Irving regulates accessory dwelling units under the Unified Development Code (UDC), with accessory buildings and structures on residential lots controlled by UDC Section 3.1. Single-family residential districts include R-6, R-7.5, and other R-series classifications with minimum lot sizes corresponding to their numbers. Detached ADUs typically require either rezoning or a Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment, plus a building permit through Development Services.
Irving's land use is governed by the Unified Development Code (UDC), part of the city's Land Development Code. UDC Chapter 2 (Zoning Districts, Uses, and Standards) establishes the single-family residential districts — R-6 (6,000 sq ft minimum lot), R-7.5 (7,500 sq ft minimum lot), R-10 (10,000 sq ft minimum lot), R-15, R-20, and similar — each restricting use to one single-family detached home per lot. UDC Section 3.1 (Accessory Buildings and Structures on Residential Lots) governs detached accessory buildings: maximum height limits, setbacks, and lot coverage caps apply, and structures generally cannot include a second kitchen unless the property is rezoned or a Special Exception is granted. The Section 3.1 carport provisions appear at Subsection 3.1.8. To build an ADU with full kitchen facilities, the typical path is: (1) apply for rezoning to a district that permits two-family use, or (2) apply for a Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment under UDC procedures, or (3) build a detached accessory building without a kitchen (guest quarters). After zoning approval, the applicant files for a building permit through Irving Development Services under the locally adopted 2021 International Residential Code and 2020 National Electrical Code (per ORD-2023-10699). Texas state law has not preempted Irving's discretionary review; the city retains full zoning authority under Tex. Local Gov't Code Ch. 211. Texas HB 14 (2023) requires the city to act on a complete permit application within statutory deadlines or face third-party review.
Building or occupying an ADU without zoning approval and a building permit is a Class C misdemeanor under Texas Local Government Code Section 54.001 and Irving Code, with fines up to $2,000 per day for building code violations and $500 per day for zoning violations. Irving Development Services and Code Enforcement may issue stop-work orders, deny utility connections, and place liens for abatement. Unpermitted ADUs typically block resale and refinancing.
Irving, TX
Irving Ch. 22 restricts amplified sound that disturbs the peace. Loudspeakers and amplifiers are prohibited when they create unreasonable disturbance. Quiet ...
Irving, TX
Irving Ch. 22 makes unreasonably loud animal noise a per se violation. The owner, controller, or caretaker is responsible. Licensed animal facilities are exe...
Irving, TX
Irving restricts overnight parking of oversized vehicles and trailers in residential areas. Standard passenger vehicles may park overnight on streets where n...
Irving, TX
Retaining walls at or below grade are excluded from fence height measurements. Walls exceeding 4 feet require engineering. Building permits are required for ...
Irving, TX
Texas Property Code § 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning beekeeping that complies with TX Apiary Inspection Act. Irving allows beekeeping subject to nuisanc...
Irving, TX
Irving does not impose breed-specific bans. Dogs deemed dangerous or vicious under Ch. 6 are regulated regardless of breed. Dangerous dog registration and en...
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