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Apply for Queen City Accessory Dwelling Unit program

UPDATE (10/30/2025): This program is closed to new applications as of Friday, October 31. Any applications submitted after October 31st will not be considered. For applicants who have already submitted, you may still return to your application and upload documents as needed, or email them directly to Jessika.McNeill@charlottenc.gov. Please see below for required documentation.
 

The City of Charlotte provides staff and financial support to eligible property owners of single-family homes who are planning to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their property.
 

Through the Queen City ADU Program, property owners may receive up to $80,000 per unit—or 50% of total project costs, whichever is less—in forgivable, interest-free financing to help construct or convert a detached space into an ADU. The loan is forgiven at a rate of $10,000 per year of compliance. The final award amount is based on your construction estimates, scope of work, and whether you are using City-provided design plans.
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How to apply

  1. Eligibility Requirements

    Applicants must meet all the following:

    • Property may be owner-occupied or non-owner occupied
    • No income restrictions apply to property owners
    • Property owners must contribute at least 50% of the loan amount in matching funds and provide proof of this prior to the first loan disbursement (in select cases where a property owner demonstrates limited financial capacity and meets additional criteria, the City may offer a reduced match requirement)
    • Property taxes and mortgage payments must be current
    • The property must be located within the City of Charlotte

  2. Required Documents

    To ensure timely review, please have the following ready to upload. You may also choose to submit these after your initial application.

    • Copy of Recorded Deed
    • Copy of current homeowner’s insurance policy
    • Copy of flood insurance (if in a floodplain)
    • Current mortgage statement

  3. Additional Documents

    These are not required, but please upload them if you have them. Submitting these documents may make your application more competitive:

    • Estimates from licensed contractors for your ADU project
    • ADU permit or permit application
    • Copies of any applicable permits required for final approval
    • Design plans
    • Bank statement or loan approval showing matching funds

  4. What Happens After You Submit

    1. Application Review – City staff will review your submission for eligibility and completeness.
    2. Follow-Up – If needed, staff will request additional documents or clarification
    3. Decision Notification – You will be notified in writing of approval, conditional approval, or denial.
    4. Next Steps for Approved Applicants – You will receive instructions for signing the loan agreement, attending Fair Housing training, and completing pre-construction requirements.

  5. Next steps

    Due to receiving an overwhelming amount of applications, response times are delayed. You will hear from a member of our team as soon as possible about the status of your application. Thank you for your patience.

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