Midland's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Midland, Texas, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
ADU Rules
Midland caps an accessory dwelling unit, garage apartment or casita built alongside a house, at 1,000 square feet or 30 percent of the main home's floor area, whichever is smaller, under City Code § 11-1-4.09(C). Only one ADU is allowed per tract, it can never be rented separately from the house, and a mobile home, travel trailer or RV cannot serve as one.
Key details: Max size: 1,000 sf or 30% of main home, whichever is less. Number allowed: One ADU per tract of land. Rental status: Cannot be leased or rented, ever. Prohibited types: Mobile home, travel trailer, RV barred. Occupancy cap: Combined household limited to one "Family".
An ADU that violates § 11-1-4.09, oversized, rented out, built from a trailer or RV, or sold apart from the main house, is a Zoning Ordinance violation under § 11-1-1.06, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.00, with each day the violation continues counting as a separate offense. The Building Official reviews required ADU site plans, floor plans, and elevations before issuing a building permit.
Shed & Carport Rules
Midland caps residential accessory buildings (sheds, garages, workshops) at 10% of the lot, 15% on lots five acres or larger, under City Code Table 5, § 11-1-4.09(A). A shed on a typical lot tops out at 15 feet tall, needs a 25-foot front setback and a 5-foot side/rear setback, and a livestock building must sit 200 feet from any dwelling or well.
Key details: Max combined size: 10% of lot (15% on 5+ acre lots). Max height: 15 ft (up to 40 ft on 5+ acre lots). Front setback: 25 feet minimum. Side/rear setback: 5 feet minimum. Livestock building setback: 200 feet from dwelling or well.
Violating any provision of the Zoning Ordinance, including the accessory building standards in § 11-1-4.09, is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.00 per violation under § 11-1-1.06, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense. The Planning and Development Department reviews accessory structures for compliance with size, setback, and screening rules.
The Bottom Line
Midland's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Midland is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Midland's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.