Laredo, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Permits (2026)

Laredo's land use is governed by Chapter 24 (Planning) of the Code of Ordinances and Appendix A (Zoning). The Section 24.63 Permitted Land Uses Chart classifies each use across all residential and mixed-use districts (R-1 single-family, R-1A, R-2 multi-family, R-3, R-S suburban, R-O residential-office, MX-mixed-use, and others). In single-family R-1 districts, a second dwelling unit with full kitchen facilities is generally not permitted by right and typically requires either rezoning to R-2 / R-3 or a Special Use Permit reviewed by Planning and Zoning Commission with City Council approval after a public hearing and 200-ft mailed notice. R-2 and R-3 districts more readily accommodate ADUs because they already allow multi-family. Once zoning compliance is established, the applicant files for a building permit through the City of Laredo Building Development Services Department, which reviews against the locally adopted International Residential Code. Detached ADUs must meet accessory structure setbacks (typical 5-ft side and rear), site coverage limits, and parking requirements (typically one additional off-street space). Texas state law has not preempted Laredo'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.