ADU rules in Hidalgo County, TX — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Texas counties cannot zone, so unincorporated Hidalgo County has no ADU or second-dwelling zoning ordinance. What does apply to a new accessory dwelling is a septic (OSSF) permit, a floodplain development permit, and subdivision platting through the county Planning Department.
Hidalgo County government does not regulate accessory dwelling units through zoning; Texas counties have no general zoning authority, and cities regulate ADUs inside their limits. In the unincorporated county, however, a new dwelling triggers real controls. If the lot is not on a public sewer, an on-site sewage facility (septic) permit is required from the Hidalgo County Environmental Health Division, the TCEQ authorized agent, under Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 TAC Chapter 285. Any structure needs a county development permit before construction, and a floodplain development permit and elevation certificate if the lot lies in a mapped flood zone. Adding a dwelling may also require a subdivision plat under Local Government Code Chapter 232.
Building a second dwelling without a septic (OSSF) permit, a county development permit, or a floodplain permit in a flood zone can bring stop-work action, doubled fees, denial of utility service, and enforcement under the county OSSF order.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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