ADU Permits: Frisco vs McKinney
How do adu permits rules compare between Frisco, TX and McKinney, TX?
Frisco and McKinney have similar restriction levels.
Frisco, TX
Collin County
Frisco restricts accessory dwelling units in single-family residential districts. The Frisco Zoning Ordinance permits only an accessory 'servant's quarters' or guest house incidental to the principal dwelling, and it cannot be operated as a separate rental household. A true detached ADU as a separate unit typically requires a Specific Use Permit (SUP) reviewed by Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council under Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 zoning authority.
View full Frisco rules →McKinney, TX
Collin County
McKinney restricts accessory dwelling units in single-family residential districts. Under the McKinney Zoning Ordinance, an accessory living quarters or guest house may be permitted as incidental to the principal dwelling but cannot be rented as a separate household. Establishing a true ADU as a separate rental unit typically requires a Specific Use Permit (SUP), reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council under Texas Local Government Code Ch. 211 zoning authority.
View full McKinney rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Frisco | McKinney |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Frisco Zoning Ord; TX LGC Ch. 211 | McKinney Zoning Ord; TX LGC Ch. 211 |
| Accessory Use | Guest house/servant's quarters | Guest house/servant's quarters |
| Separate Rental ADU | Requires SUP | Requires SUP |
| Review Timeline | 6-12 months for SUP | - |
| Building Code | 2021 IRC with TX amendments | 2021 IRC with TX amendments |
| Counties | Collin (primary), Denton (small portion) | - |
| HPO Districts | - | Certificate of Appropriateness |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Frisco FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Frisco?
Frisco'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 unit requires a Specific Use Permit (SUP) with Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council approval and public hearings under TX LGC §211.007.
What permits do I need?
If allowed as a guest house: a building permit from Building Inspections covering structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical trades. For a separate-unit ADU: first a Specific Use Permit through Planning & Zoning under TX LGC §211.007, then the building permit. Frisco enforces the 2021 IRC with Texas amendments.
McKinney FAQ
Can I build an ADU in McKinney?
McKinney's single-family zoning generally permits only one dwelling unit per lot. An accessory guest house 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 (SUP) with public hearings before Planning & Zoning and City Council.
Are there extra rules for historic downtown McKinney?
Yes. Properties within the Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO) — including downtown, East Side, West Side, and Chestnut Square heritage areas — require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Advisory Board before any exterior work or new accessory structure, in addition to the standard zoning and building permits.
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