ADU Rules in Arlington, TX (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Arlington, TX. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Whether ADUs are allowed in Arlington, TX has not been confirmed — see the official source before proceeding.
Whether Arlington, TX permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) has not been confirmed from an official source. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. Contact the local building department through their official website to verify current ADU rules before proceeding, as regulations may have changed since this data was last reviewed.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Arlington: Detached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source (max height: varies — see official source). Attached ADU: size varies by zoning — see official source.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | See official source | See official source |
| Attached ADU | See official source | See official source |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Arlington: Plan check fee: Varies. Building permit fee: Varies. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: Varies.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $150–$700 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $400–$2,000 |
| Impact Fees | None |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | See official source |
Permit Timeline
Arlington ADU Permit Timeline: Permit timeline has not been confirmed — contact the department for current processing times. Apply through the local building department online permit portal. Contact them through their official website for current contact information.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Arlington: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: no minimum. Rear setback: no minimum.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: Parking requirements have not been confirmed — see official source.
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: not confirmed — see official source. Multifamily properties: not confirmed — see official source.
- Single-Family Lots
- 1 ADU per single-family lot
- Multifamily Properties
- Subject to zone density provisions
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
We could not confirm a statewide ADU preemption statute for Texas.
View Texas preemption detailsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Arlington?
Yes. Arlington, TX allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU per single-family lot.
How big can an ADU be in Arlington?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Arlington is 800 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Arlington?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Arlington is Arlington Development Services: plan review typically 2-4 weeks for accessory structures. Online permit portal available. Construction 3-8 months.. Total estimated permit fees are $600–$3,500 total fees.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Arlington?
Arlington parking rules for ADUs: 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.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Arlington?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Arlington: No state-mandated owner-occupancy requirement. Arlington UDC does not require owner-occupancy for ADU rental.
Source: Arlington Unified Development Code (UDC). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source