ADU rules in Plano, TX — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Plano allows Backyard Cottages (ADUs) from 400 to 1,100 sq ft under its Zoning Ordinance. They must meet architectural compatibility and setback standards, and cannot be sold separately from the main dwelling.
Plano is unusual among North Texas suburbs in explicitly permitting Accessory Dwelling Units, branded locally as Backyard Cottages. Under the Plano Zoning Ordinance, a Backyard Cottage may have 400 to 1,100 square feet of floor area and must comply with architectural compatibility standards so that materials, roof pitch, and facade design are consistent with the main dwelling. Accessory structures may not be placed in any required front yard and must observe side and rear setbacks of the underlying zoning district. Commercial use of an ADU is prohibited in residential zones. ADUs cannot be sold or subdivided separately from the primary residence. Some Planned Development (PD) districts impose additional or differing requirements. Texas has no statewide ADU preemption, so rules vary widely by city. Contact Plano Building Inspections at 972-941-7140 to confirm specific requirements.
Zoning and building code violations: citation, fines up to $500 per day, potential requirement to remove unpermitted structures or cease illegal occupancy.
Plano, TX
Plano's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Political s...
Plano, TX
Plano has no specific City ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. The principal restrictions come from HOA covenants under the Texas R...
Plano, TX
Plano has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Restrictions arise principally from HOA covenants under the Te...
Plano, TX
Outdoor kitchens in Plano require separate trade permits from Building Inspections: building permit for structural elements, mechanical permit for gas lines,...
Plano, TX
Plano has no specific ordinance regulating residential offset smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired pizza ovens at single-family homes. Multi-family balcony ...
Plano, TX
Plano adopts the 2021 International Fire Code through the Plano Code of Ordinances, enforced by Plano Fire-Rescue. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Collin County.
See how other cities in Collin County handle adu rules.
See how Plano's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.