Richmond, TX Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Richmond, Texas adopted a Unified Development Code (UDC) in October 2015, with building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes administered by the Building Department at 281-232-6871. Effective October 14, 2024, all building permit applications are submitted through the My Government Online (MGO) portal. Converting an attached or detached garage into conditioned living space is a change of use that requires a residential building permit, plus separate trade permits for any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. The IRC requires the new space to meet habitable-room standards: minimum ceiling height, emergency escape and rescue openings (egress windows) in any sleeping room, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, insulation in walls, ceiling, and floor, a permanent heating and cooling source, and required ventilation. The exterior garage door opening typically must be infilled with framing matching the wall assembly. Under Richmond UDC Sec. 5.2.103 (Accessory Dwelling Units), ADUs are only allowed in SR, GR, and OT zoning districts and must be accessory to a single-family detached principal building; integrated ADUs are capped at 25% of total gross floor area, one-story detached ADUs at 25% of principal building floor area or 1,200 square feet (whichever is greater) or 7.5% of lot area, and two-story detached ADUs at 600 square feet. ADUs cannot be metered or billed for utilities separately, and one off-street parking space is required. Master-planned communities throughout Richmond (Pecan Grove Plantation, Long Meadow Farms, Briarwood Crossing, Walnut Creek, Veranda, The Grove) impose deed restrictions and architectural review requirements that frequently prohibit garage conversions outright; HOA approval should be obtained before applying for a city permit. Properties in Richmond's ETJ in unincorporated Fort Bend County follow county rules instead of Richmond zoning, but still need a county building permit where applicable.