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🏗️ Accessory Structures/ADU Owner Occupancy

ADU Owner Occupancy: Carrollton vs Dallas

How do adu owner occupancy rules compare between Carrollton, TX and Dallas, TX?

Carrollton, TX

Dallas County

No data available yet for Carrollton.

Dallas, TX

Dallas County

Heavy Restrictions

Dallas requires the property owner to occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as a permanent residence under Dallas Development Code § 51A-4.217. The owner-occupancy requirement is typically a condition of the Specific Use Permit (SUP) granted for the ADU. A recorded deed restriction is required. Both units cannot be rented to non-owners simultaneously.

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Key Facts Comparison

FactCarrolltonDallas
Code Section-Dallas Dev Code § 51A-4.217
Owner Occupancy-Required (SUP condition)
Deed Restriction-Recorded with Dallas County
Both Units Rented-Prohibited (single-family district)

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Carrollton FAQ

No FAQs available.

Dallas FAQ

Does Dallas require the owner to live on the property to have an ADU?

Yes. Dallas Development Code § 51A-4.217 and the typical Specific Use Permit conditions require the owner to occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as a permanent residence, with a deed restriction recorded against the property.

Can an LLC own a property with an ADU in Dallas?

LLC ownership is allowed but complicates owner-occupancy. The Specific Use Permit typically requires the principal member or trustee residing on-site to personally satisfy the residency test. This is reviewed case-by-case by the City Plan Commission.

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