Waco regulates accessory dwelling units under the Waco Zoning Ordinance (Code of Ordinances Chapter 28). Detached ADUs (commonly called accessory dwelling units or guest quarters) typically require a Special Use Permit (SUP) or are limited to specific zoning districts under Chapter 28. Building permits issue through the Planning Services Department only after zoning approval. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211 preserves municipal zoning discretion β no state ADU preemption applies.
Waco regulates accessory dwelling units (ADUs) β referred to in code as accessory dwelling units, guest quarters, or accessory living quarters β under the Waco Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 28 of the Waco Code of Ordinances. In most R-1A, R-1B, R-2, and R-3 single-family residential districts, an ADU with full kitchen facilities is not permitted by right and requires either a Special Use Permit (SUP) reviewed by Plan Commission and approved by City Council, or compliance with specific accessory-use standards. Applications are filed through the Planning Services Department; the SUP process includes public hearing notification to property owners within 200 feet under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211. Approval criteria include neighborhood compatibility, lot size adequacy (typically 7,000-8,000 sq ft minimum), parking sufficiency (1 additional space), and infrastructure capacity. Detached ADUs are subject to accessory structure standards in Chapter 28: typically 600-800 sq ft maximum, 15 ft maximum height, 5 ft side and rear setbacks. Once zoning approval is granted (typically 2-4 months), the applicant submits construction plans for building permit review under the 2018 International Residential Code as locally amended. Properties near Baylor University face additional scrutiny because the area has been a focus of unrelated-occupants and conversion enforcement. Texas has not preempted Waco's discretionary review process.
Building an ADU without zoning approval and a building permit is a Class C misdemeanor under the Waco 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 Β§ 54.001. The city can order removal and place a lien for abatement costs.
Waco, TX
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See how Waco's adu permits rules stack up against other locations.
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