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ADU Rules in Dallas, Texas

Complete guide to building an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Dallas — zoning, setbacks, permits, costs, and more.

Max Size: Greater of 700 sq ft or 25% of the main structure's floor area, minimum 200 sq ft (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(C)(i), overlay lots). Outside an overlay the general accessory-structure cap applies: one structure may not exceed 25% of the main building's floor area and all accessory structures together 50%, excluding parking (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(vii)(dd)-(ee)). Setbacks: 3 ft when the structure is under 15 ft tall (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(B)(ii)); at 15 ft or taller the base district rear yard applies, 5 ft for single-family structures in R-5(A) and R-7.5(A) (Sec. 51A-4.112). Outside an overlay Sec. 51A-4.403(b)(2) lets an accessory structure under 15 ft sit 3 ft from a rear line on an alley, or on the line where there is no alley. Parking: Varies Verified: 2026-09-20

Researched by ADU Zoning Hub · verified 2026-09-20 against Dallas planning code and Texas ADU law · methodology · 25 sources cited ↓

ADU Score: 4/10
Restrictive · how we score

Are ADUs allowed in Dallas, TX? [1][2][3][4][5][6]

Sometimes. Dallas permits accessory dwelling units, but not by right on a typical lot. A Dallas single-family lot gets one dwelling unit by right (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(A)). A rentable ADU needs a Board of Adjustment special exception ($600, owner-occupancy deed restriction, annual rental registration; Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)) or a lot inside an Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay that a neighborhood of 50 or more houses petitions for (Sec. 51A-4.510). Neither is a counter application. Confirm your own parcel qualifies with the planning department before you buy plans or budget for a build — approval is discretionary, so a neighbouring lot's outcome does not decide yours.

Maximum sizeGreater of 700 sq ft or 25% of the main structure's floor area, minimum 200 sq ft (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(C)(i), overlay lots). Outside an overlay the general accessory-structure cap applies: one structure may not exceed 25% of the main building's floor area and all accessory structures together 50%, excluding parking (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(vii)(dd)-(ee)).
SetbacksRear 3 ft when the structure is under 15 ft tall (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(B)(ii)); at 15 ft or taller the base district rear yard applies, 5 ft for single-family structures in R-5(A) and R-7.5(A) (Sec. 51A-4.112). Outside an overlay Sec. 51A-4.403(b)(2) lets an accessory structure under 15 ft sit 3 ft from a rear line on an alley, or on the line where there is no alley. · Side 3 ft when the structure is under 15 ft tall and in the rear 30% of the lot (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(B)(i)); otherwise the base district side yard, 5 ft for single-family structures in R-5(A) and R-7.5(A) (Sec. 51A-4.112). A corner lot's street side keeps the front-yard rule. Outside an overlay Sec. 51A-4.402(b)(3) gives the same under-15-ft, rear-30% exemption to any accessory structure.
ParkingOne off-street space, waived within 1,200 ft of a DART bus or transit stop; an overlay may reduce it when 75% of owners sign the petition or on the steering committee's recommendation (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(F)). On a Board of Adjustment approval, if no extra space is provided the board decides whether that creates a traffic hazard and may require one (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)(bb)).
Owner-occupancyRequired while either unit is rented: the owner must live in the main house or the ADU during the tenancy, with up to one year's absence by director approval (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(4)). Board of Adjustment approvals add a recorded owner-occupancy deed restriction and annual registration in the single-family rental program, $74 a year from Oct 1, 2025 (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)(cc); Sec. 27-31(e)(3)).

Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Dallas? [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]

Yes. Every ADU in Dallas needs a building permit. Review process: Two routes, both discretionary. (1) Board of Adjustment special exception for a rentable ADU (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)): application and checklist at Building Inspection, Oak Cliff Municipal Center, 320 E. Jefferson Blvd, Room 105; $600 filing fee plus $10 per notification sign; the board hears the case on its monthly docket and, if it approves, requires the deed restriction and rental registration. (2) A lot inside an adopted ADU Overlay (Sec. 51A-4.510) skips the hearing. Either way the unit then needs a residential master permit (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing; Ch. 52 Sec. 303.2.2) filed through the DallasNow portal, with site plan, floor plan and construction drawings; Development Services 214-948-4480..

Permit fees$1,200-$1,400 building permit for a 600-1,000 sq ft unit: Table A-I ($1.07 per sq ft up to 700 sq ft; $0.34569 per sq ft plus $300 above) plus $577 plan review, $25 handling and $15 technology fee (fee schedule of July 1, 2025); Board of Adjustment special exception $600 (Ch. 52 Sec. 303.12.1.4).
Typical timelineNot published. Ch. 52 Sec. 302.1.1 requires a completeness check within 10 business days of filing; a Board of Adjustment case goes on a monthly docket after acceptance, so allow one to two months on that route before permit review. Confirm review times with Development Services, 214-948-4480.
Official Dallas links:

Three things to know before you build in Dallas

  • Ask Planning & Development whether your block is inside an adopted ADU Overlay before designing; if it is not, budget for a Board of Adjustment case ($600 plus $10 per notification sign) and one monthly hearing cycle, and expect the deed restriction to run with the land
  • Keep the unit under 15 ft tall and in the rear 30% of the lot to use the 3-ft side and rear setbacks; taller or further forward, the full district setbacks (5 ft in R-5(A) and R-7.5(A)) apply, and nothing may sit in front of the main house without a separate special exception
  • Size from your house: 25% of a 2,400 sq ft house is 600 sq ft, so the 700 sq ft floor governs until the main house exceeds 2,800 sq ft; a 700 sq ft unit also pays the top of the Table A-I fee curve ($749) while 800 sq ft pays $577

Last verified 2026-09-20 against Dallas planning code — status: discretionary. How we verify

Dallas does not allow an accessory dwelling unit by right on a single-family lot. A homeowner needs a Board of Adjustment special exception under Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii) ($600 filing fee, recorded owner-occupancy deed restriction, annual rental registration), or the street must be inside an Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay that a neighborhood of at least 50 houses petitions for under Sec. 51A-4.510. Inside an overlay the unit may be the greater of 700 sq ft or 25% of the main house, one story, no taller than the house, 3 ft from side and rear lines when under 15 ft tall and in the rear 30% of the lot, with one parking space unless within 1,200 ft of a DART stop. The building permit for a 600-1,000 sq ft unit runs about $1,200-$1,400 under the July 1, 2025 fee schedule. No Texas statute overrides this: SB 673 died in May 2025 and the 2025 housing laws (SB 15, SB 840, HB 24) contain no ADU provision.

Zoning & Size Requirements [1][2][3][4][5][6]

Sometimes — Dallas allows ADUs, but not by right on a typical lot. A Dallas single-family lot gets one dwelling unit by right (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(A)). A rentable ADU needs a Board of Adjustment special exception ($600, owner-occupancy deed restriction, annual rental registration; Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)) or a lot inside an Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay that a neighborhood of 50 or more houses petitions for (Sec. 51A-4.510). Neither is a counter application.

Allowed ZonesNot by right. Single family use is one dwelling unit per lot (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(A)). A rentable ADU needs a Board of Adjustment special exception, available in any district (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)), or a lot inside an adopted Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay (Sec. 51A-4.510), petitioned for by 10 or more owners for 50 or more houses. A non-rental family unit is a separate 'additional dwelling unit' special exception with a no-rent deed restriction (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(i)-(ii)).
Max Size (Detached)Greater of 700 sq ft or 25% of the main structure's floor area, minimum 200 sq ft (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(C)(i), overlay lots). Outside an overlay the general accessory-structure cap applies: one structure may not exceed 25% of the main building's floor area and all accessory structures together 50%, excluding parking (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(vii)(dd)-(ee)).
Max Size (Attached)Greater of 700 sq ft or 25% of the main use's floor area (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(C)(ii), overlay lots). On a Board of Adjustment approval the accessory-structure limit of 25% of the main building governs unless the board also grants a floor-area special exception (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(vii)(dd)).
Max Size (JADU)No junior ADU category in Dallas. A rentable unit inside the house is an accessory dwelling unit under the same Sec. 51A-4.510 / Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii) rules; a non-rental family suite is an 'additional dwelling unit' special exception (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(i)).
Max HeightMay not exceed the height of the main dwelling, and one story maximum (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(D)(i) and (G)); a unit over a detached garage may go to the district height cap, 30 ft in R-5(A) and R-7.5(A) (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(D)(ii); Sec. 51A-4.112). Outside an overlay Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(vii)(cc) also caps any accessory structure at the main building's height.
Max UnitsOne ADU per lot: the unit is defined as a single rentable dwelling subordinate to the main unit (Sec. 51A-4.510(a)(1)) and may not be sold separately (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(1)(B)). An overlay lot may carry two electrical services and two meters (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(3)); elsewhere a single-family lot is limited to one meter unless the board grants a special exception (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(v)).

Setback Requirements [1][2][3][4][5][6]

Dallas requires a rear setback of about 3 ft for a detached ADU, and parking requirements vary by unit size or location. Owner-occupancy is required.

Rear Setback3 ft when the structure is under 15 ft tall (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(B)(ii)); at 15 ft or taller the base district rear yard applies, 5 ft for single-family structures in R-5(A) and R-7.5(A) (Sec. 51A-4.112). Outside an overlay Sec. 51A-4.403(b)(2) lets an accessory structure under 15 ft sit 3 ft from a rear line on an alley, or on the line where there is no alley.
Side Setback3 ft when the structure is under 15 ft tall and in the rear 30% of the lot (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(B)(i)); otherwise the base district side yard, 5 ft for single-family structures in R-5(A) and R-7.5(A) (Sec. 51A-4.112). A corner lot's street side keeps the front-yard rule. Outside an overlay Sec. 51A-4.402(b)(3) gives the same under-15-ft, rear-30% exemption to any accessory structure.
Front SetbackAn ADU may not be placed in front of the main structure; the Board of Adjustment may grant a special exception (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(E)). District front yards: 25 ft in R-7.5(A), 20 ft in R-5(A) (Sec. 51A-4.112(f)-(g)).
Parking RequiredOne off-street space, waived within 1,200 ft of a DART bus or transit stop; an overlay may reduce it when 75% of owners sign the petition or on the steering committee's recommendation (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(F)). On a Board of Adjustment approval, if no extra space is provided the board decides whether that creates a traffic hazard and may require one (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)(bb)).
Owner OccupancyRequired while either unit is rented: the owner must live in the main house or the ADU during the tenancy, with up to one year's absence by director approval (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(4)). Board of Adjustment approvals add a recorded owner-occupancy deed restriction and annual registration in the single-family rental program, $74 a year from Oct 1, 2025 (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)(cc); Sec. 27-31(e)(3)).
Min Lot SizeNone ADU-specific (Sec. 51A-4.510 sets no lot minimum). The district minimum applies to the lot itself, for example 5,000 sq ft in R-5(A) (Sec. 51A-4.112(g)), and every roofed structure counts toward the district's 45% lot coverage cap in R-5(A) and R-7.5(A).

Permit Process & Fees [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]

An ADU permit in Dallas goes through a standard permit review. Review time: not published. Ch. 52 Sec. 302.1.1 requires a completeness check within 10 business days of filing; a Board of Adjustment case goes on a monthly docket after acceptance, so allow one to two months on that route before permit review. Confirm review times with Development Services, 214-948-4480. Fees range from $1,200-$1,400 building permit for a 600-1,000 sq ft unit: Table A-I ($1.07 per sq ft up to 700 sq ft; $0.34569 per sq ft plus $300 above) plus $577 plan review, $25 handling and $15 technology fee (fee schedule of July 1, 2025); Board of Adjustment special exception $600 (Ch. 52 Sec. 303.12.1.4).

Approval ProcessTwo routes, both discretionary. (1) Board of Adjustment special exception for a rentable ADU (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)): application and checklist at Building Inspection, Oak Cliff Municipal Center, 320 E. Jefferson Blvd, Room 105; $600 filing fee plus $10 per notification sign; the board hears the case on its monthly docket and, if it approves, requires the deed restriction and rental registration. (2) A lot inside an adopted ADU Overlay (Sec. 51A-4.510) skips the hearing. Either way the unit then needs a residential master permit (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing; Ch. 52 Sec. 303.2.2) filed through the DallasNow portal, with site plan, floor plan and construction drawings; Development Services 214-948-4480.
Review TimelineNot published. Ch. 52 Sec. 302.1.1 requires a completeness check within 10 business days of filing; a Board of Adjustment case goes on a monthly docket after acceptance, so allow one to two months on that route before permit review. Confirm review times with Development Services, 214-948-4480.
Permit Fees$1,200-$1,400 building permit for a 600-1,000 sq ft unit: Table A-I ($1.07 per sq ft up to 700 sq ft; $0.34569 per sq ft plus $300 above) plus $577 plan review, $25 handling and $15 technology fee (fee schedule of July 1, 2025); Board of Adjustment special exception $600 (Ch. 52 Sec. 303.12.1.4).
Impact FeesNone listed. No water, wastewater or transportation impact fee appears in the city's Permit Fee Schedule (July 1, 2025) or in Ch. 52 Sec. 303; a unit on the house's existing meter pays no connection charge. A separate water or sewer tap and meter is billed by Dallas Water Utilities at its own rates, so ask before adding a second service.
Plan Check$577 minimum residential plan review ($0.046 per sq ft, Ch. 52 Sec. 303.5.1.2), included in the permit figure above; each plan revision after issuance $100 per hour per trade; completeness check within 10 business days (Sec. 302.1.1).
Pre-Approved PlansNone. Dallas publishes no pre-approved ADU plan set; the only expedited residential option listed on the Building Inspection Residential page is the Rapid Single Family VIP (RSVP) review.

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Construction Costs [16][17][18]

Building an ADU in Dallas typically costs $130,000-$320,000 ($250-$400 per sq ft); a garage conversion runs $30,000-$100,000.

See what this means for your lot — ask Dallas ADU builders for a quote →

Average Build Cost$130,000-$320,000
Cost per Sq Ft$250-$400
Garage Conversion$30,000-$100,000
Prefab ADU (Installed)$150,000-$300,000

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Rental Income Potential [19][20][21]

A 2-bedroom ADU in Dallas rents for around $1,750-$1,900/mo, an estimated 5-15% gross yield: $1,300-$1,900 a month on a $130,000-$320,000 build, before taxes, vacancy, financing and the annual $74 rental registration.

Avg Rent (1 Bedroom)$1,300-$1,550/mo
Avg Rent (2 Bedroom)$1,750-$1,900/mo
Short-Term RentalRegulated separately. Every short-term rental must be registered with the city under Chapter 42B (Secs. 42B-4 to 42B-6, fees under Sec. 42B-5), and an ADU approved under Sec. 51A-4.510 or Sec.
Est. Annual ROI5-15% gross yield: $1,300-$1,900 a month on a $130,000-$320,000 build, before taxes, vacancy, financing and the annual $74 rental registration

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Recent Law Changes

What's Changed Recently

  • No ADU text change in 2025 or 2026: Sec. 51A-4.510 still reads as adopted by Ord. 30931 (June 27, 2018) and the Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E) special-exception rules are unchanged in the July 2026 (S-33) code supplement; no ADU amendment appeared on the City Council or Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee dockets through September 2026 (ZOAC cancelled its June-September 2026 meetings)
  • Dallas Zoning Reform, the full rewrite of Chapter 51A, is in drafting; the first public draft had not been released as of September 2026, and the city says topical code amendments are being folded into it. Any change to the ADU rules would come through that rewrite
  • Texas SB 673, the statewide ADU-by-right bill, passed the Senate and died on the House General State Calendar on May 26, 2025; the 2025 housing laws that did pass (SB 15 small-lot standards, SB 840 residential uses in commercial zones, HB 24 zoning-protest thresholds) contain no ADU provision, so Dallas's local rules govern
  • Permit Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2025 (Ord. 33080) added a $15 technology fee per document and left Table A-I new single-family construction unchanged at $1.07 per sq ft up to 700 sq ft; Board of Adjustment single-family special exception stays $600 (Ch. 52 Sec. 303.12.1.4)
  • Single-family rental registration fee rose to $74 a year on October 1, 2025 (Sec. 27-31(e)(3)); every rented ADU must carry it

Tips for Building an ADU in Dallas

  • Ask Planning & Development whether your block is inside an adopted ADU Overlay before designing; if it is not, budget for a Board of Adjustment case ($600 plus $10 per notification sign) and one monthly hearing cycle, and expect the deed restriction to run with the land
  • Keep the unit under 15 ft tall and in the rear 30% of the lot to use the 3-ft side and rear setbacks; taller or further forward, the full district setbacks (5 ft in R-5(A) and R-7.5(A)) apply, and nothing may sit in front of the main house without a separate special exception
  • Size from your house: 25% of a 2,400 sq ft house is 600 sq ft, so the 700 sq ft floor governs until the main house exceeds 2,800 sq ft; a 700 sq ft unit also pays the top of the Table A-I fee curve ($749) while 800 sq ft pays $577
  • Cost basis: UHS Remodeling DFW casita guide (June 29, 2026) $150,000-$400,000+ for 600-1,000 sq ft at $250-$400 per finished sq ft, four to seven months; DFW garage conversions $25,000-$75,000, up to $100,000 with a kitchen (UHS, April 24, 2026); modular units $100,000-$250,000 from the factory and $200,000-$400,000+ installed (Dwelling Index, May 27, 2026). Rents: HUD FY2027 FMR Dallas HMFA 1BR $1,536 and 2BR $1,807; Zumper September 2026 $1,304 and $1,800; RentCafe August 31, 2026 $1,416 and $1,853
  • Two electric meters are allowed on an overlay lot (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(3)); anywhere else a second meter needs its own Board of Adjustment special exception (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(v)), so plan on a sub-panel off the house meter
  • Trees: Article X tree conservation does not reach single-family lots under two acres unless the street is in a Neighborhood Forest Overlay (Sec. 51A-4.511(a)(3)); deed restrictions and HOA covenants are the more common blocker, so read them before you spend on plans
  • Cost basis (2026-09-20 re-verification): short term allowed: Regulated separately. Every short-term rental must be registered with the city under Chapter 42B (Secs. 42B-4 to 42B-6, fees under Sec. 42B-5), and an ADU approved under Sec. 51A-4.510 or Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii) is a rental unit that must be registered in the single-family rental program. Whether nightly rental is a permitted use on your lot is a zoning question; confirm with Planning & Development before planning on it.

ADU Builders in Dallas

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Sources & References

All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.

  1. Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-4.510, Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay (Ord. 30931), July 2026 S-33 supplement Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
  2. Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-4.209, Residential Uses (single family (b)(6): additional dwelling unit, accessory dwelling unit special exceptions, accessory structures) Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
  3. Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-4.402, Minimum Side Yard (accessory structures under 15 ft in rear 30% of lot) Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
  4. Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-4.403, Minimum Rear Yard (accessory structures under 15 ft; 3 ft on an alley) Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
  5. Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-4.112, Single Family Districts (R-7.5(A) and R-5(A) yard, height, lot coverage) Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
  6. Accessory Dwelling Units, Dallas Planning & Development (2018 ordinance summary: ADU Overlay and Board of Adjustment routes) Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-20
  7. Dallas City Code Chapter 52, Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes (Secs. 302.1.1, 303.2.1.1, 303.5.1.2, 303.12.1.4, Table A-I), as of March 27, 2024 Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
  8. Permit Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2025 (Ord. 33080), Dallas Planning and Development Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-20
  9. Ordinance 33080 (April 15, 2025) amending Chapter 52 Sec. 303 fees Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
  10. Dallas Development Code Sec. 51A-1.105, Fees (ADU overlay application fee table) Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
  11. Dallas City Code Sec. 27-31, Registration; Fees; Renewal (single dwelling unit rental property, $74 from Oct 1, 2025) Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
  12. Dallas City Code Chapter 42B, Short-Term Rentals Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-09-20
  13. Development Code Amendments and ZOAC, Dallas Planning & Development (2026 meeting list; Chapter 51A rewrite note) Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-20
  14. Dallas Zoning Reform (Chapter 51A rewrite) Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-20
  15. Building Inspection, Residential permits (DallasNow portal; RSVP review) Planning Department — Accessed 2026-09-20
  16. DFW ADU & Casita Cost Guide 2026 (June 29, 2026), UHS Remodeling industry — Accessed 2026-09-20
  17. Cost To Convert Garage Into Living Space In DFW Texas 2026 (April 24, 2026), UHS Remodeling industry — Accessed 2026-09-20
  18. Prefab Modular ADU: 2026 Costs, Code Paths & Lot Fit (updated May 27, 2026), Dwelling Index industry — Accessed 2026-09-20
  19. HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rent Schedule, Dallas, TX HMFA (1BR $1,536, 2BR $1,807) Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-20
  20. Dallas, TX rent research (median, September 2026), Zumper Market Data — Accessed 2026-09-20
  21. Average Rent in Dallas, TX (August 31, 2026), RentCafe Market Data — Accessed 2026-09-20
  22. Texas SB 673 (89R) bill history: last action 05/26/2025 H Placed on General State Calendar Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-20
  23. Texas SB 15 (89R) enrolled text, Local Government Code Ch. 211 Subch. D small-lot standards (no ADU provision) Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-20
  24. Texas SB 840 (89R) enrolled text, Local Government Code Ch. 218 (no ADU provision) Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-20
  25. Texas HB 24 (89R) enrolled text, zoning protest thresholds (no ADU provision) Government Data — Accessed 2026-09-20

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU in Dallas?

Sometimes, but not by right. A Dallas single-family lot gets one dwelling unit by right (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(A)). A rentable ADU needs a Board of Adjustment special exception ($600, owner-occupancy deed restriction, annual rental registration; Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)) or a lot inside an Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay that a neighborhood of 50 or more houses petitions for (Sec. 51A-4.510). Neither is a counter application. Zoning: Not by right. Single family use is one dwelling unit per lot (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(A)). A rentable ADU needs a Board of Adjustment special exception, available in any district (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)), or a lot inside an adopted Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay (Sec. 51A-4.510), petitioned for by 10 or more owners for 50 or more houses. A non-rental family unit is a separate 'additional dwelling unit' special exception with a no-rent deed restriction (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(i)-(ii)).. The maximum size for a detached ADU is Greater of 700 sq ft or 25% of the main structure's floor area, minimum 200 sq ft (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(C)(i), overlay lots). Outside an overlay the general accessory-structure cap applies: one structure may not exceed 25% of the main building's floor area and all accessory structures together 50%, excluding parking (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(vii)(dd)-(ee)).. Owner-occupancy is required: Required while either unit is rented: the owner must live in the main house or the ADU during the tenancy, with up to one year's absence by director approval (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(4)). Board of Adjustment approvals add a recorded owner-occupancy deed restriction and annual registration in the single-family rental program, $74 a year from Oct 1, 2025 (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)(cc); Sec. 27-31(e)(3)).

How much does an ADU cost in Dallas?

ADU construction in Dallas typically costs $130,000-$320,000. Garage conversions run $30,000-$100,000, and prefab ADUs cost $150,000-$300,000.

How much can I rent an ADU for in Dallas?

Average ADU rents in Dallas are $1,300-$1,550/mo for a 1-bedroom and $1,750-$1,900/mo for a 2-bedroom unit.

Do I need parking for an ADU in Dallas?

One off-street space, waived within 1,200 ft of a DART bus or transit stop; an overlay may reduce it when 75% of owners sign the petition or on the steering committee's recommendation (Sec. 51A-4.510(c)(2)(F)). On a Board of Adjustment approval, if no extra space is provided the board decides whether that creates a traffic hazard and may require one (Sec. 51A-4.209(b)(6)(E)(iii)(bb)).. Check with Dallas planning department for the latest Texas ADU parking rules, as many states have relaxed requirements in recent years.

How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Dallas?

Dallas does not publish a standard ADU review timeline. Ch. 52 Sec. 302.1.1 requires a completeness check within 10 business days of filing; a Board of Adjustment case goes on a monthly docket after acceptance, so allow one to two months on that route before permit review. Confirm review times with Development Services, 214-948-4480. Fees range from $1,200-$1,400 building permit for a 600-1,000 sq ft unit: Table A-I ($1.07 per sq ft up to 700 sq ft; $0.34569 per sq ft plus $300 above) plus $577 plan review, $25 handling and $15 technology fee (fee schedule of July 1, 2025); Board of Adjustment special exception $600 (Ch. 52 Sec. 303.12.1.4).

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Dallas ADU FAQ

Answers to every common question about building an ADU in Dallas — costs, rules, permits, rental income.

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Dallas ADU Costs

Detailed cost breakdown: construction $130,000-$320,000, garage conversion $30,000-$100,000, plus ROI analysis.

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Garage Conversion ADU Guide

Complete guide to costs ($80K-$180K), impact fee savings, and permits for garage-to-ADU conversions.

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ADU vs Mother-in-Law Suite

Legal differences that affect what you can build, how you can use it, and rental rights.

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About this information: This page is an informational summary of publicly available regulations - it is not legal, financial, or professional advice, and it is not a substitute for confirming requirements with your local planning department. Rules change frequently; always verify current requirements before designing, budgeting, or building. Last verified: 2026-09-20. Contractors we introduce are independent businesses - verify license and insurance directly before hiring. Spotted an error? Tell us - we verify against primary sources and correct quickly.

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