Texas may be one of the biggest states, but many of its residents are in search of tiny living! Demand for ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, has been steadily growing. With new legislation making it easier to build, many homeowners are wondering if tiny homes are a worthwhile addition to their property.
We’ve got all the details on where tiny homes are allowed in Texas, what restrictions and requirements are in place for ADUs, and how to get started on an ADU built specifically in the Austin, TX area.
First Things First: What is an ADU?
ADU stands for accessory dwelling unit. This refers to a secondary structure on residential property intended to be livable space. You may have heard these tiny homes called granny flats, casitas, backyard cottages, or in-law houses. To get ideas for your future ADU, browse our models!
ADUs have many different uses. They are popular for families who want to help loved ones downsize and age-in-place, or offer an affordable launchpad for recent college graduates. They can also serve as poolhouses, guest houses, or even office or studio space!
In Texas, an ADU is legally defined as “livable space” meaning it has cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities. That means your ADU needs to contain a kitchenette and bathroom — even if you plan to use it as a creative studio!
Are ADUs Allowed in Texas?
Yes! ADUs are allowed in Texas in most municipalities. However, some areas are stricter than others when it comes to regulations, which makes building an ADU difficult
What Areas in Texas Allow ADUs?
The following municipalities allow ADUs, provided your property meets the zoning requirements.
- Austin
- Dallas
- San Antonio
- Houston
- Fort Worth
- El Paso
- Plano
- Frisco
- Garland
- Grand Prairie
- McKinney
- Denton
- Round Rock
- Lubbock
- College Station
- Bastrop
- New Braunfels
- Amarillo
- Killeen
- Abilene
- Tyler
- Waco
However, some municipalities either don’t allow ADUs in residential areas or have strict regulations that make building an ADU difficult. Those locations are:
- Laredo
- Midland
- Odessa
- Beaumont
- Wichita Falls
- Brownsville
- Longview
- San Angelo
This is not a comprehensive list of every municipality in Texas — and the regulations and restrictions do vary even within the city limits of a city or town.
The best way to know if you can build an ADU on your property in Texas is to inquire with your local building department or contact an ADU professional in your area!
ADUs in Austin, TX
Austin, TX has ADU-friendly legislation that makes it easy to build an ADU! In fact, Austin has been one of the first areas in Texas to relax restrictions and encourage Texans to make the most of their property with an accessory dwelling unit.
While ADUs in Austin are still regulated by total lot size, square footage, and zoning, Austin’s ADU laws make it possible to build an ADU in most residential communities.
Austin Tiny Homes builds fully-customizable ADUs in Austin and surrounding areas. We make it easy for homeowners — our comprehensive approach includes the entire permitting process, and our experts can help you understand your property is zoned for a secondary unit. Plus, our white-glove service ensures you won’t run into any issues should you decide to sell your home and ADU in the future.
What Are Texas ADU Laws?
In the municipalities above, ADUs are generally allowed but are still subject to regulations, zoning requirements, and restrictions. In addition, you typically need a permit to build an ADU on your property — so it’s not exactly a quick DIY project! Here is a high-level guide on Texas ADU laws:
Zoning Requirements
First and foremost, your property needs to be zoned for an accessory dwelling unit. This typically means it’s in a residential area. High-density residential areas may not be zoned for secondary living structures, so be sure to check what zone your property is in to see if it is ADU-friendly!
In Austin, the zones that allow ADUs are SF-1, SF-2, and SF-3.
Restrictions
Beyond zoning, there are some restrictions on building ADUs. These are:
Minimum lot size: Your lot must meet a square footage requirement to be considered big enough to build an ADU. In Austin, Texas, this is 5,750 square feet.
Maximum ADU size: ADUs are referred to as “tiny homes” for a reason. Usually, there’s a maximum square footage or lot percentage that restricts the overall size of an ADU. In Austin, it’s calculated with a floor to area ratio (FAR) based on the property size. For a single family home and one ADU, this ratio is .55 total between the two units. Here’s how the calculation works — for a 6,000 sq ft lot with two units, the maximum combined size of both units can be 6,000 x .55 or 3,300 square feet.
Height restrictions: An ADU on your property also must meet height restrictions — this varies from place to place. In Austin, it’s 30 feet.
Property setbacks and separation: In addition to property and ADU size, you must meet setbacks, meaning the ADU has to be a certain distance away from areas of the property, such as the property lines or main structure. In Austin, the side and rear setbacks are typically 5 feet and there is no setback from the main house as long as the structures comply with fire safety codes. ADUs also must include vehicular access via a driveway or alley, and adhere to parking ordinances. If an ADU is attached to the main house (like a garage conversion) a separate entrance is required.
Architectural compatibility: This means ADU must be constructed in a similar fashion to complement the main house. This includes the foundation style, roofing materials, siding, and overall design.
Permitting
Since ADUs are considered residential construction, you’ll need a residential building permit. Typically, you’ll need to visit your local permitting office to get this started. It may consist of multiple steps, like verifying your address and zoning, certifying compliance, submitting drawings, and more.
If you are working with a professional, they’ll help guide and manage the permitting process.
How to Build an ADU in Austin, Texas
Ready to build an ADU? Get in touch with the experts at Austin Tiny Homes. We’ll guide you through the entire process — from understanding if your location is zoned for ADUs to choosing the finishes and design of an ADU that will complement your existing home.
We can even help answer some frequently asked questions about financing, cost, and timelines once we know more about your specific property. Get a free consultation to learn more.
