Accessory Structures in McKinney, TX (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for McKinney, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
McKinney generally does not permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as-of-right in single-family zoning districts. Guest quarters without cooking facilities allowed under Zoning Chapter 146 accessory use rules.
Accessory Structures: Adu Rules
Heavy RestrictionsADU Permits
McKinney restricts accessory dwelling units in single-family residential districts. Under the McKinney Zoning Ordinance, an accessory living quarters or guest house may be permitted as incidental to the principal dwelling but cannot be rented as a separate household. Establishing a true ADU as a separate rental unit typically requires a Specific Use Permit (SUP), reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council under Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 zoning authority.
McKinney ADU Permits (Zoning Ordinance + TX Local Govt Code Ch. 211)
Heavy RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
McKinney charges standard impact and utility fees on new dwelling units under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 395 authority, including water/wastewater impact fees and roadway impact fees in adopted service areas. There is no Texas statewide ADU impact-fee waiver comparable to California Gov. Code §65852.2(f). Costs depend on whether the unit requires a new utility connection.
McKinney ADU Impact Fees (Limited; TX Ch. 395 Authority)
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
McKinney's single-family residential zoning effectively requires owner-occupancy by limiting each lot to one dwelling unit. The accessory guest house cannot be rented as a separate household. Where a Specific Use Permit allows a true second unit, owner-occupancy is typically a recorded SUP condition. Texas has not preempted local owner-occupancy conditions.
McKinney ADU Owner-Occupancy (Effectively Required Through SF Zoning)
Heavy RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
McKinney's single-family zoning prohibits renting an accessory guest house as a separate household. Where an SUP permits a true second unit, long-term (30+ days) rental is allowed if owner-occupancy continues. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are subject to McKinney's short-term rental regulations and Hotel Occupancy Tax. Texas SB 987 (2023) was vetoed; STR preemption remains unresolved.
McKinney ADU Rental Restrictions (SF Zoning + STR Regulation)
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
McKinney sheds 200 square feet or smaller and under 8 ft tall do not require a building permit but must meet zoning setbacks (typically 3 ft side and rear). Larger sheds require permit.
Accessory Structures: Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in McKinney require building permit, zoning verification, and replacement of required off-street parking. Conversions that create separate dwelling units are not allowed in SF districts.
Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions
Heavy RestrictionsCarport Rules
McKinney permits attached carports on residential lots subject to setbacks and building permit. Front-yard prefabricated metal carports generally prohibited in most single-family zoning districts.
Accessory Structures: Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) treated as RVs in McKinney and cannot be used as permanent dwellings on single-family lots. Tiny homes on foundations must meet standard zoning minimum floor area, typically 1,000 sq ft or larger depending on district.
Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Collin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement McKinney city rules.
Accessory Structures in Collin County →