Garage conversion rules in Georgetown, TX — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Georgetown treats garage conversions as a distinct permit type. A garage converted into habitable space with a kitchen becomes an accessory dwelling unit subject to the UDC ADU rules (25% size cap, shared meters, SUP for rental). All conversions require a building permit and must meet the adopted 2021 building codes.
The City of Georgetown lists 'Garage Conversion' as a distinct residential permit type, separate from a habitable accessory dwelling unit. Converting a garage into living space requires a building permit through the My Government Online portal, and the work must comply with the city's adopted building codes (the 2021 International Residential Code and related International codes, effective November 1, 2023). If the converted space includes a full kitchen and living quarters, it functions as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and falls under UDC Section 5.02.020 B, meaning it is limited to 25% of the primary dwelling, must remain on the same electric and water meters as the primary residence, and is restricted to owner-occupied use for rental, generally requiring a Special Use Permit. A converted space without a kitchen (such as a home office, guest room, or pool house) does not require an SUP. Because Georgetown's UDC also requires garages and carports to meet parking and setback standards, converting a garage can affect a property's required off-street parking count, so applicants should confirm parking compliance with Development Services before converting. Properties in the Downtown/Old Town historic district may face additional design review.
Converting a garage without a building permit, creating a habitable kitchen-equipped unit without meeting ADU rules or obtaining a Special Use Permit, or eliminating required off-street parking can lead to permit denial, code enforcement citations, and orders to restore the space.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
georgetown-tx
Georgetown has no ordinance prohibiting backyard composting; residents may compost as long as the pile does not become a nuisance under Code of Ordinances Ch...
georgetown-tx
Georgetown publishes no specific ordinance banning or permitting residential artificial turf, so installation is generally allowed subject to general propert...
georgetown-tx
Georgetown promotes native landscaping with a Texas Grown rebate up to $3,000 (residential) per year for converting turf to native, water-wise plants. Statew...
georgetown-tx
Georgetown encourages rainwater harvesting and offers a utility rebate of $0.50 per gallon covering half the materials cost, up to $600 a year, for tanks up ...
georgetown-tx
Georgetown Water Utility customers follow year-round watering rules. Irrigation systems run only on assigned days (by address last digit), never Monday, and ...
georgetown-tx
Georgetown Code of Ordinances Section 8.20.100 declares weeds and grasses over six inches (developed) or 12 inches (undeveloped) a nuisance. Owners must also...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Williamson County.
See how other cities in Williamson County handle garage conversions.
See how Georgetown's garage conversions 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.