North Myrtle Beach Council to Consider Proposed ADU Zoning Rules Monday

North Myrtle Beach City Council is scheduled to hold a first-reading vote on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, on two zoning amendments that would establish a citywide process for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). If approved, the changes would allow homeowners to apply to build small, secondary living spaces—such as garage apartments, backyard cottages, or in-law suites—on single-family residential lots.

Under the main proposal, agenda item ZTX-26-9, homeowners could request permission from the Board of Zoning Appeals to construct one ADU per qualifying lot as a special exception, which requires a public hearing for each case. The draft limits units to one bedroom and up to 800 square feet, requires one additional off-street parking space, and prohibits the ADU from being sold separately from the main residence. Detached units would require a minimum lot size of 7,500 square feet, a 15-foot separation from the main house, a maximum height of 25 feet, and placement in a side or rear yard. Units built attached to or inside an existing home would not face a minimum lot size.

City staff noted that the city's median age is roughly 61.9 years, with 41.6 percent of residents aged 65 or older, arguing that ADUs offer housing options for aging parents, adult children, or caregivers. The Planning Commission voted 5–2 to recommend approval of the main amendment on Sept. 22. A companion amendment, ZTX-26-10, approved 7–0 by the commission, would remove existing ADU restrictions specific to the Resort Commercial district—including an owner-occupancy requirement—to bring that district under the standard citywide framework.

Community debate surrounds the absence of owner-occupancy requirements or short-term rental bans in the proposed draft. City staff indicated that short-term rentals fall under general licensing rules to be reviewed separately, though no date has been set for that discussion.

Monday's vote is a first reading only. A second reading and vote will be required before any zoning changes take effect, giving local residents an opportunity to review the proposal and share feedback with city officials.