ADU rules in Leander, TX — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance allows an accessory dwelling with a minimum of 400 square feet and a maximum of 900 square feet of living area, or 40% of the primary dwelling, whichever is greater. On lots over three acres there is no size cap. Whether an ADU is allowed depends on the lot's site component.
Under the City of Leander Composite Zoning Ordinance, an 'accessory dwelling' is permitted in the rural and single-family use components. The ordinance states an accessory dwelling shall have 'a minimum living area of four hundred (400) square feet; and a maximum living area of nine hundred (900) square feet or 40% of the gross living area of the primary dwelling, whichever is greater,' and that 'for lots greater than three acres in size, there is no limit to the maximum size of the accessory dwelling.' Where an ADU is allowed turns on the property's site component (Article V): accessory dwellings are permitted by right with non-residential, SFR (Single-Family Rural) and SFE (Single-Family Estate) components, while a Single-Family Suburban (SFS) lot needs a Type 2 or 3 site component and a Single-Family Urban (SFU) lot needs a Type 3 site component unless the lot meets the standards of a less-dense district. Parking scales up when a lot has an accessory dwelling: a lot with an ADU must provide a minimum of two garage-enclosed parking spaces plus two additional off-street spaces (the driveway may count toward off-street parking). Texas had no statewide ADU mandate overriding these local rules at the time of writing.
Building an accessory dwelling that exceeds the 900-square-foot / 40% size limit, placing one on a lot whose site component does not permit it, or failing to provide the required garage and off-street parking can result in permit denial and code enforcement. An accessory building exceeding permitted sizes requires a Special Use Permit.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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