Corpus Christi, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Accessory dwelling units in Corpus Christi are regulated through the Unified Development Code and must comply with all applicable building, zoning, and development standards. Texas does not have a statewide mandate requiring cities to allow ADUs, so Corpus Christi has discretion in setting local rules. The UDC allows accessory structures, including secondary dwelling units, in residential districts subject to specific conditions. ADUs must be subordinate in size to the principal dwelling and are typically limited to a maximum square footage or percentage of the primary structures floor area. They must meet the setback requirements of the underlying zoning district, which typically include a minimum rear setback of 5 feet and side setback of 5 feet for detached accessory structures. Maximum height for detached accessory structures is generally limited to the height of the principal structure or a specific cap, often 25 feet in single-family districts. A building permit is required from the Development Services Department, and plans must comply with the 2021 International Residential Code as adopted by the city with local amendments. Windstorm compliance through the Texas Department of Insurance is also required because Corpus Christi lies within the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) designated catastrophe area along the Gulf Coast. This means ADU construction must meet enhanced wind-resistance standards and obtain a WPI-8 certificate. Separate utility connections, impact fees, and compliance with floodplain regulations under FEMA standards may also apply depending on the propertys location relative to coastal flood zones.