Zoning & Size Limits
| Requirement | Houston, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|
| Allowed Zones | Houston has no zoning code — ADUs are governed by deed restr | Single-family residential — but ADUs are generally NOT by-ri |
| Max Size (Detached) | 900 sq ft (typical city standard; verify against deed restrictions and any 1,000 sq ft / 50%-of-primary limits) | 800 sq ft (Dallas caps ADUs at 800 sq ft) |
| Max Size (Attached) | 900 sq ft | Greater of 700 sq ft or 25% of the main dwelling's floor area (Dallas City Code §51A-4.510) |
| Max Height | Confirm with City of Houston Planning — governed b | 35 feet |
| Parking Required | 1 off-street parking space required for ADU (separate from p | Confirm with Dallas Planning & Development — an additional o |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required by the city (no citywide owner-occupancy mandat | Required — either the primary dwelling or the ADU must be ow |
Setback Requirements
| Setback | Houston, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|
| Rear Setback | 5 feet | 15 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet | 5 feet |
| Front Setback | Confirm with City of Houston (front setback varies | 20 feet |
Permits & Timeline
| Detail | Houston, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|
| Permit Timeline | 60-90 days | 50-75 days |
| Permit Fees | $3,000-$5,500 | $2,200-$3,800 |
| Impact Fees | $800-$1,500 | $900-$1,600 |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Limited pre-approval program | Available for detached ADUs |
Construction Costs
| Cost | Houston, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|
| Avg Build Cost | $120,000-$240,000 | $115,000-$230,000 |
| Cost Per Sq Ft | $100-$200 | $130-$250 |
| Garage Conversion | $50,000-$130,000 | $55,000-$135,000 |
| Prefab ADU | $80,000-$190,000 | $80,000-$185,000 |
Rental Income Potential
| Rental | Houston, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|
| 1BR Avg Rent | $1,100-$1,600/mo | $1,150-$1,700/mo |
| 2BR Avg Rent | $1,400-$2,100/mo | $1,450-$2,200/mo |
| Short-Term Rentals | Varies by neighborhood | Not permitted in most areas |
| Est. ROI | 6-9% annual return | 6-8% annual return |
Which City Is Better for ADUs?
Houston scores 6/10 while Dallas scores 6/10 on our ADU-friendliness index.
Both cities offer viable ADU development opportunities — the best choice depends on your specific property, budget, and goals.
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