Accessory Structures in Austin, TX (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Austin, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Austin's HOME Initiative (Ord. 20231207-001, effective Feb 5, 2024) allows up to 3 housing units, including ADUs and tiny homes, on lots zoned SF-1, SF-2, and SF-3.
accessory-structures/adu-rules
Few RestrictionsAustin HOME Amendments - Phase 1 (Ordinance 20231207-001) / Phase 2 (Ordinance 20240516-006); Land Development Code Chapter 25-2, Article 5
The "Home Options for Mobility and Equity" (HOME) code amendments are among a series of updates to the City's Land Development Code (LDC). The goal of these changes is to provide more housing types and increase housing supply within single-family zoned areas of Austin. [...] Phase 1 (Multiple Dwelling Units) - The approved code changes: Allow up to three housing units, including tiny homes, on ...
Shed & Carport Rules
Austin exempts tool and storage sheds up to 120 square feet from building permits, provided they are not in a flood hazard area and have no plumbing or electrical. Larger sheds require a building permit. All sheds must meet zoning setbacks.
Shed Permit Requirements in Austin
Few RestrictionsWork Exempt from Building Permits - Residential Building / Commercial Building (Accessory Structures); Title 25 - Land Development Code, Chapter 25-12 Technical Codes
Residential - Building - A one-story detached accessory structure that is no more than 200 square feet (18.58 m2 ) of floor area, no more than 15 feet (4,572 mm) in height, does not create a dwelling, contains no plumbing, and is not located within a flood hazard area. [...] Commercial - Building - One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar u...
Garage Conversions
Austin requires a Garage Conversion / Carport-Porch Enclosure permit plus a Residential Interior Remodel application. Citywide off-street parking minimums were eliminated in 2023, though some addresses still trigger replacement parking.
accessory-structures/garage-conversions
Some RestrictionsAustin Residential Plan Review - Garage Conversion or Carport/Porch Enclosure; 2024 IRC R317.2 Carports
Garage Conversion or Carport/Porch Enclosure (Small Project) Web Form - Conversion of legally established garages, carports, and porches. [...] Building Permit - Required for new construction, additions, or interior remodels of single-family, duplex, two-family houses, and accessory dwelling buildings on one lot. Amnesty Certificate of Occupancy, garage conversion or carport/porch enclosure, un...
Tiny Homes
Austin is among the most tiny-home-friendly cities in Texas, allowing ADUs on most SF lots down to 5,750 sf and permitting DADUs (Detached ADUs) with reduced setbacks under HOME Initiative amendments. Texas Property Code and local SMART Housing incentives promote affordable tiny-home development.
Austin Tiny Home Rules
Few RestrictionsAustin HOME Amendments - Tiny Homes (City Code Section 25-1-21; IRC Appendix AQ); HOME Phase 1 (Ordinance 20231207-001)
Tiny Homes - A Tiny Home or Tiny House is a dwelling unit that is 400 square feet or less in floor area, excluding loft space per City Code Section 25-1-21: Definitions or IRC Appendix AQ Tiny Houses: Definitions. [...] How to Apply - There are two building plan review options when applying for a permit to build a Tiny Home. [...] Standard Residential - Submit the Tiny House Request for Modific...
Looking for Travis County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Austin city rules.
Accessory Structures in Travis County →