Accessory Structures in El Paso, TX (2026)
7 verified accessory structures rules for El Paso, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
El Paso permits accessory dwelling units on lots with a detached single-family dwelling under City Code Section 20.10.035 (Title 20 Zoning, Chapter 20.10 Supplemental Use Regulations). The minimum lot area is 5,500 square feet; maximum ADU size is 800 square feet of gross floor area, increasing to 1,200 square feet on lots of 8,000 square feet or more. Only one bedroom is permitted, owner occupancy of the principal or accessory unit is required, and the ADU must match the principal unit in scale, roof pitch, siding, and color. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211 supplies the city's zoning authority.
ADU Rules in El Paso
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
El Paso allows accessory dwelling units in most residential zoning districts under El Paso Municipal Code Title 20 (Zoning) Chapter 20.10. ADUs are reviewed through the One Stop Shop / Planning and Inspections Department. Permits include zoning verification plus building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits. Texas has no statewide ADU streamlining law, so El Paso applies its own standards.
El Paso ADU Permits (Title 20 Zoning Code)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
El Paso charges water and wastewater impact fees on new ADUs under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 395 and El Paso Water tariffs. 2025 rates run approximately $1,500 to $4,000 for water and wastewater combined per dwelling unit. The city also charges building permit and plan review fees of roughly $300 to $1,000. Texas has no sub-750 sq ft fee waiver.
El Paso ADU Impact Fees and Connection Costs
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
El Paso does not impose a blanket statutory owner-occupancy requirement on accessory dwelling units, but most R-1 single-family districts limit lots to two dwelling units per parcel and prohibit operation of two non-owner-occupied units in single-family zoning. Texas has no preempting state ADU law. HOAs in master-planned communities may impose stricter occupancy requirements through CC&Rs.
El Paso ADU Owner-Occupancy Standards
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
El Paso ADUs may be used for long-term rentals (30+ days) subject to zoning district limits. Short-term rentals under 30 days are regulated under Chapter 3.36 (Short-Term Rentals), which requires city registration, Hotel Occupancy Tax registration, and compliance with operational standards. Texas Property Code Sec. 92.018 governs landlord-tenant relations for long-term residential leases.
El Paso ADU Rental and Short-Term Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
El Paso City Code Section 20.10.030 caps residential accessory buildings at one story or 15 feet in height and requires placement in the rear yard (or side yard if side setbacks are met). Detached accessory buildings must sit at least 60 feet behind the front lot line and at least 5 feet from the main building. One accessory building up to 400 square feet is allowed even if cumulative caps are otherwise exceeded.
El Paso Shed and Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in El Paso must comply with Title 18 Building Code (IRC) permitting and, if used as a separate dwelling, with Section 20.10.035 (Accessory Dwelling Units). ADUs are capped at 800 sq ft (1,200 sq ft on lots of 8,000+ sq ft), are limited to one bedroom, require a 5,500 sq ft minimum lot, owner-occupancy of one of the two units, and a separate entrance. Only one ADU per lot.
El Paso Garage Conversion and ADU Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for El Paso County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement El Paso city rules.
Accessory Structures in El Paso County →