ADU Permits: Carrollton vs Dallas
How do adu permits rules compare between Carrollton, TX and Dallas, TX?
Carrollton, TX
Dallas County
No data available yet for Carrollton.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas only allows accessory dwelling units in limited residential districts (R-7.5, R-10, R-16, RH series) and most ADUs require a Special Use Permit (SUP) or Specific Use Permit under Dallas Development Code § 51A-4.217. Approval requires neighborhood notification, City Plan Commission hearing, and City Council vote. Building permits issue only after the SUP is granted. The process typically takes 6–12 months.
View full Dallas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carrollton | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | - | Dallas Dev Code § 51A-4.217 |
| Review Type | - | Specific Use Permit (discretionary) |
| Allowed Districts | - | R-7.5, R-10, R-16, RH series |
| Timeline | - | 6–12 months SUP + permit |
| Detached Max | - | 600 sq ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carrollton FAQ
No FAQs available.
Dallas FAQ
How do I get an ADU permit in Dallas?
Most Dallas ADUs require a Specific Use Permit (SUP) under Dallas Development Code § 51A-4.217. File an SUP application with Sustainable Development and Construction, attend City Plan Commission and City Council hearings, then apply for the building permit. Total time 6–12 months.
Why is Dallas so much stricter on ADUs than California cities?
Texas has not enacted state preemption of local ADU rules like California's Gov. Code § 65852.2. Dallas retains discretionary control through the SUP process, requiring public hearings and Council approval rather than ministerial over-the-counter review.
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