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Denton, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

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

Key Facts

Max size: 800 sq ft or 75% of home
ADUs per lot: One by right
Second ADU: Requires Specific Use Permit
Utilities: No separate water/sewer tap
Entrance: Separate exterior entrance required

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 Denton, TX rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Denton allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot, sized up to 800 square feet or 75 percent of the primary home's floor area, whichever is greater, under the Denton Development Code.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) shall comply with the following standards:
Generally
ADUs may be attached or detached units. A maximum of one ADU shall be allowed per lot, provided the combined square footage complies with the size requirements outlined in Subsection 5.4.4.A.2.
An additional ADU may be allowed per lot with the approval of a Specific Use Permit.
In no case shall an additional ADU create more than four dwelling units on any lot. ADUs shall only be permitted on lots where the principal use is a single-family detached dwelling, townhome, duplex, or triplex.
Size
Measurements for both the ADU and primary dwelling unit shall follow the specifications of Subsection 3.7.7.
The square footage of the ADU may be a maximum of 800 square feet or 75 percent of the square footage of the principal dwelling unit, whichever is greater.
Location and Design
Attached ADUs. Attached ADUs shall be fully attached to or within the principal dwelling unit on the lot. "Attached" shall mean either one-quarter of the total wall area of the ADU shall

Source: Denton Development Code - Accessory StructuresView official code

Full Breakdown

The Denton Development Code caps each ADU at 800 square feet or 75 percent of the principal dwelling's square footage, whichever is greater, and limits lots to one ADU unless a Specific Use Permit is approved for a second (never exceeding four total dwelling units on a lot). ADUs are only allowed where the principal use is a single-family detached home, townhome, duplex, or triplex, must include their own cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities with a separate exterior entrance, and cannot get a separate water or sewer tap.

Violations & Fines

Building or converting space into an ADU without meeting these standards, or without the required permits, exposes the owner to code enforcement action, denial of certificate of occupancy, and orders to remove or modify the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a second ADU in Denton?

Only with an approved Specific Use Permit, and the lot can never exceed four total dwelling units.

Does a Denton ADU need its own water meter?

No: separate water or sewer service for an ADU is not allowed, though separate metering of other utilities is permitted.

Sources & Official References

[1]Denton Development Code, Subsection 5.4.4.A (Accessory Dwelling Unit)

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All Denton rules

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

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