ADU Rules in Arlington, TX (2026)

Arlington, TX permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law governs the approval process. In Arlington, the City of Arlington Development Services handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Arlington.

ADU Size Limits

ADU Size Limits in Arlington: Detached ADU: up to 800 sq ft (max height: 20 feet). Attached ADU: Up to 50% of primary dwelling floor area. Arlington UDC allows accessory structures and ADUs in single-family residential zones. The city does not use the California JADU concept. Detached accessory structures are limited to 800 sqft. ADU standards may be found in the Supplemental Standards section of the Arlington UDC.

Permit Fees

ADU Permit Fees in Arlington: Plan check fee: $150–$700. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $400–$2,000. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: $600–$3,500 total fees. Texas cities generally do not impose significant impact fees for residential ADU construction. Contact Arlington Development Services for the current fee schedule.

Permit Timeline

Arlington ADU Permit Timeline: Arlington Development Services: plan review typically 2-4 weeks for accessory structures. Online permit portal available. Construction 3-8 months. Apply through the City of Arlington Development Services online permit portal. Phone: (817) 459-6502.

Setback Requirements

ADU Setback Requirements in Arlington: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: 3 feet. Rear setback: 5 feet. Detached ADUs in Arlington require minimum 5 ft rear setback and 3 ft side setbacks. Front yard placement not permitted for accessory structures. Arlington UDC Supplemental Standards.

Parking Requirements

Parking Requirements: 2 parking spaces per dwelling required in single-family zones. 1 additional space per ADU. Arlington is one of the largest cities in the US without a public transit system — all transportation is car-dependent, making parking requirements very important.

Restrictions & Requirements

• •ADU must be on same lot as primary residence
• •Must comply with UDC setback and coverage standards
• •ADU cannot be sold separately from the primary lot
• •Event zone considerations near AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field — zoning overlay districts may apply near entertainment complexes

How Many ADUs Are Allowed?

Number of ADUs Allowed in Arlington: Single-family lots: 1 ADU per single-family lot. Multifamily properties: Subject to zone density provisions. Arlington allows one ADU per single-family residential lot under the UDC.

Frequently Asked Questions