El Paso allows accessory dwelling units in most residential zoning districts under El Paso Municipal Code Title 20 (Zoning) Chapter 20.10. ADUs are reviewed through the One Stop Shop / Planning and Inspections Department. Permits include zoning verification plus building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits. Texas has no statewide ADU streamlining law, so El Paso applies its own standards.
El Paso Municipal Code Title 20, the city's Unified Development Code, permits accessory dwelling units (referred to as 'accessory dwelling units' or 'garage apartments') in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3A, and R-4 single-family and multi-family residential districts subject to Section 20.10.080. The ADU must be on a lot with a primary dwelling, lot must meet minimum size for the district (typically 5,000 to 7,000 sq ft in R-1), ADU floor area is capped at 800 sq ft or 35% of the primary dwelling whichever is less, and height is limited to one story or 18 feet in most R districts. One additional off-street parking space is required. ADU applications go through the El Paso One Stop Shop using the SimpliCITY permitting portal. Plan review covers Title 20 (zoning), Title 18 (Building Code adopting the IRC and IBC), and the El Paso Water utility requirements. Texas does NOT have a state ADU streamlining law (compare California's Gov. Code 65852.2 or Oregon HB 2001), so El Paso retains full discretion over standards and review. Typical permit timeline is 6 to 10 weeks for a clear application. Properties in the city's historic districts (Sunset Heights, Manhattan Heights, Magoffin) need additional Historic Landmark Commission review.
Building or occupying an ADU without permits violates Title 18 (Building Code) and Title 20 (Zoning), triggering stop-work orders and code-compliance citations up to $2,000 per day per violation under Texas Local Government Code Section 54.001 (Class C misdemeanor). Removal orders are possible. Unpermitted ADUs can also block sale or refinancing.
El Paso, TX
The City of El Paso does not regulate yard ornaments on private property. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allow...
El Paso, TX
El Paso has no ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind is the primary practical...
El Paso, TX
El Paso does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for holiday lights on private property. Holiday-light regulation in El Paso is overwhelming...
El Paso, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in El Paso require permits from Planning and Inspections for gas-line installation, electrical work, plumbing, and any structural e...
El Paso, TX
El Paso has no smoker-specific ordinance for single-family use, but backyard smokers fall under Title 9.04 nuisance code if smoke or odor unreasonably affect...
El Paso, TX
El Paso adopts the International Fire Code through Title 18 with local amendments, including IFC Section 308 prohibiting open-flame cooking devices on combus...
See how El Paso'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.