Asheville, September 6, 2025
News Summary
Asheville city officials are hosting two information sessions for residents to discuss converting garages and sheds into accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The virtual session on September 10 aims to attract a broad audience, while the in-person event on September 18 at East Asheville Library will allow for direct interaction with city officials. These sessions seek to inform potential builders and homeowners about the ADU conversion process, addressing cost reduction and accessibility. Increased demand for ADUs has created a waitlist expected to last into Spring 2024.
Asheville city officials are inviting residents to participate in two information sessions focused on converting garages and sheds into accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These sessions will provide insights into the conversion process while enabling public input on how to reduce costs and enhance accessibility for potential builders and homeowners.
The first session is a virtual meeting scheduled for September 10, designed to reach a wide audience by offering online participation. A recording of this meeting will be made available on YouTube for those unable to attend in real-time. The second session will be held in person on September 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the East Asheville Library, allowing for direct questions and interaction with city officials.
Registration details and further information about the sessions can be accessed on the city’s official website. These efforts come as Asheville moves to meet increasing demand for ADUs, which serve as smaller, self-contained homes often located on the same lot as single-family houses. The growing interest has resulted in an extensive waitlist for ADU construction that is anticipated to extend into Spring 2024.
Asheville ranks among the top areas in North Carolina for ADU development, sitting at ninth place nationally for new ADUs built. Approximately 235 permits for new ADUs have been granted in Asheville since 2015. In contrast, cities like Wilmington have seen minimal ADU construction, with local developers reporting very few additional units built in over two decades.
ADUs can be detached or attached from main residences, commonly referred to by terms such as granny flats or backyard cottages. The appeal of these units includes the opportunity for homeowners to generate additional rental income and provide affordable housing options for tenants in sought-after neighborhoods. Recent modifications in regulatory frameworks in cities like Asheville, Greensboro, and Wilmington have facilitated the process of building ADUs.
However, there are challenges associated with constructing ADUs. Homeowners must navigate zoning regulations, obtain necessary permits, and address funding and parking requirements. Wilmington recently addressed one of these hurdles by eliminating off-street parking requirements for ADUs, aiming to encourage more construction.
Despite the enthusiasm around ADUs, housing experts express debate on their overall effectiveness as a solution to wider housing shortages. Although they are recognized as valuable, experts assert that ADUs should be viewed as just one of many tools needed to tackle the complex housing landscape. Urban development initiatives in cities such as Raleigh have begun to promote more varied housing types, including duplexes and quadplexes, to strengthen housing availability.
Financing poses another obstacle for potential ADU builders. Many lenders do not account for future rental income when assessing loan applications, making it difficult for homeowners to secure funding. Critics have raised the issue of whether ADUs alone can adequately address the pressing housing needs, advocating for a broader scope of housing alternatives.
Despite these challenges, ADUs continue to be viewed positively for their potential to increase property value for homeowners and provide affordable living opportunities for the local workforce, seniors, and families. Asheville has been shaping its ADU regulations for over 70 years, with revisions made as recent as 2015 to encourage more diverse housing options.
FAQ
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What are Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)?
ADUs are small, separate homes built on a single-family property, which can be attached to the main house or exist as standalone structures. They are also known as granny flats or backyard cottages.
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When are the information sessions scheduled?
Two information sessions are planned: a virtual session on September 10 and an in-person session on September 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the East Asheville Library.
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How can residents register for the sessions?
Residents can find registration details and additional information on the city’s official website.
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What has driven the interest in ADUs in Asheville?
The high demand for ADUs in Asheville has sparked significant interest among homeowners, leading to a waitlist for construction that extends into Spring 2024.
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What challenges does one face when building an ADU?
Challenges include navigating zoning regulations, obtaining permits, accessing funding, and complying with parking requirements.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) | Small, separate homes on single-family lots, either attached or detached. |
| Sessions Timing | Virtual: September 10, In-Person: September 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. |
| Location for In-Person Session | East Asheville Library |
| Permits Issued | Approximately 235 since 2015 in Asheville. |
| Expectations | Builder waitlist extending to Spring 2024. |
| Regulatory Changes | Recent adjustments easing ADU construction across various cities. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Carolina’s Population Surge and Housing Challenges
Asheville City Council Addresses Affordable Housing Crisis
Discover the Luxury Living and Scenic Beauty of Marion’s Real Estate Market
Additional Resources
- Star News Online: ADUs in NC
- Tallahassee: Granny Flats Solution
- Greenville Online: Mother’s Law Suite
- University of North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Accessory Dwelling Unit
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
