Garage Conversions: Cedar Park vs Round Rock
How do garage conversions rules compare between Cedar Park, TX and Round Rock, TX?
Round Rock has fewer restrictions than Cedar Park.
Cedar Park, TX
Williamson County
Cedar Park requires a building permit for any garage conversion, and the city's zoning code expressly prohibits placing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) inside a converted detached garage. Conversions must meet residential building, egress, and parking standards under Chapter 11.
View full Cedar Park rules →Round Rock, TX
Williamson County
Garage conversions in Round Rock require a building permit and must comply with residential building codes. Converting a garage to living space may affect required off-street parking counts.
View full Round Rock rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cedar Park | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes — always | - |
| ADU in detached garage | Prohibited (Art. 11.04, Div. 4) | - |
| ADU size if allowed elsewhere | 400–600 sq ft livable / 650 sq ft gross | - |
| Districts where ADU permitted (conditional) | DR, ER, Estate Res., Suburban Res. | - |
| Parking replacement required | Yes — must maintain required spaces | - |
| Reviewing department | Development Services (450 Cypress Creek Rd) | - |
| Permit Required | - | Yes |
| Code Compliance | - | Insulation, egress, electrical, HVAC |
| Parking Impact | - | May require replacement parking |
| ADU Conversion | - | Additional ADU rules may apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cedar Park FAQ
Can I convert my detached garage into a rental apartment?
No. Cedar Park Code Chapter 11, Article 11.04 explicitly states that an accessory dwelling unit shall not be located in a detached garage conversion. You may not legally create a rentable apartment in a stand-alone garage in Cedar Park.
Can I convert my attached garage into a bedroom or office?
Only with a building permit. The conversion must meet residential building code (egress windows, ceiling height, smoke/CO alarms, energy code) and you must still satisfy Chapter 11's off-street parking minimum for the dwelling, which usually means adding replacement covered parking elsewhere on the lot.
Will Cedar Park's rules change because of state ADU legislation?
Texas SB 673 (89th Legislature, 2025) is intended to broaden by-right ADU rights statewide, but it does not override life-safety building and fire codes, HOA deed restrictions, or historic districts. The detached-garage-conversion prohibition and Cedar Park's size and district limits may need to be revised if SB 673 becomes law — check current Chapter 11 before relying on this guide.
Round Rock FAQ
Can I convert my garage into living space in Round Rock?
Garage conversions in Round Rock require a building permit and must comply with residential building codes. Converting a garage to living space may affect required off-street parking counts.
What permits do I need for a garage conversion in Round Rock?
Permit Required: Yes. Code Compliance: Insulation, egress, electrical, HVAC. Parking Impact: May require replacement parking. ADU Conversion: Additional ADU rules may apply.
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