ADU Permits: Dallas vs Garland
How do adu permits rules compare between Dallas, TX and Garland, TX?
Dallas and Garland have similar restriction levels.
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 →Garland, TX
Dallas County
Garland restricts accessory dwelling units in single-family residential districts. Under the Garland Code of Ordinances Chapter 6 (Comprehensive Zoning) and the Garland Development Code, single-family districts (SF-7, SF-10, etc.) permit one dwelling unit per lot. An accessory 'servant's quarters' or guest house is permitted as an incidental use but cannot be rented as a separate household. A true detached rental ADU typically requires a Specific Use Permit (SUP) under Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 zoning authority.
View full Garland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Authority | - | Garland Development Code; TX LGC Ch. 211 |
| Accessory Use | - | Servant's quarters / guest house |
| Separate Rental ADU | - | Requires SUP |
| Review Timeline | - | 6-12 months for SUP |
| Building Code | - | 2021 IRC with TX amendments |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Garland FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Garland?
Garland's single-family zoning generally permits only one dwelling unit per lot. An accessory guest house or servant's quarters may be allowed as incidental to the main dwelling but cannot be rented as a separate household. A true ADU as a separate rental requires a Specific Use Permit through the Plan Commission and City Council.
Why does Texas not have ADU preemption like Arizona?
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211 grants home-rule cities like Garland broad zoning authority and the Legislature has not enacted a statewide ADU mandate. Unlike Arizona HB 2720 or California Gov. Code Sec. 65852.2, Texas leaves ADU permitting to local discretion through the SUP process.
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