by pedestrians from the driveway, street, or alley from which the lot takes access [Section 2.6.3.D.8].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.6.3.D: Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
- Section 7.1.2.C: Parking Requirements by Use
- Section 7.1.3: Specialized Vehicle Parking Requirements
- Section 7.1.9: Parking Surface Standards
- Section 12.2: Defined Terms (Accessory Dwelling Unit)