Haltom City, TX Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Haltom City treats garage conversions as a change of occupancy from a U (utility) occupancy to a R-3 (residential) occupancy under the adopted International Residential Code. A building permit is required, along with subtrade permits for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Plans typically must show compliance with minimum ceiling height (7 feet), minimum room size, egress windows (5.7 square feet clear opening with sill no higher than 44 inches), exterior and interior wall insulation meeting the Texas energy code, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout the dwelling. Because most single family zoning districts require 2 off-street parking spaces, removing garage parking usually means providing a new driveway or concrete pad elsewhere on the lot. Front yard parking surfaces must remain within the approved curb cut and paved area; grass or gravel parking is typically not permitted. Garages with existing slabs below finished floor of the main home often require slab raising or installation of a dam and drainage to prevent water infiltration. Retroactive permits for unpermitted conversions can be pursued but usually require opening walls to verify framing and meet current code. The conversion does not create a separate dwelling unit (see ADU rules) and cannot be rented as a separate unit.