Accessory Structures in Denton, TX (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Denton, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Denton allows ADUs in certain residential zones under its Development Code. Units must be subordinate to the primary dwelling, meet setbacks, and cannot be sold separately. Owner occupancy is typically required.
Denton Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Denton allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) by right on lots with a single-family detached dwelling, townhome, duplex, or triplex under the Denton Development Code (DDC). Maximum ADU size is the greater of 800 sq ft or 75% of the primary dwelling. A January 2026 amendment requires a Special Use Permit (SUP) for any second ADU on the same lot. Permits are obtained through Development Services at 401 N Elm St.
Denton ADU Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Denton charges standard water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees on new dwelling units under authority of Texas Local Government Code Chapter 395. Updated Roadway Impact Fees took effect January 1, 2025. Water/wastewater impact fee updates were considered in August 2025. ADUs sharing the primary dwelling's water and sewer service avoid most impact fees because separate water or sewer service for the ADU is not allowed under the Denton Development Code.
Denton ADU Impact and Utility Fees
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Denton's Development Code does not impose a citywide owner-occupancy requirement for the by-right first ADU on a lot. However, the January 2026 amendment requiring a Special Use Permit (SUP) for any second ADU enables City Council to attach owner-occupancy and other conditions case-by-case. Texas has not preempted local owner-occupancy rules for ADUs (unlike California). University of North Texas-area properties face heightened scrutiny.
Denton ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Denton ADUs may be rented long-term (30+ days) under the Denton Development Code without owner-occupancy on the first by-right unit. Short-term rentals (24 hours to 29 days) require STR Registration with the City of Denton ($100 annually). Effective January 1, 2025, amended STR rules impose additional requirements in residential and multifamily zones, with a citywide cap of 1,000 STR certificates per calendar year.
Denton ADU Rental and Short-Term Rental Rules
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Denton allows sheds in residential yards. Sheds under 120 sq ft generally need no permit but must meet setbacks. Larger sheds require a permit and count toward lot coverage limits.
Denton Shed and Storage Building Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Denton require a building permit. The converted space must meet egress, ventilation, and ceiling height standards. Replacement off-street parking must be provided on-site.
Denton Garage Conversion Regulations
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Denton permits carports in residential zones. They cannot extend into front setbacks or the right-of-way. Attached carports and detached carports over 120 sq ft require a building permit.
Denton Carport Regulations
Few RestrictionsTiny Homes
Denton regulates tiny homes by type. Foundation-built units must meet IRC and zoning minimums. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings.
Denton Tiny Home Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Denton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Denton city rules.
Accessory Structures in Denton County →