Accessory Structures in Houston, TX (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Houston, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Houston permits ADUs (secondary dwelling units) by right up to 900 sq ft with kitchen and bathroom. One ADU per single-family lot. Setbacks are 5 feet from rear and side property lines. Deed restrictions may prohibit ADUs.
Houston ADU (Secondary Dwelling Unit) Regulations
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Houston permits ADUs (locally called garage apartments or quarters) through the Houston Permitting Center. With no zoning ordinance, ADUs are regulated by Chapter 42 development code, building code, and deed restrictions. Building permits are required for all habitable accessory structures.
Houston ADU (Garage Apartment) Permits
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Houston does not impose traditional municipal impact fees on residential ADUs. The Houston Permitting Center charges only standard permit and plan-review fees plus utility tap fees. Houston Public Works charges water and wastewater capacity fees where new service connections are required.
Houston ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Houston has no municipal owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs. With no zoning ordinance, owner-occupancy is governed entirely by deed restrictions in specific subdivisions. Some Houston HOAs and historic deed restrictions require the owner to live in either the main dwelling or the ADU.
Houston ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Houston does not restrict long-term rental of ADUs. Texas state law (Property Code Section 92.0091) preempts most local rental regulation. Short-term rental of ADUs requires registration with the City under Chapter 28 effective 2024. Deed restrictions often impose rental bans or minimum-lease terms.
Houston ADU Rental Restrictions
Few RestrictionsShed Rules
Houston exempts accessory structures under 200 sq ft and 15 ft tall from building permits. Larger structures require permits. Setbacks are 5 feet from side and rear property lines (10 ft rear if over 15 ft tall). Must be behind the front building line.
Houston Shed & Accessory Structure Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Houston allows garage conversions to living space or ADUs with a building permit. Converting to an ADU requires 3 total off-street parking spaces. Over-garage ADUs that preserve parking below are a popular alternative.
Houston Garage Conversion Regulations
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Houston require a building permit through the Houston Permitting Center. They must comply with building setback requirements under Chapter 42 and applicable building codes. Since Houston has no zoning, deed restrictions may impose additional requirements.
Houston Carport Regulations
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Houston allows secondary dwelling units (ADUs) including tiny homes, with a maximum size of 900 sq ft or 50% of the main home's floor area. The 2023 Livable Places amendments to Chapter 42 expanded ADU allowances. Since Houston has no zoning, most restrictions come from building codes and deed restrictions.
Houston Tiny Home and ADU Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Houston city rules.
Accessory Structures in Harris County →