Denton allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) by right on lots with a single-family detached dwelling, townhome, duplex, or triplex under the Denton Development Code (DDC). Maximum ADU size is the greater of 800 sq ft or 75% of the primary dwelling. A January 2026 amendment requires a Special Use Permit (SUP) for any second ADU on the same lot. Permits are obtained through Development Services at 401 N Elm St.
Denton regulates accessory dwelling units under the Denton Development Code (DDC), specifically the use regulations in Subchapter 5 and the accessory-structure standards in Subchapter 12 (§ 35.12.4). One ADU is permitted by right per lot where the principal use is a single-family detached dwelling, townhome, duplex, or triplex. Following a January 2026 code amendment by Denton City Council, any second ADU on the same lot now requires a Special Use Permit (SUP) reviewed by Planning and Zoning and approved by City Council after a public hearing. The ADU may be a maximum of 800 square feet or 75 percent of the square footage of the primary dwelling unit, whichever is greater. Detached ADUs shall be located to the side or rear of the primary dwelling, with side-yard ADUs offset at least 3 feet behind the front building line of the principal dwelling. Minimum setbacks are 3 feet from rear and side property lines and ADUs must remain out of recorded easements. ADUs must contain cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities and have a separate exterior entrance. Permits are filed with Denton Development Services at 401 N Elm Street ((940) 349-8600). Plan review typically takes 4-6 weeks. The University of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Woman's University (TWU) student-housing market makes ADUs common around campus, but most lots near UNT remain single-family-zoned with no exception to the one-ADU-by-right rule.
Building an ADU without a permit, or a second ADU without an SUP, is a Class C misdemeanor under Denton Code with fines up to $2,000 per day for building/fire code violations and $500 per day for zoning violations under Texas Local Government Code § 54.001. The city may order removal and place a lien for abatement costs.
Denton, TX
Denton Code Sec. 6-9 prohibits any animal from creating noise that interferes with neighbors' reasonable enjoyment of their property. Residents within 300 fe...
Denton, TX
Denton Sec. 17-20 uses a reasonableness standard rather than fixed decibel limits for most noise sources. The one specific numeric limit is 70 dBA at the eve...
Denton, TX
Denton Code Ch. 17, Art. II (Sec. 17-20) prohibits noise of such character, intensity, and duration as to substantially interfere with comfortable enjoyment ...
Denton, TX
Denton DDC Sec. 7.12 requires RVs and boats stored behind the front building line on paved surfaces. Occupancy prohibited. 72-hr temp driveway use.
Denton, TX
Denton restricts vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR in residential zones. One light commercial vehicle allowed behind front building line on paved surface.
Denton, TX
Denton has no citywide overnight street parking ban. The 72-hour limit and residential permit zones near UNT/TWU are the primary restrictions.
See how Denton's adu permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.