Accessory Structures in Arlington, TX (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Arlington, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Arlington allows accessory dwelling units in limited residential zoning districts subject to Unified Development Code standards covering size, owner-occupancy, setbacks, and parking. Unlike California or Oregon, Texas has no statewide ADU mandate, so Arlington's local zoning controls whether, where, and how an ADU can be built.
ADU Rules in Arlington
Heavy RestrictionsADU Permits
Arlington allows accessory dwelling units only in limited residential districts under the Arlington Unified Development Code (UDC) Article 4. Detached ADUs (called 'guest quarters' or 'accessory living quarters') typically require a Specific Use Permit (SUP) reviewed by Planning and Zoning Commission and approved by City Council. Building permits issue only after the SUP is granted. Texas has not preempted local discretionary review.
Arlington ADU Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Arlington charges standard water/sewer impact fees on ADUs requiring new connections under Arlington City Code Chapter 35. Roadway impact fees under Chapter 35.5 may apply for new dwelling units. Building permit fees through the OneStart portal are based on construction valuation. Texas has no statewide ADU fee waiver. Sharing the principal dwelling's utilities is the most common cost-reduction strategy.
Arlington ADU Impact and Utility Fees
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Arlington typically imposes owner-occupancy as a condition of the Specific Use Permit granted for accessory living quarters under UDC Article 4. The owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as a permanent residence. A recorded deed restriction with the Tarrant County Clerk is generally required. Texas has not preempted local owner-occupancy rules.
Arlington ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Heavy RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Arlington ADUs may be rented long-term (30+ days) provided owner occupancy continues under the typical SUP condition. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are heavily restricted under Arlington City Code Chapter 7.5 (the 2019 STR ordinance), with single-family districts limited to one designated STR per block face and registration required. ADUs operated as STRs face strict registration, parking, and notification rules.
Arlington ADU Rental and Short-Term Rental Rules
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Arlington requires building permits for storage sheds and accessory buildings larger than 200 square feet, while smaller sheds are exempt from permits but must still meet setback, height, and zoning standards. All sheds must be placed in side or rear yards and typically kept 3 feet from property lines.
Shed Rules in Arlington
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a garage into living space in Arlington requires a building permit, full compliance with the International Residential Code for habitable rooms, and replacement of required off-street parking. Conversions that create a second dwelling unit must also meet ADU zoning standards and are often restricted by HOA covenants.
Garage Conversion Rules in Arlington
Heavy RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Arlington require building permits and must meet setback, height, and lot coverage rules in the Unified Development Code. Attached carports follow main-structure setbacks, while detached carports follow accessory structure rules. Fabric or metal 'portable' carports are generally not allowed as permanent front-yard structures.
Carport Rules in Arlington
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Arlington regulates tiny homes based on whether they are built on permanent foundations as single-family dwellings or on wheels as RVs. Foundation-built tiny homes must meet the full International Residential Code and minimum dwelling size standards, while tiny homes on wheels are treated as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences in residential zones.
Tiny Home Rules in Arlington
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Arlington city rules.
Accessory Structures in Tarrant County →