Accessory Structures in El Paso, TX (2026)
3 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 allows one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot under City Code § 20.10.035, detached or attached, capped at 800 square feet (1,200 on lots of 8,000+ sq ft) and one bedroom. Lots need at least 5,500 square feet, and the ADU's height cannot exceed the main house's height.
El Paso ADU Zoning Standards
Some RestrictionsEl Paso City Code § 20.10.035(A)(2), (3), (5), (6), (8), (10)
Only one ADU is permitted on a lot with a detached single-family dwelling. ADUs are not permitted on lots with a duplex or multi-family units. ... The minimum lot area is five thousand five hundred square feet. ... The ADU shall not exceed eight hundred square feet of gross floor area, except that for lots containing eight thousand square feet or more, the ADU shall not exceed one thousand two ...
ADU Owner Occupancy
El Paso requires the owner of any lot with a detached accessory dwelling unit to live in either the main house or the ADU as a permanent residence under City Code § 20.10.035(A)(1); an owner may rent out both units only during a temporary absence of one year or less.
El Paso ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Significant RestrictionsEl Paso City Code § 20.10.035(A)(1)
The property owner must occupy either the principal unit or the accessory dwelling unit as their permanent residence. An owner of a property containing an accessory dwelling unit who is absent for a period of one year or less may rent the owner's unit as well as the second unit during the temporary absence.
Shed & Carport Rules
El Paso caps detached residential accessory buildings, sheds, workshops, and freestanding garages, at one story or 15 feet under City Code § 20.10.030(A), and requires at least 60 feet from the front lot line and 5 feet from the main house. Combined accessory floor area is limited to 50% of the house or 40% of the rear yard, whichever is more restrictive.
El Paso Shed & Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsEl Paso City Code § 20.10.030(A)(1), (3), (4)
Residential accessory buildings shall not exceed one story or fifteen feet in height and must be located in a rear yard, or in a side yard if minimum required side setbacks are maintained, except as permitted in Section 20.10.035 (Accessory Dwelling Units). Condensing units for central air conditioning systems shall be no closer than five feet to a lot line. ... Detached residential accessory b...
Looking 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 →