Thinking about adding additional space to your home in a standalone structure? There are many benefits to adding an accessory dwelling unit to your property.
An ADU can add a peaceful place for you to work from home, add private living quarters for guests, or even open up a stream of income.
However, when planning your build, you must understand the requirements of building an accessory dwelling unit.
Legal Definition of an ADU in Austin
According to the Austin, Texas local building department, a structure or portion of a structure can be considered a “dwelling unit” if it contains a habitable space, a full bathroom, and a sink or a dishwasher outside of a full bathroom.
The key here is the term “habitable space,” which refers to facilities for cooking, eating, and sleeping. In this case, that means an ADU does require a functional kitchen. However, the kitchen can be small and pared back — it doesn’t need to have a stovetop, oven, and microwave. It must have reasonable facilities for cooking or warming food.
Permitting Requirements for ADUs
When you are considering an ADU project, you’ll need to work with a trusted partner who understands the requirements for ADUs in Texas and the permitting process.
First, you’ll need to know the requirements for an ADU in Austin. You can read more about that here.
To secure a building permit for your ADU, you will typically need to follow these general steps:
Verification and Planning
You’ll want to conduct a feasibility study or initial site visit with an ADU design professional to ensure your plans comply with all current zoning and code requirements. At this point, you should also make sure your ADU plans are in compliance with any HOA covenants or deed restrictions. While your builder can guide you, it will be your responsibility to ensure there are no private restrictions barring an ADU from your property.
In addition, since your new ADU will be considered a separate dwelling unit, it will require a unique address or building number. You’ll need to obtain this through the City’s Address Management Services before submitting the permit application.
Prepare Required Documents
You will need a complete set of construction documents, which usually includes:
- Residential building permit application
- Site plan that shows property lines, all existing and proposed improvements, easements, setbacks, and an Erosion & Sediment Control Plan (ESCP)
- Full set of construction drawings
- Energy code compliance forms
Your ADU builder should manage this process. Of course, as the homeowners, you’ll need to be involved in some steps, but the permitting process is best left to an experienced professional.
Application Submission & Review
Applications are typically submitted through the City of Austin’s online permitting platform, known as Austin Build + Connect (AB+C). Then, the city’s Development Services Department will review the plans for compliance with zoning, building codes, fire codes, and more. This review process often involves multiple cycles of comments and revisions.
You can work with a seasoned builder who has already gone through the permitting process many times and tailored their design plans to make this step smooth sailing. Browse our ADU floor plans here to get inspiration!
Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy
Once the permit is issued, construction can begin. City inspectors will need to approve various phases of construction, like the foundation, framing, electrical, and plumbing, as the project progresses.
After all final inspections are approved, the city will issue a Certificate of Occupancy, which legally certifies that your new ADU is move-in ready!
What if I Can’t Build an ADU? Can I Build an Accessory Structure?
Some neighborhoods and HOAs don’t allow accessory dwelling units, but will allow accessory structures. An accessory structure is an ADU that doesn’t require all of the same facilities as an ADU — namely, a kitchen.
The requirements, permitting process, and build will be largely the same. However, there are some key differences to know if you decide an accessory structure is for you:
You cannot legally use an accessory structure as a rental. If you plan to use your ADU as a rental in the future, it must have cooking facilities. An accessory structure won’t have that, and therefore cannot be used as a long-term or short-term rental.
You can skip some requirements. Accessory structures are not subject to the same lot requirements as ADUs, and they don’t count toward the maximum units per lot under the Home Initiative.
You don’t have to get a separate address. As part of the permitting process for ADUs, you must get a new address and set up separate utility metering. You won’t have to go through this step for an accessory structure.
Learn from Austin’s Premier ADU Experts
Austin Tiny Homes knows the requirements for ADUs inside out. We are also experts at sailing through the permitting process, due to years of experience and strong local relationships.
Beyond that, we offer a white-glove experience to our clients, making your ADU build efficient and stress-free.
We’ve helped clients manage complex permitting processes, like a client who needed a permit even though their site was located in a floodplain. We were able to add proper mitigation efforts to protect structural integrity by raising the foundation of the ADU to prevent floodwaters from damaging the structure. These mitigation efforts paid off, and we were able to successfully get permit approval.
Learn more about our expertise and service. Get in touch with Austin Tiny Homes for your ADU build.
