ADU rules in Taylor County, TX — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Texas counties cannot zone unincorporated land. Taylor County's Subdivision Development Procedures and Regulations regulate platting, streets, and drainage only — there are no ADU-specific rules in unincorporated Taylor County. Inside Abilene's city limits or ETJ, the City of Abilene's Land Development Code applies. State law (Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232) governs subdivision platting; Chapter 233 limits county building authority to safety standards in unincorporated areas.
Taylor County's regulatory authority over unincorporated land is limited by Texas Local Government Code Chapters 232 and 233. The county's published Development Procedures and Regulations (administered by the Environmental Department, 325-674-1393) cover subdivision platting, road construction, and drainage — they do not include zoning, lot-size minimums, or ADU restrictions. A landowner outside any city's limits or ETJ can typically build an ADU (guest house, garage apartment, or second dwelling) subject only to floodplain permitting (if in a Special Flood Hazard Area), septic/OSSF approval through the Environmental Department, and any private deed restrictions. Inside the City of Abilene, the City's Land Development Code applies and a separate building permit is required from Abilene Development Services. Properties divided into two or more parts outside city limits must be platted under the County's subdivision regulations before structures are added.
Building in a floodplain without a Taylor County floodplain development permit is a violation of the county floodplain order and can result in NFIP-related enforcement and removal orders. Subdividing without platting under Local Government Code Ch. 232 may block recording and utility connections.
Taylor County, TX
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