Staff explains why accessory living space differs from a dwelling under Southern Shores code
Sep 2, 2026
Sep 2, 2026
Town staff told the board that 'accessory structures with living space' are permitted but that full 'dwelling units' are not; combined enclosed living space for principal and accessory buildings may not exceed 6,000 sq ft, and whether a space is an ADU depends on the dwelling‑unit definition (cooking, sanitation, sleeping, living).
The full story
During its staff presentation the town reviewed how the Southern Shores zoning ordinance defines key terms that control whether an accessory building may be used as a separate dwelling.
Sign up to keep reading.
Your free newsletter brings you what your city council, county, and school board discussed and decided.
or
Free account
Keep reading for free
Create a free account to finish this story and see the video, transcript and key details.
Continue with GoogleContinue with emailAlready have an account? Log in →