DeSoto, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

DeSoto's Unified Development Code historically has been restrictive regarding accessory dwelling units. Most single-family residential districts do not permit a second independent dwelling unit on a single-family lot. Guest quarters or accessory living spaces without kitchens may be permitted as accessory structures, but creating a separate kitchen, full bathroom, and independent living area generally requires a zoning change or specific conditional use approval. Where accessory dwellings are allowed, they must share utility connections with the primary dwelling, must meet minimum and maximum size limits, must not be rented separately as short-term rentals, and require a detached or attached permit with full building code compliance. Texas does not have a statewide ADU mandate — ADU permissibility depends entirely on local UDC rules. Homeowners considering an ADU should consult Development Services for current code provisions, as cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth region have been updating ADU rules in response to housing demand.