Denton, TX Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)
Tiny home rules in Denton, TX, covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds, determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
Key Facts
- Max ADU size
- 800 sq ft or 75% of home
- Per-lot limit
- One ADU (SUP for a second)
- Detached ADU location
- Side or rear yard only
- Utilities
- No separate water or sewer service
- Entrance
- Separate exterior entrance required
Summary
Denton caps backyard accessory dwelling units at 800 square feet or 75% of the main home's size, whichever is greater, and allows just one per lot on qualifying residential properties.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) shall comply with the following standards: ADUs may be attached or detached units. A maximum of one ADU shall be allowed per lot... ADUs shall only be permitted on lots where the principal use is a single-family detached dwelling, townhome, duplex, or triplex... The square footage of the ADU may be a maximum of 800 square feet or 75 percent of the square footage of the principal dwelling unit, whichever is greater.
Full Breakdown
Denton allows small detached or attached homes as Accessory Dwelling Units on single-family detached, townhome, duplex, or triplex lots under Denton Development Code Section 5.4.4. Detached ADUs must sit in the side or rear yard, stay offset behind the front building line, and be architecturally compatible with the main house. Only one ADU per lot is allowed by right: a second requires a Specific Use Permit and can never push a lot past four dwelling units total. ADUs need their own exterior entrance with cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities, but can't get separate water or sewer service or be platted as an independent lot.
Violations & Fines
Building an ADU without a permit, or one that exceeds the 800-sq-ft/75% cap or violates setback and design standards, puts the property out of compliance with the Development Code and can lead to permit denial or code enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a tiny home in my backyard in Denton?
How many backyard tiny homes can I build in Denton?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denton
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Denton to another location·View the Texas accessory structures overview
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