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Celina, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

ADU rules in Celina, TX, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Allowed districts: AG, SF-E, Downtown Code only
Max size: Cannot exceed primary home's square footage
Per-lot limit: One ADU maximum
Utility meter: Must share main house's meter
Permit authority: Building Official, § 14.03.202

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Texas under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Celina, TX rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Celina allows accessory dwelling units only in the AG, SF-E, and Downtown Code zoning districts, capping unit size at the primary home's square footage.

(A) An ADU is defined as a subordinate building/structure intended for habitation. ADUs shall not be permitted without a main building or primary use in existence and are subject to zoning district regulations. (B) ADUs are prohibited in all zoning districts other than the AG, Agricultural zoning district, SF-E, Single-Family Estate zoning district, or Downtown Code zoning district.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Celina's Unified Development Code permits one accessory dwelling unit per lot, but only within the AG (Agricultural), SF-E (Single-Family Estate), or Downtown Code zoning districts: every other residential district is off-limits. The ADU can't be built without a main residence already on site, may not exceed the primary dwelling's conditioned square footage, and its exterior materials, material percentages, and color must match the main structure. It runs on the same utility meter as the main house, follows the same setback and height limits as other accessory structures, and can't be sold separately from the property. Building permits for ADUs are approved by the Building Official under Section 14.03.202.

Violations & Fines

Building an ADU outside the AG, SF-E, or Downtown Code district, exceeding the primary home's square footage, adding a second ADU on one lot, or selling an ADU separately from the property violates § 14.03.202(1) and can result in permit denial or a stop-work order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build an ADU on any residential lot in Celina?

No. ADUs are prohibited outside the AG, SF-E, and Downtown Code zoning districts under § 14.03.202(1)(B), even though the base regulations apply citywide.

Can I sell or separately meter my Celina ADU?

No. Section 14.03.202(1)(C)-(D) bars selling an ADU apart from the primary residence and requires it share the main home's utility meter.

Sources & Official References

[1]Celina, TX Code of Ordinances — Accessory Structures, § 14.03.202

Other rules in Celina

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All Celina rules

How Celina compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Celina to another location·View the Texas accessory structures overview

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