Accessory Structures in Tyler, TX (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Tyler, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Tyler zoning lists accessory dwelling units and garage apartments as permitted household-living uses. Accessory buildings cannot be used as dwellings except permitted garage apartments, and residential lots range from 3,000 square feet up.
Tyler ADU and Garage Apartment Rules
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Unified Development Code Sec. 10-79(g)
No accessory buildings or structure may be used for dwelling purposes except for permitted garage apartments.
Shed Rules
Tyler caps an accessory building at 50 percent of the main house's floor area and 16 feet in height. It must sit at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, cover no more than 30 percent of the required rear yard, and cannot be lived in.
Tyler Shed and Accessory Building Rules
Few RestrictionsTyler, TX, Unified Development Code Sec. 10-79
The square footage of an accessory building or structure may not exceed 50 percent of the square footage of the principal structure. ... Accessory buildings or structures must not occupy more than 30 percent of the required rear yard and must not be nearer than five feet from any side or rear lot line ... Accessory buildings or structure must not exceed 16 feet in height.
Garage Conversions
Tyler allows garage apartments as a permitted use, but converting garage space to living area needs a building permit and must meet dwelling and setback standards. Accessory buildings cannot be dwellings except permitted garage apartments.
Tyler Garage Conversion and Apartment Rules
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Unified Development Code Sec. 10-79(g)
No accessory buildings or structure may be used for dwelling purposes except for permitted garage apartments.
Carport Rules
A carport is an accessory structure in Tyler, capped at 16 feet high and 50 percent of the main house's floor area, set at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, and it cannot project past a required side yard along any street.
Tyler Carport Construction Rules
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Unified Development Code Sec. 10-79
Accessory buildings or structures must not occupy more than 30 percent of the required rear yard and must not be nearer than five feet from any side or rear lot line ... Accessory buildings or structure must not exceed 16 feet in height. ... No accessory building may project beyond a required side yard setback line along any street.
Tiny Homes
Tyler has no separate tiny-home category. A permanent-foundation tiny house must meet single-family standards, with residential lots starting at 3,000 square feet. An accessory building cannot be a dwelling except a permitted garage apartment.
Tyler Tiny Home Rules
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Unified Development Code Sec. 10-79(g)
No accessory buildings or structure may be used for dwelling purposes except for permitted garage apartments.
Looking for Smith County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tyler city rules.
Accessory Structures in Smith County →