ADU Rules in Dallas, TX (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Dallas, TX. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Dallas, TX.
Dallas, 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 Dallas, the Dallas Sustainable Development and Construction Department handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Dallas.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Dallas: Detached ADU: up to 50% of primary dwelling floor area or 500 sqft, whichever is greater, up to 1,000 sqft maximum (max height: 25 feet). Attached ADU: 40% of primary dwelling floor area. Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A. Detached accessory living quarters limited to lesser of 500 sqft or 50% of primary structure, with some flexibility in form-based overlay districts. JADU is a California-specific concept not used in Texas.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 50% of primary dwelling floor area or 500 sqft, whichever is greater, up to 1,000 sqft maximum | 25 feet |
| Attached ADU | 40% of primary dwelling floor area | Per zone height limit |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Dallas: Plan check fee: $300–$1,800. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $1,000–$4,500. Impact fees: Dallas does not currently charge impact fees for residential development. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: $2,000–$8,000 total fees. Dallas notably does not charge the impact fees common in Austin and other Texas cities, which can significantly reduce overall ADU construction costs. Water/wastewater connection fees may apply for new service.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $300–$1,800 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $1,000–$4,500 |
| Impact Fees | Dallas does not currently charge impact fees for residential development |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | $2,000–$8,000 total fees |
Permit Timeline
Dallas ADU Permit Timeline: Dallas Sustainable Development and Construction permit: typically 3-6 weeks. Electronic plan review available through the ePlan system. Construction typically 4-12 months. Apply through the Dallas Sustainable Development and Construction Department online permit portal. Phone: (214) 948-4480.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Dallas: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: 5 feet. Rear setback: 5 feet. Accessory structures including ADUs in Dallas must maintain minimum 5 ft rear and side setbacks in most residential districts. Alley-facing lots may have different requirements. Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: 1 parking space required per ADU/accessory living quarters. Parking may be reduced in transit-adjacent areas near DART rail stations.
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU/accessory living quarters must be on same lot as primary dwelling
- Maximum size limits per Chapter 51A
- One ADU per residential lot in most districts
- ADU cannot be separately sold or conveyed from the main lot
- Must comply with lot coverage limits of the applicable zone
- Accessory structure setbacks apply — 5 ft from rear and side property lines in most zones
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Dallas: Single-family lots: 1 ADU/accessory living quarters per single-family lot. Multifamily properties: Not typically allowed in MF zones as separate accessory units. Dallas allows one accessory living quarters per single-family lot. Some overlay districts or form-based areas may have different provisions.
Single-Family Lots
1 ADU/accessory living quarters per single-family lot
Multifamily Properties
Not typically allowed in MF zones as separate accessory units
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Dallas has 24 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Dallas Landmark Commission designates Dallas Landmark Structures and oversees Dallas Historic Overlay Districts. Historic neighborhoods include Swiss Avenue, Munger Place, Bryan Place, Kessler Park, and portions of Oak Cliff. Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) required for changes to designated landmarks and properties in historic districts. Dallas Preservation maintains the landmark database. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/historicpreservation/Pages/default.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Dallas?
Yes. Dallas, TX allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU/accessory living quarters per single-family lot.
How big can an ADU be in Dallas?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Dallas is 50% of primary dwelling floor area or 500 sqft, whichever is greater, up to 1,000 sqft maximum square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Dallas?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Dallas is Dallas Sustainable Development and Construction permit: typically 3-6 weeks. Electronic plan review available through the ePlan system. Construction typically 4-12 months.. Total estimated permit fees are $2,000–$8,000 total fees.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Dallas?
No, Dallas does not require additional parking for ADUs.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Dallas?
No, owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs in Dallas.
Source: Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A — Dallas Zoning Ordinance; accessory structure and accessory living quarters provisions. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source