Texas ADU Rules & Permit Guide

Texas does not yet have a statewide ADU mandate. Here’s how to navigate city-by-city rules, understand 2025 bill activity, and follow a clean permit path—plus official links.

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Step 2 of 4: Regulations

TL;DR: No statewide ADU law in Texas as of . 2025 bills (SB 673/HB 2480) were considered but not enacted. Your city/county code governs lot size, parking, height, and process. Use the official links to verify before you design or apply. {{verify locally}}

No statewide mandate Local code governs 2025 bills (not enacted) Check HOA restrictions
Illustrative detached ADU behind a Texas single-family home
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Texas ADU — at-a-glance

Statewide status
No statewide ADU mandate (local ordinances control). {{verify locally}}
2025 bills
SB 673 (Senate-passed; died in House calendar), HB 2480 (introduced). {{verify locally}}
Where allowed
Varies by city/county. Check zoning district and overlays first.
Parking
City-specific. Some jurisdictions have no minimums; accessibility rules still apply.
Owner-occupancy
Varies; typically set locally or by HOA covenants.
Process
Local permit portal; electronic plan review common in larger cities.

Always verify HOA/deed restrictions in addition to city code and county health approvals (septic/well where applicable). {{verify locally}}

How to plan an ADU in Texas (5 steps)

  1. Find your rules: Search “Your City ADU ordinance” and zoning map; confirm district, lot size, setbacks, height, coverage. {{verify locally}}
  2. Screen constraints: Utilities, driveways, floodplain, wildfire/wind, trees, historic, septic/well.
  3. Concept design: Fit within local standards; draft site plan + floor/elevations; consider prefab vs custom.
  4. Apply online: Create account in the local permit portal; upload a single, text-searchable PDF; pay intake fees.
  5. Respond & build: Address plan review comments, pull permits, schedule inspections, obtain CO.
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Submittal checklist (quick scan)

  • Site plan (setbacks, access, utilities)
  • Floor plans & elevations (scaled)
  • Structural notes/calcs; energy compliance
  • Flood/septic documents if applicable
  • HOA approval letter if required

Name files like ADU_Texas_Plans_2025-09-11.pdf.

Size & parking overview (illustrative)

Local control

City ACity BCity C

Illustrative only. Each city sets its own ADU standards. {{verify locally}}

Parking examples

No minimum1 stallContextual

Parking varies by jurisdiction; accessibility rules still apply. {{verify locally}}

Local voice prompt

Try speaking to your assistant:

“Hey Siri, ask ADUPlanet — what are the ADU rules in my city in Texas?”

Follow-ups: “Do I need parking?” “What’s the max height?” “Do HOAs block ADUs?”

Community rating (pilot)

FAQ — Texas ADUs

Is there a statewide ADU law?

No. As of September 11, 2025, statewide bills were considered but not enacted. Your local code controls. {{verify locally}}

What did SB 673 propose?

Streamlined approvals and limits on local restrictions; it passed the Senate but did not become law. {{verify locally}}

Does my HOA matter?

Yes. Deed restrictions and HOA covenants can supersede city allowances; review your documents.

How do parking rules work?

They’re city-specific. Some cities require 0–1 stall; accessible spaces may still apply. {{verify locally}}

Where should I start?

Scan your city’s planning page, then line up Costs, Builders, and Financing. Use your local permit portal to apply.

2-minute planning walkthrough (Texas)

Transcript (abridged): Step 1 — Check local code; Step 2 — Screen constraints; Step 3 — Concept & parking; Step 4 — Apply online; Step 5 — Reviews, permits, inspections. {{verify locally}}