Accessory Structures in Irving, TX (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Irving, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Irving will not let a homeowner add a guest apartment or accessory dwelling by right. Under Unified Development Code § 2.4.7(b)(2), guest and servant's quarters are a lawful accessory use in a single-family district only after the property is rezoned into an S-P-1 detailed site plan district by City Council under § 2.7.3, following Planning and Zoning Commission review and a public hearing.
Irving Guest Quarters Need S-P-1 Rezoning
Significant RestrictionsIrving Unified Development Code § 2.4.7(b)(2) (R-7.5 District Accessory Uses), cross-referencing § 2.7.3
Guest and servant's quarters may be permitted as an accessory use to a residential dwelling upon such accessory use being approved as an S-P-1 site plan district under section 2.7.3 of this ordinance.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Irving's Unified Development Code defines a 'servants quarters,' the only accessory dwelling unit its zoning code recognizes, as living quarters restricted to people employed on the property. Section 9.3 flatly bars renting it out or using it as a separate home for anyone else, and requires it to share utility meters with the main house rather than carry its own.
Irving Bans Renting Out Accessory Dwellings
Heavy RestrictionsIrving Unified Development Code § 9.3, Definitions, item 169 ("Servants quarters")
Servants quarters, an accessory dwelling located on a lot with a main residence structure and used as living quarters for persons employed on the premises only, and not for rent or use as a separate domicile of other than persons employed on the premises, and with no separate utility meters.
Shed & Carport Rules
A backyard shed in Irving falls under UDC § 3.1.4, which caps a detached accessory building on a lot under half an acre at 10% of the lot area or 2,500 square feet, whichever is smaller, and sets a 5-foot minimum setback and a 10-foot height limit.
Irving Backyard Shed Size and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsIrving Unified Development Code § 3.1.4 (Detached accessory buildings other than a garage or carport)
3.1.4 Detached accessory buildings other than a detached garage or carport in a single family "R" district. These include structures which are floored, roofed, may be surrounded by outside columns or walls... (a) Maximum square footage.The total square footage of detached accessory buildings (other than detached garages or carports) on lots less than ½ acre shall not exceed a maximum of 10% of ...
Garage Conversions
Irving will not issue a permit to convert an attached garage into living space unless the project meets every condition in UDC § 4.4.10: matching exterior materials, no wood siding on the new wall, a 16-to-25-foot paved driveway, house-only entry, and no separate dwelling unit. The rule covers conversions permitted after October 22, 2009.
Irving Garage Conversion to Living Space Rules
Some RestrictionsIrving Unified Development Code § 4.4.10
Single-family garage conversions. No permit shall be issued for the purpose of converting a residential attached garage into habitable living space unless all of the following requirements are met: a) Materials. Exterior materials for the garage conversion must match the materials, colors, and design of the rest of the façade of the house on which the conversion takes place. b) Wood siding proh...
Looking for Dallas County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Irving city rules.
Accessory Structures in Dallas County →