Accessory Structures in Carrollton, TX (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Carrollton, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Carrollton's zoning ordinance defines a 'garage apartment' as a dwelling unit attached to or built above a private garage, but the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance caps every (SF) Single-Family lot at one dwelling unit. That leaves only the Guest House or Servant's Quarters accessory-use category, permitted by right in single-family districts under the Article 5 Use Table, as the zoning-recognized backyard living space.
Carrollton Garage Apartment and ADU Rules
Significant RestrictionsComprehensive Zoning Ordinance Art. 7, Sec. B (Principal Uses); Art. 35 (Definitions, 'Garage Apartment')
Not more than one dwelling unit shall be allowed per lot of record. ... GARAGE APARTMENT: A dwelling unit attached to or erected above a private garage.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Carrollton's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance defines a guest house as a secondary structure for temporary guest stays only, and it expressly states the structure 'is not for rent, lease or permanent occupancy.' The servants'-quarters definition carries the identical rental ban. Neither may have a separate utility meter, and neither may include a kitchen without Article 7 approval, closing off any path to an independent backyard rental unit.
Carrollton Bars Renting Guest Houses
Heavy RestrictionsComprehensive Zoning Ordinance Art. 35 (Definitions), 'Guest House'
GUEST HOUSE: A secondary structure on a lot which may contain dwelling accommodations for the temporary occupancy by guests, but which is not for rent, lease or permanent occupancy. Such building shall not have a separate utility meter or kitchen facilities. Kitchen facilities may be provided in accordance with Article 7 of this ordinance. (Ord. No. 1947, 10/19/93)
Shed & Carport Rules
Carrollton's zoning ordinance caps every lot to one detached accessory building plus one detached garage, bars sheds built from shipping containers or trailers, and limits accessory building height to 15 feet in every Single-Family district. Sheds over 120 square feet must match the main house's exterior materials under a sliding scale set by Zoning Ordinance Article 7, Section K.3.
Carrollton Accessory Building and Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsCarrollton Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Art. 7 (SF Single-Family Residential Districts), § K.3(a)-(d),(h); § L.3(b)
3. ACCESSORY STRUCTURES: (Ord. No. 3421, 01/11/11) a. No accessory structure shall be constructed on a lot without a principal building. b. No trailers, containers, shipping containers, commercial boxes, vehicles or similar structures shall be used as accessory buildings or structures. c. Accessory buildings shall not have a utility meter separate from the main building. d. A maximum of one acc...
Garage Conversions
A Carrollton short-term rental or bed and breakfast cannot turn its garage into a bedroom or living space. The General Code also bars remodeling or enlarging the home to add bedrooms once it is licensed as an STR or B&B.
Carrollton STR Garage Conversion Ban
Significant RestrictionsCarrollton Code of Ordinances § 97.29(C)
(C) Renovations.An owner, operator, or manager of a STR or B&B may not convert a garage into a living space or bedroom. Nor shall the owner, operator, or manager remodel, renovate, enlarge, or otherwise modify the premises to add additional bedrooms for the STR or B&B use.
Looking for Dallas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Carrollton city rules.
Accessory Structures in Dallas County →