Corpus Christi, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)

Owner occupancy is a routine condition Corpus Christi City Council attaches to Special Permits granted for accessory dwelling units in single-family residential (RS) districts under UDC Article 1.10. The property owner must use either the principal dwelling or the ADU as their permanent residence. The deed restriction must be recorded with the Nueces County Clerk before the Certificate of Occupancy issues. The restriction runs with the land and binds future owners. Evidence of owner occupancy includes Texas driver's license, voter registration, and Texas homestead exemption tied to the property address. Texas state law has not preempted local owner-occupancy rules (unlike California's AB 976), so Corpus Christi retains full authority. If the owner ceases occupancy, the ADU loses its legal status and faces code enforcement action by Development Services. LLC or trust-owned properties face additional scrutiny because corporate entities cannot personally occupy a property — typically the Special Permit requires the principal member or trustee to reside on-site and sign an affidavit. Renting both the principal dwelling and the ADU to non-owners simultaneously triggers duplex/two-family reclassification, which is prohibited in RS-6, RS-4.5, RS-15, and RE districts. Padre Island and Mustang Island properties under Special Area overlays face additional compliance requirements.