Corpus Christi, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Permits (2026)

Corpus Christi regulates accessory dwelling units under the Unified Development Code (UDC) administered by the Development Services Department. In the most common RS-6, RS-4.5, RS-15, and RE single-family residential districts, an ADU with full kitchen facilities is treated as a second dwelling and is generally not permitted by right — applicants must seek either a Special Permit (UDC Article 1.10) reviewed by Planning Commission and approved by City Council after a public hearing, or pursue rezoning to a district that allows two-family residential use. RA (Residential Agricultural) and RM (multifamily) districts permit ADUs more readily. The Special Permit application is filed with Development Services with a fee, site plan, and floor plans; notice is mailed to property owners within 200 feet. Approval criteria include lot size sufficiency (RS-6 requires 6,000 sq ft minimum, RS-15 requires 15,000 sq ft), parking adequacy, neighborhood compatibility, and infrastructure capacity. Once zoning approval is granted (typically 3–5 months), the applicant submits construction plans through the Development Services electronic portal for building permit review under the 2018 International Residential Code as adopted in Chapter 14. Detached ADUs are subject to UDC accessory structure standards (typically 750 sq ft maximum, single-story, side and rear setbacks per the underlying district). Texas state law has not preempted Corpus Christi's discretionary Special Permit process. Properties in the Padre Island or North Beach Special Area Overlay face additional design controls and coastal hazard requirements under Chapter 14, Article V (Flood Hazard Prevention).