ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in El Paso (2026)
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit requirements, fees, and process for El Paso, TX. Find out if you need a permit and how to apply.
Yes, a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in El Paso, TX.
A ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in El Paso, TX. The El Paso Development Services Department handles permit applications for El Paso. Below you will find the current thresholds, fees, and process for obtaining a adu (accessory dwelling unit) permit in El Paso.
When Is a Permit Required?
When a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Is Required in El Paso: All ADU construction
Permit Fees
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Fees in El Paso: $800–$4,000. Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks.
Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks
How to Get a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in El Paso
Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold in El Paso: All ADU construction.
Prepare your permit application and plans. Contact the El Paso Development Services Department at https://www.elpasotexas.gov/development-services for required documentation.
Submit your application online at https://aca.elpasotexas.gov/ or in person at the El Paso Development Services Department.
Pay the permit fee: $800–$4,000.
Wait for plan check approval. Estimated timeline: 4-8 weeks.
Schedule required inspections through https://aca.elpasotexas.gov/. All inspections must pass before project is finalized.
Important: El Paso Development Services. Separate utility connections may require El Paso Water Utilities review.
El Paso Development Services Department
Phone: (915) 212-0000
Website: https://www.elpasotexas.gov/development-services
Online Permits: https://aca.elpasotexas.gov/
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my El Paso property?
Yes. El Paso allows accessory dwelling units in single-family residential zones under the Zoning Ordinance. Detached ADUs are limited to 800 sqft in R-1 zones. Unlike California, Texas has no statewide ADU preemption law, so El Paso's local code governs. You'll need a building permit from El Paso Development Services. ADUs must comply with setback and lot coverage requirements.
Is El Paso on the Texas ERCOT electrical grid?
No. El Paso is served by El Paso Electric (EEP), which is part of the Western Interconnection, not the Texas ERCOT grid. This means El Paso was not affected by the 2021 ERCOT winter storm failures. El Paso Electric has its own utility service territory covering El Paso and parts of southern New Mexico. This distinction affects solar net metering rules, which are governed by El Paso Electric's tariffs rather than ERCOT market rules.
Are short-term rentals allowed in El Paso?
Yes. El Paso allows short-term rentals with a license ($100/year). All rentals of 30 days or fewer require an STR license. The license number must be displayed in all listings. El Paso collects Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) on STR rentals — platforms like Airbnb typically collect this automatically on qualifying rentals.
What permits do I need to install solar in El Paso?
You'll need an electrical permit from El Paso Development Services and an interconnection agreement with El Paso Electric for grid-tied systems. El Paso has exceptional solar resources — over 320 sunny days per year with some of the highest solar irradiance in the continental US. El Paso Electric offers a net metering program for residential solar. The permit process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
How does being a border city affect El Paso's zoning and development?
El Paso's location on the US-Mexico border shapes its development in several ways. The city has binational infrastructure considerations (international bridges, border crossings). The Rio Grande floodplain along the border falls under International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) jurisdiction in addition to FEMA. Fort Bliss's presence creates significant military housing demand. El Paso's economy and housing market are closely tied to Ciudad Juárez, making it more resilient than inland Texas cities in some ways but also exposing it to cross-border economic factors.
Source: El Paso Building Code — ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Requirements. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source