Accessory Structures in Waco, TX (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Waco, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Waco allows one accessory dwelling unit per single-family lot, capped at one bedroom and 500 square feet or 30 percent of the primary home's floor area, whichever is greater, with its own setbacks and a height ceiling matching the primary house, under Sec. 28-970.5.3 of the zoning code.
Waco Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Standards
Some RestrictionsWaco, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 28-970.5.3(1), (2), (4), (6), (7)
(1)Number of accessory dwelling units per lot. Only one accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed per lot.(2)Number of bedrooms of accessory dwelling units. Only one bedroom permitted per accessory dwelling unit.... (4)Setbacks for detached accessory dwelling units. Detached accessory dwelling units shall have a minimum rear yard setback of ten feet; side yard setback of five feet; and front yar...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Waco requires the owner of a lot with an accessory dwelling unit in a single-family district to sign and record a notarized affidavit affirming they occupy either the primary house or the ADU, and it is unlawful to lease out both units at the same time, per Sec. 28-970.5.3(8) of the zoning code.
Waco ADU Owner-Occupancy Affidavit Rule
Significant RestrictionsWaco, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 28-970.5.3(8)
(8)Occupancy. In single-family residence districts, the property owner shall sign an affidavit before a notary public, to be recorded with the McLennan County Clerk's Office, affirming that the owner occupies either the primary dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit. It shall be unlawful in a single-family residence district to lease both the primary dwelling unit and the accessory dwelli...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Waco's accessory dwelling unit rules require the property owner to live in either the primary house or the ADU, confirmed by a notarized affidavit recorded with the McLennan County Clerk. Renting out both the primary dwelling and the ADU at the same time is unlawful in single-family residence districts under Sec. 28-970.5.3(8) of the zoning code.
Waco Bars Renting Out Both House and ADU
Significant RestrictionsWaco, Tex., Code of Ordinances § 28-970.5.3(8)
In single-family residence districts, the property owner shall sign an affidavit before a notary public, to be recorded with the McLennan County Clerk's Office, affirming that the owner occupies either the primary dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit. It shall be unlawful in a single-family residence district to lease both the primary dwelling unit and the accessory dwelling unit.
Shed & Carport Rules
A shed or detached storage building in Waco must clear five feet from the principal house and three feet from every lot line under Sec. 28-906(7), and once built it counts toward the 30-percent cap on rear-yard coverage set by Sec. 28-926(a)(3), with enclosed storage further limited to 12 feet in height.
Waco Accessory Shed Setback and Coverage Rule
Some RestrictionsWaco, Tex., Code of Ordinances §§ 28-906(7), 28-926(a)(3), (b)
(a)Accessory structures and uses permitted in the various districts shall:(1)Be incidental to the principal use and shall not be established on any lot prior to the establishment of the principal use.(2)Not be erected or maintained in required yards, courts or other open areas except those that are permitted as obstructions in yards, in accordance with sections 28-905, 28-906 and 28-907.(3)Not ...