Waco, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Permits (2026)

Waco regulates accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — referred to in code as accessory dwelling units, guest quarters, or accessory living quarters — 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.