ADU rules in Houston, TX — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Houston permits ADUs (secondary dwelling units) by right up to 900 sq ft with kitchen and bathroom. One ADU per single-family lot. Setbacks are 5 feet from rear and side property lines. Deed restrictions may prohibit ADUs.
Houston does not have a specific ADU ordinance but allows secondary dwelling units under its general code. ADUs are permitted by right (no conditional use process) on single-family lots. Maximum size is 900 square feet with a required kitchen and bathroom. Only one ADU is allowed per single-family lot. Setbacks were updated in 2022 to 5 feet from rear and side property lines (previously 3 feet). One off-street parking space is required for the ADU in addition to two spaces for the primary residence (three total). ADUs can be stand-alone, attached, garage conversions, or built over garages. Deed restrictions in many neighborhoods may prohibit ADUs. Properties in historic districts (34 in Houston) require a Certificate of Appropriateness matching the main house's architectural style. Flood zone properties face stormwater management requirements. There are approximately 8,300 ADUs in Houston.
Building without permit: stop-work order. Non-compliant ADU: correction order. Deed restriction violations: civil enforcement.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle adu rules.
See how Houston's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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