Haltom City, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Unlike Austin, which adopted a permissive HOME initiative to allow multiple units on single family lots, Haltom City does not currently have a broad by-right accessory dwelling unit ordinance for single family residential (SF) zoning districts. A detached second dwelling with full kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters is typically treated as a duplex, which is only allowed in duplex (2F) or multifamily (MF) zoning districts unless a specific use permit is granted. Garage apartments and above-garage living quarters may be considered as a single family with accessory use only when there is no separate kitchen (no second stove or oven) and no second utility meter - otherwise they are treated as a separate dwelling unit. Homeowners interested in adding an ADU for aging parents, adult children, or rental income should contact Planning and Zoning at City Hall early to confirm whether their lots zoning supports the project, whether a specific use permit is possible, and what parking, setback, and impervious cover rules apply. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211 gives cities broad zoning authority, so restrictions are enforceable. Short-term rental of any permitted ADU would also be subject to the citys STR rules and state hotel occupancy tax.