Raleigh ADU Study
Raleigh ADU Study
Welcome!
In 2019, the City of Raleigh updated its zoning rules to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Five years later, we want to learn what these homes mean for our community.
ADUs—sometimes called backyard cottages, basement apartments, or in-law suites—are becoming part of Raleigh’s housing landscape. They provide flexible options for families, affordable rentals, and income opportunities for homeowners.
This study is designed to listen to a wide range of voices. Whether you:
Own an ADU
Rent one
Live near one
Design and/or build them
Or simply want to share your views as a community member
…your input will help us understand how ADUs are working in Raleigh.
Your responses are anonymous, and each survey should take only a few minutes to complete. Results will shape ADUs by the Numbers, a free public event focused on sharing real data, stories, and insights about ADUs in Raleigh. Findings will also highlight real-world opportunities and challenges and may inform future housing policies.
The study is led by WakeUp Wake County, in partnership with Raleigh Forward.
Thank you for contributing your voice to this important conversation!
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small, self-contained home located on the same lot as a primary residence. An ADU has its own kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
ADUs are sometimes called backyard cottages, garage apartments, or in-law suites.
Types of ADUs
Detached: a separate structure, such as a backyard unit or a converted garage.
Attached: an addition built onto the main house.
Internal: space within the main house that is converted, such as a basement or attic.
ADUs in Raleigh
ADUs have been allowed in Raleigh since 2019, when the City updated its development rules to make them a housing option on many residential lots.
As of September 9, 2025:
143 ADUs have been completed,
203 ADUs have been issued permits, and
64 ADUs are currently under review.
You can learn more about ADUs and ADU policies on the City of Raleigh's website.
This project is a citywide effort to document how ADUs are showing up in Raleigh’s housing landscape. We’re gathering data and stories from homeowners, renters, neighbors, and builders to build a full picture of how ADUs are working in practice.
The findings will be shared at ADUs by the Numbers, a free public event hosted by WakeUp Wake County and Raleigh Forward. The event will feature community voices, survey results, and discussion of real opportunities and challenges. A written report will also be made available to the public.
Raleigh ADU Study: Owner Survey
WakeUp Wake County and Raleigh Forward, two local nonprofits, are gathering community input to understand experiences and perspectives on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Raleigh.For this study,...
Raleigh ADU Study: Occupant Survey
WakeUp Wake County and Raleigh Forward, two local nonprofits, are gathering community input to understand experiences and perspectives on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Raleigh.For this study,...
Raleigh ADU Study: Neighbor Survey
WakeUp Wake County and Raleigh Forward, two local nonprofits, are gathering community input to understand experiences and perspectives on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Raleigh.For this study,...
Raleigh ADU Study: General Survey
WakeUp Wake County and Raleigh Forward, two local nonprofits, are gathering community input to understand experiences and perspectives on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Raleigh.For this study,...
Raleigh ADU Study: Designer/Builder Survey
WakeUp Wake County and Raleigh Forward, two local nonprofits, are gathering community input to understand experiences and perspectives on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Raleigh.For this study,...
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Frequently Asked Questions
No! There are separate surveys for ADU owners, occupants (renters), neighbors, general community members, and designers/builders because we want perspectives from everyone in Raleigh.
Please choose the survey that best fits your experience. Each is tailored to a specific perspective, so you only need to complete one.
Each survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
Only WakeUp Wake County researchers will see individual survey responses. No names, addresses, or identifying details will be shared publicly (including the City of Raleigh and Wake County). Results will only be reported in aggregate and, in some cases, anonymous quotes may be included to illustrate common themes.
We ask for your street address for two reasons:
1. To inform engagement. Your address helps us see which neighborhoods and parts of Raleigh are represented in the study. If certain areas are not represented, we'll know to do more outreach there.
2. To inform research. Studies suggest that location can shape how ADUs are used and experienced. Collecting this information will help us examine those patterns locally.
Individual addresses will never be published or shared.
We ask demographic questions for two reaons:
1. To inform engagement. This information helps us make sure we're hearing from a wide mix of Raleigh residents. It also shows us if certain voices are missing, so we can adjust outreach to include them.
2. To inform research. Studies show that people's experiences with and perspectives about ADUs can differ depending on factors like age, income, or racial identity. Collecting demographic information helps us understand those differences in Raleigh.
Individual demographic data will never be published or shared.
No. The City of Raleigh has not funded this study. Their role has been limited to providing public data about ADUs. The study and the ADUs by the Numbers event are funded independently through support from Raleigh Forward, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, and Central Pines.
A public summary will be released in October 2025. Results will also be presented at the ADUs by the Numbers event on October 9.
Absolutely! Contact our research team via email or voicemail. Be sure to include your name and contact information and we will be in touch about how to get you a copy of the survey in a format that works best for you.
Email: RaleighADUStudy@publicinput.com
Voicemail: 1-855-925-2801 (Project Code= 12075)
Have a question about the Raleigh ADU Study that wasn't addressed in the FAQs above?
Email us at RaleighADUStudy@publicinput.com or leave a voicemail at 1-855-925-2801 (Project Code= 12075) and we will be in touch!
To make sure your comments are considered, please submit feedback using the surveys on this page.
After the surveys close, the results will be analyzed and compiled into a public report. The findings will be shared at ADUs by the Numbers, a free community event highlighting data, stories, and perspectives from across Raleigh.
This effort also marks the beginning of ADU-focused studies in our area. By documenting experiences now, we’re creating a foundation for future research, ongoing dialogue, and informed decision-making about housing in Raleigh.