Accessory Structures in Garland, TX: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Garland or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Garland has 9 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

Shed Rules

Garland regulates accessory structures under GDC Chapter 2. Rear yard setbacks of 3 feet minimum for side and rear. Must have main building on lot. Building permits may be required by size.

Key details: Setbacks: 3 ft min side/rear. Main Building: Required on lot. Permits: By size/type. Habitation: Only per §2.51 ADU rules. Inspections: (972) 205-2300.

Unpermitted structure: retroactive permit with penalty. Non-compliant setback: modification or removal.

Garage Conversions

Garland allows garage conversions to living space with permits but requires replacement covered parking and full compliance with residential building, energy, and egress codes.

Key details: Permit: Building permit and full code compliance required. Requirement: Replacement covered parking typically required. Requirement: Egress windows mandatory in new bedrooms. Requirement: Smoke and CO alarms required throughout. Requirement: IECC energy code compliance for insulation/HVAC.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://www.garlandtx.gov/178/Building-Inspection) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

This is one of the stricter rules in Garland's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

ADU Impact Fees

Garland charges standard development and utility fees on new dwelling units under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 395 authority. There is no Texas statewide ADU impact-fee waiver. Sharing the principal dwelling's existing water and sewer service typically avoids most impact fees; standalone connections trigger Chapter 395 water/wastewater and roadway impact fees in adopted service areas.

Key details: Authority: TX LGC Ch. 395 Impact Fees. Water/Wastewater Impact: Per Garland adopted schedule. Roadway Impact: Applies in service areas. Share Existing Tap: Avoids most impact fees. Statewide Waiver: None (no TX preemption).

Failure to pay impact fees: permit denial or revocation, and a lien against the property for unpaid fees. Building without paying connection fees: Garland Water Utilities disconnection authority and Code Compliance citation. Daily fines up to $2,000 for building code violations under Texas LGC Sec. 54.001.

ADU Permits

Garland restricts accessory dwelling units in single-family residential districts. Under the Garland Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 (Comprehensive Zoning) and the Garland Development Code, single-family districts (SF-7, SF-10, etc.) permit one dwelling unit per lot. An accessory 'servant's quarters' or guest house is permitted as an incidental use but cannot be rented as a separate household. A true detached rental ADU typically requires a Specific Use Permit (SUP) under Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 zoning authority.

Key details: Authority: Garland Development Code; TX LGC Ch. 211. Accessory Use: Servant's quarters / guest house. Separate Rental ADU: Requires SUP. Review Timeline: 6-12 months for SUP. Building Code: 2021 IRC with TX amendments.

Building an unpermitted second dwelling unit: stop-work order from Building Inspection, daily fines up to $2,000 per day for building code violations and $500 per day for zoning violations under Texas Local Government Code Sec. 54.001, and Code Compliance citations. Operating an unpermitted second unit as a rental violates Garland single-family district zoning and may trigger injunctive enforcement.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Garland actively enforces its adu permits requirements.

ADU Owner Occupancy

Garland's single-family residential zoning effectively requires owner-occupancy of accessory living quarters by limiting each lot to one dwelling unit. The accessory guest house or servant's quarters cannot be rented as a separate household. Where a Specific Use Permit allows a true ADU, owner-occupancy is typically imposed as an SUP condition with a recorded deed restriction. Texas has not preempted local owner-occupancy rules.

Key details: Effective Requirement: Yes - one unit per lot in SF zoning. Authority: Garland Development Code; TX LGC Ch. 211. Where SUP Granted: Owner-occupancy typically required. Deed Restriction: Recorded with Dallas County Clerk. Both Units Rented: Prohibited in SF districts.

Renting an unauthorized second dwelling unit: zoning violation under the Garland Development Code, fines up to $500 per day under Texas Local Government Code Sec. 54.001, and possible Code Compliance enforcement including injunction. False statement on an owner-occupancy affidavit: Class B misdemeanor under Texas Penal Code Sec. 37.10.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Garland actively enforces its adu owner occupancy requirements.

ADU Rental Restrictions

Garland's single-family zoning prohibits renting an accessory guest house as a separate household. Where an SUP authorizes a true ADU, long-term (30+ days) rental is allowed if owner-occupancy continues per SUP conditions. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are regulated under the Garland Code of Ordinances with registration and Hotel Occupancy Tax obligations. Texas LGC Sec. 214.902 preempts rent control citywide.

Key details: SF Zoning: No separate rental household. Long-Term (30+ days): OK if SUP + owner-occupied. STR Threshold: <30 days. Hotel Occupancy Tax: State 6% + Garland local HOT. Rent Control: Preempted by TX LGC Sec. 214.902.

Renting an unauthorized accessory unit: Garland Development Code violation, fines up to $500 per day under TX LGC Sec. 54.001, possible Code Compliance citation and injunction. Unregistered STR: Garland ordinance violation. Failure to remit Hotel Occupancy Tax: Texas Comptroller enforcement under Tax Code Ch. 156 and Garland enforcement under its local HOT ordinance.

Compared to other cities, Garland takes a harder line on adu rental restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Tiny Homes

Garland regulates tiny homes by foundation type and size, allowing site-built tiny homes on permanent foundations in residential zones but restricting tiny homes on wheels.

Key details: Foundation: Site-built tiny homes need permanent foundation. Minimum Size: Must meet minimum dwelling size for the zone. Construction Code: IRC Appendix Q applies to tiny house construction. Mobile Homes: Tiny houses on wheels treated as RVs, not dwellings. ADU Restriction: ADUs generally not permitted in residential zones.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://www.garlandtx.gov/172/Planning) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

This is one of the stricter rules in Garland's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Carport Rules

Garland allows attached and detached carports with a building permit, requiring specific setbacks, materials, and limits on front-yard placement to maintain residential appearance.

Key details: Permit/License: Building permit required for all carports. Distances: 3-foot side and rear setbacks for detached. Requirements: Materials must match the main dwelling. Fees/Costs: Maximum 15 feet in height. Restrictions: Temporary fabric carports not allowed permanently.

ADU Rules

Garland allows accessory dwellings under GDC Section 2.51 in residential zones. Must have main building on lot. Minimum 3-foot side/rear setbacks. Front yard must match main building setback. No accessory building used as dwelling except per §2.51.

Key details: Allowed: Per GDC §2.51. Main Building: Required on same lot. Side/Rear Setback: 3 feet minimum. Front Yard: Same as main building. Pending Bill: TX SB 673.

Unpermitted ADU: zoning violation. Building without permits: building code violation.

The Bottom Line

Garland is tougher than many cities when it comes to accessory structures. Out of the 9 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Garland, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Garland's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.