ADU Impact Fees: Dallas vs Garland
How do adu impact fees rules compare between Dallas, TX and Garland, TX?
Dallas and Garland have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas charges standard impact and utility fees on ADUs without a state-mandated waiver. The Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) impact fee schedule applies based on meter size, with separate water connections triggering full impact fees. Oncor handles electric service. Roadway impact fees under Dallas City Code Ch. 49A may apply for new dwelling units. Texas has no statewide ADU fee waiver comparable to California's.
View full Dallas rules →Garland, TX
Dallas County
Garland charges standard development and utility fees on new dwelling units under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 395 authority. There is no Texas statewide ADU impact-fee waiver. Sharing the principal dwelling's existing water and sewer service typically avoids most impact fees; standalone connections trigger Chapter 395 water/wastewater and roadway impact fees in adopted service areas.
View full Garland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Fee Range | $400–$800 typical | - |
| DWU Water Impact | ~$2,000–$5,000 (new connection) | - |
| DWU Sewer Impact | ~$1,500–$4,000 | - |
| State Waiver | None — Texas has no ADU exemption | - |
| Roadway Impact | Dallas Code Ch. 49A may apply | Applies in service areas |
| Authority | - | TX LGC Ch. 395 Impact Fees |
| Water/Wastewater Impact | - | Per Garland adopted schedule |
| Share Existing Tap | - | Avoids most impact fees |
| Statewide Waiver | - | None (no TX preemption) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Dallas?
No. Texas has no statewide ADU impact-fee waiver. Dallas charges standard fees but allows ADUs to share the principal dwelling's water/sewer tap to avoid most DWU impact fees. Building, plan-check, and trade permit fees still apply.
What does an ADU cost in fees in Dallas?
Expect $1,000–$3,000 in building, plan-check, and trade permit fees for a small ADU sharing the main house's utilities. Separate water/sewer connections add $3,500–$9,000 in DWU impact fees.
Garland FAQ
Are ADU impact fees waived in Garland?
No. Texas has no statewide ADU impact-fee waiver. Garland charges standard fees under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 395. However, accessory units sharing the principal dwelling's existing water and sewer tap can avoid most impact fees - building, plan-check, and trade permit fees still apply.
Will my property taxes go up?
Yes. The Dallas Central Appraisal District will reassess the property after the certificate of occupancy. Combined Garland city, Dallas County, and school district rates total roughly 2.2-2.6% of appraised value, with the increase applied at the next annual roll.
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