ADU Regulations in Texas: A City-by-City Breakdown

Unlike California, Washington and Oregon, Texas has not passed statewide ADU preemption legislation. That means ADU feasibility in Texas is entirely a local question — your city's zoning code determines whether you can build one, how big it can be, and what it needs to look like.

Austin: the most ADU-friendly Texas market

Austin allows ADUs on most single-family lots under its HOME ordinance changes of 2023. A detached ADU ('secondary apartment') can be up to 1,100 sq ft, and owner-occupancy is no longer required. Austin also allows vertical mixed-use near transit.

Houston: no zoning, but deed restrictions apply

Houston is famously the only major US city without traditional zoning. In theory, you can build an ADU almost anywhere. In practice, deed restrictions in most established neighborhoods often restrict additional structures. Check the deed and any HOA rules before planning.

Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth

• Dallas allows ADUs only in specific zoning categories; many single-family zones prohibit them outright.
• San Antonio permits ADUs in some residential zones but requires owner-occupancy of the main house.
• Fort Worth has been expanding ADU permissions, particularly for garage conversions, under recent code revisions.

Texas ADU rules are evolving rapidly. Confirm with your specific city's development services department before planning or investing.