Accessory Structures in Austin, TX (2026)
9 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 ...
ADU Permits
Austin processes ADU applications under the HOME Initiative amendments (Ordinance 20231207-001 and 20240516-002) to Land Development Code Chapter 25-2. ADUs are permitted by right on SF-1, SF-2, and SF-3 lots of at least 2,500 sq ft. The pathway is administrative: no zoning case or board hearing for code-compliant designs. Applications go through the Development Services Department Residential Permit team with a target review time of about 30 business days.
ADU Permits in Austin
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Austin does not charge a general municipal impact fee; the city relies on water/wastewater capital recovery fees, transportation user fees, and Austin Energy connection charges instead. Water/Wastewater capital recovery fees for ADUs are charged based on meter size: an ADU sharing the main meter pays nothing extra, while a separately metered ADU pays the standard 5/8-inch residential rate. Drainage fees are tied to impervious cover. There is no per-unit citywide ADU surcharge.
ADU Impact Fees in Austin
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Austin removed its ADU owner-occupancy requirement when the HOME Initiative Phase 1 (Ordinance 20231207-001) took effect in December 2023. A property owner is no longer required to live on the lot to build an ADU or to rent the ADU long-term. Both the main house and the ADU may be rented to separate tenants by an absentee owner. No deed restriction is recorded.
ADU Owner Occupancy in Austin
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Austin allows long-term rental of ADUs without owner occupancy after the HOME Initiative. Short-term rental of an ADU is restricted under LDC 25-2-788 and 25-2-789: ADUs built after October 1, 2015 may operate as a short-term rental for no more than 30 days per calendar year. Type 2 short-term rental licenses (non-owner-occupied) remain phased out under Ordinance 20160223-A.1. Type 1 (owner-occupied) licenses are available but only for the principal dwelling, not the ADU.
ADU Rental Restrictions in Austin
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
One-story detached residential sheds 200 sq ft or smaller and 15 ft or shorter in height are exempt from a building permit, provided they have no plumbing, are not a dwelling, and are not in a flood hazard area.
accessory-structures/shed-rules
Few RestrictionsWork Exempt from Building Permits - Residential Building / Commercial Building (Accessory Structures); Title 25 - Land Development Code Chapter 25-12, Article 11 Residential Code
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...
Carport Rules
Austin regulates carports through the Land Development Code (LDC) Title 25. To qualify as a carport (rather than a garage counted toward floor area), the structure must have at least two open sides that are clear and unobstructed for at least 80% of the area below the top wall plate. A building permit is required, and the structure must comply with setbacks under LDC § 25-2-492 and the openness-of-yard rules in LDC § 25-2-513.
Austin Carport Rules and Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsTiny 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 →