In the high-growth corridors of Wilmington, Hampstead, and Leland, the concept of "missing middle" housing is moving from a planning buzzword to a lucrative reality for investors. As we navigate the housing landscape of 2025, property owners in New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties are increasingly looking to maximize their lot potential through Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and duplexes.

However, identifying which neighborhoods allow these secondary units requires a strategic dive into local Unified Development Ordinances (UDO). While North Carolina legislation has trended toward encouraging higher density, the "right to build" still hinges on your specific zoning district and local municipal tweaks.

The New Rules for ADUs in Wilmington and New Hanover

The City of Wilmington recently overhauled its Land Development Code, dramatically expanding eligibility for ADUs (often called "granny flats" or "garage apartments").

• The 1,200 Square Foot Cap: In Wilmington, ADUs are now permitted up to 1,200 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling’s size, whichever is smaller. This is a significant increase from previous years, allowing for true two-bedroom secondary homes in backyards from Forest Hills to Pine Valley.
• Zoning Districts: Most residential lots in the city are now eligible, provided they meet setback requirements, typically 5 feet from side and rear lines.
• The R-3 Duplex Shift: A landmark 2025 amendment to the R-3 district (concentrated primarily in the Greater Downtown area) now allows for duplexes on smaller lots where they were previously prohibited. This is a massive play for investors looking to convert single-family homes into dual-income streams.

Navigating Pender and Onslow: The Utility Hurdle

In Pender and Onslow counties, the ability to build a duplex or ADU is often tied to infrastructure rather than just the zoning map.

• Surf City and Hampstead: In Surf City, districts like R-10 and R-5 are specifically established for medium-density, allowing duplexes by-right if public water and sewer are available. In the faster-growing parts of Hampstead, soil capacity for septic systems is the "silent" zoning officer. Even if your zoning allows a duplex, a failed "perc" test for the additional wastewater will halt the project.
• Jacksonville and Onslow County: In the RA (Rural Agricultural) and certain R-10 districts near Camp Lejeune, ADUs are encouraged but regulated by size. Onslow County generally caps enclosed accessory structures at 50% of the main home's heated square footage unless a Special Use Permit is obtained.

Brunswick County: The Oak Island and Leland Play

Brunswick County has seen some of the most aggressive text amendments regarding accessory dwellings.

• Leland Growth: Many new communities in Leland are zoned as "Planned Unit Developments" (PUDs). In these areas, the developer, not just the county, dictates the rules. You must check the Master Declaration of Covenants to see if ADUs are prohibited, even if county zoning would otherwise allow them.
• Oak Island ADUs: The town of Oak Island allows detached accessory buildings but maintains a strict height limit of 20 feet and a square footage cap of 10% of the total lot area. This makes "carriage houses" (apartments over garages) difficult to build without careful architectural planning to stay under height restrictions.

Your Next Step

Maximizing the density of your property is a strategic move that requires a partner who can look past the curb and into the county code. At Aspyre Realty Group, we are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them. We act as your strategic partner and guide, helping you identify neighborhoods in Southeastern North Carolina with the most favorable zoning for your investment goals, ensuring your property is positioned for maximum long-term value.