NC S497

Local governments must allow middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, fiveplexes, sixplexes, and townhouses) in all residential zones, including single-family districts, as permitted uses without public hearings or special permits

Regulations cannot restrict middle housing to less than three stories or a floor area ratio below one, and must use the same permit processes as single-family homes

Local governments are prohibited from requiring commercial building codes, fire sprinklers, HOA/condo associations, private streets, or restricting long-term rentals or owner-determined parking for middle housing

Historic districts (local or National Register) are exempt, and the requirements only apply to areas with access to public water or sewer systems

Local governments have 18 months to adopt compliant regulations; failure to do so allows all middle housing types without limitation in residential zones