ADU rules in North Richland Hills, TX — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
North Richland Hills generally does not permit separate accessory dwelling units with independent kitchens or rental status in most single-family zoning districts. Second dwellings require a specific use permit or PD zoning, and the city treats unpermitted backyard apartments as duplexes requiring rezoning.
North Richland Hills zoning is oriented toward single-family detached housing, and the city has not adopted the permissive ADU framework seen in cities such as Austin or Dallas. In R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-7-MF districts, only one primary dwelling per lot is allowed by right, and accessory buildings must be non-residential in character. A structure with a kitchen and full bathroom meeting the International Residential Code definition of a dwelling unit is classified as a second dwelling and requires either a specific use permit approved by City Council or Planned Development (PD) zoning. Guest quarters, pool cabanas, and home office buildings may include a bathroom and wet bar but cannot contain a full kitchen with a range or stove. Renting a guest suite or garage apartment as a separate unit generally violates the single-family use limitation and may also conflict with short-term rental restrictions (see Short-Term Rentals). The state HB 2237 and HB 14 legislation did not impose ADU mandates on home-rule cities. Property owners should contact NRH Planning at 817-427-6300 before constructing any space intended for occupancy by persons other than the primary household.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Tarrant County.
See how other cities in Tarrant County handle adu rules.
See how North Richland Hills's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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