ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Dallas (2026)
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit requirements, fees, and process for Dallas, TX. Find out if you need a permit and how to apply.
Yes, a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Dallas, TX.
A ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Dallas, TX. The Dallas Sustainable Development and Construction Department handles permit applications for Dallas. Below you will find the current thresholds, fees, and process for obtaining a adu (accessory dwelling unit) permit in Dallas.
When Is a Permit Required?
When a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Is Required in Dallas: All ADU/accessory living quarters construction
Permit Fees
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Fees in Dallas: $2,000–$8,000. Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks.
Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks
How to Get a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Dallas
Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold in Dallas: All ADU/accessory living quarters construction.
Prepare your permit application and plans. Contact the Dallas Sustainable Development and Construction Department at https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/Pages/default.aspx for required documentation.
Submit your application online at https://aca.dallascityhall.com/ or in person at the Dallas Sustainable Development and Construction Department.
Pay the permit fee: $2,000–$8,000.
Wait for plan check approval. Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks.
Schedule required inspections through https://aca.dallascityhall.com/. All inspections must pass before project is finalized.
Important: Dallas Sustainable Development permit required. Dallas has no impact fees, reducing overall ADU construction cost compared to Austin.
Dallas Sustainable Development and Construction Department
Phone: (214) 948-4480
Website: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/Pages/default.aspx
Online Permits: https://aca.dallascityhall.com/
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Dallas?
Yes, Dallas allows accessory living quarters (ADUs) on single-family residential lots. Unlike Austin's HOME Ordinance, Dallas has more conservative ADU rules — limited to roughly 50% of the primary dwelling floor area or up to 1,000 sqft. Texas has no statewide ADU law, so Dallas regulations apply. Importantly, Dallas does not charge impact fees, making ADU construction somewhat less expensive than in Austin.
What zoning district is my Dallas property in?
You can look up your Dallas property's zoning at the Dallas GIS portal (gis.dallascityhall.com). Most single-family neighborhoods are zoned R-7.5 (7,500 sqft minimum lot), R-10, or R-13. Dallas also has many Planned Development (PD) districts with custom standards. The Dallas Development Code Chapter 51A governs most zoning standards.
Does Dallas have STR (Airbnb/VRBO) registration requirements?
Yes, Dallas requires STR registration ($150/year). Rentals of 30 days or fewer require a registered unit. Texas STR regulation was shaped by state law — AZ SB 1350 equivalent preemption does not exist at state level for Texas, so Dallas has authority to regulate STRs. Maximum occupancy limits and noise ordinance compliance are required.
What is the forwardDallas 2.0 plan?
forwardDallas 2.0 is Dallas's comprehensive land use and zoning reform process, updating the 1998 forwardDallas plan. The process is examining housing production, ADU policies, transit-oriented development, and development code modernization. The Dallas City Plan Commission and City Council are the decision-making bodies. Changes from this process could significantly affect ADU allowances and residential development standards.
Are there historic preservation restrictions on my Dallas property?
Dallas has Landmark Structures and Historic Overlay Districts in neighborhoods like Swiss Avenue, Munger Place, Bryan Place, and Kessler Park. If your property is designated, you'll need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Dallas Landmark Commission for exterior changes. You can check your property's historic status through the Dallas Preservation website.
Source: Dallas Building Code — ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Requirements. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source