ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, are gaining in popularity across Texas. Austin, TX has legislation that makes building an ADU accessible for homeowners — but there’s still a lot of complexity before you can break ground.
If you are thinking about adding more living space to your property, read on to find out:
- If ADUs are Allowed in Austin
- What the Zoning Laws and Requirements Are
- If You Can Rent or Sell an ADU on Your Property
- How ADUs Impact the Real Estate Market
Are ADUs Allowed in Austin?
Yes, they are! Austin, TX is a very friendly area for ADUs, with relaxed restrictions that allow residents to make the most of their property.
In Austin, ADUs are subject to regulations regarding lot size, zoning, and square footage. However, these regulations are designed so that most residential communities allow ADUs.
Austin Tiny Homes builds ADUs in Austin with a focus on customer service and a white-glove process ensuring your project runs smoothly. We know all of Austin’s rules and regulations so you don’t have to. Get in touch to learn more.
What are Austin’s Zoning Laws and Requirements for ADUs?
What Zones Allow ADUs?
In Austin, the residential zones that allow ADUs are single-family zoned, or SF-1, SF-2, and SF-3. That means anywhere in those zones, you can build an ADU provided you meet the other requirements.
Wondering how to understand your property’s zoning in Austin, Texas? Check out the City of Austin’s guide to zoning. They define zones, how they work, and more. You can use the city’s Property Profile lookup to search your address and determine what zone your property is in.
Is There a Minimum Lot Size?
Yes — in Austin currently the minimum lot size for an ADU is 5,750 square feet, or just under 0.15 acres. This is the standard residential minimum lot size. However, the new HOME initiative may decrease that, as it allows for development of a single unit on a smaller lot.
Are There Restrictions on ADU Size?
ADU sizes are restricted in proportion to the size of the lot they are on. In Austin, this is calculated with a FAR — or floor-to-area ratio. That ratio is .55 between two units, so if your lot is the minimum size of 5,750, you would multiply that by .55 to find the total combined size of your units. In this case, it’s 3,162.5 square feet.
What’s the Height Restriction?
ADUs can be up to 2 stories tall, at a maximum height of 30 feet.
Are There Property Setbacks for Austin ADUs?
For lots with two units, like a main dwelling and accessory unit, the units must adhere to setbacks: which is 15’ in the front, and 5’ on the rear and sides. There is no dictated distance between the structures, only that they must adhere to fire safety standards.
What’s the Permitting Process in Austin?
There’s two main applications to complete. First, you’ll do some research to verify that you can build an ADU, and once approved you can request a new address or building number. Then, you’ll need to create an account and apply for the actual permit, which requires a plan review and fees.
When you work with a partner like Austin Tiny Homes, we handle the permitting process. Our experience with ADU projects make it an organized and seamless experience for you.
Can You Rent or Sell an ADU in Austin?
A benefit of building an ADU in Austin is the ability to subdivide your property and sell the ADU separately. This means your ADU build poses the potential for a great return on investment.
We see folks build ADUs for many reasons — to house an elderly loved one, to act as a launch pad for recent college grads, or to serve as a guest house or home office. If your purpose changes and you find you no longer need the extra space, Austin’s regulations make it easy to subdivide and sell your ADU.
In addition, you can tap into rental income by offering your ADU for long- or short-term leasing. In Austin, you can use an ADU for short-term rentals for up to 30 days per year, and there are no restrictions on long-term renting.
ADUs and the HOME Initiative in Austin
The ability to build, sell, or rent ADUs has had an impact on Austin’s real estate market. Standalone ADUs have added more affordable supply into the market, particularly in desirable neighborhoods. Austin has recently introduced an ordinance known as the HOME Initiative, or the Home Options for Middle-Income Empowerment Initiative.
Austin’s HOME initiative includes code changes that allow up to three housing units, including ADUs or tiny homes, on a single-family zoned property. In addition, the HOME initiative also introduces a code that decreases the minimum lot size for tiny homes, meaning you can build a single structure on a smaller piece of land.
These all make the ADU landscape favorable in Austin. However, these changes are likely to attract developers in addition to homeowners, which increases the competitiveness of the market. As a homeowner choosing to build an ADU, know that your property and structure are located in a hot market with lots of demand — which means an ADU can increase your home’s value. And it may be easier to build one than ever before
Need More Info About Austin ADUs?
Whether you are ready to build or simply gathering more information, get in touch with the experts at Austin Tiny Homes today. We offer free site visits to help you decide what type of ADU is suitable for your property and best for your needs.
