ADU Permits: Garland vs Irving
How do adu permits rules compare between Garland, TX and Irving, TX?
Garland and Irving have similar restriction levels.
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 →Irving, TX
Dallas County
Irving regulates accessory dwelling units under the Unified Development Code (UDC), with accessory buildings and structures on residential lots controlled by UDC Section 3.1. Single-family residential districts include R-6, R-7.5, and other R-series classifications with minimum lot sizes corresponding to their numbers. Detached ADUs typically require either rezoning or a Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment, plus a building permit through Development Services.
View full Irving rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garland | Irving |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Governing Code | - | Irving UDC (Land Development Code) |
| Accessory Section | - | UDC Section 3.1 |
| Single-Family Minimums | - | R-6 (6,000 sf), R-7.5 (7,500 sf) |
| Process | - | Rezoning or BOA Special Exception |
| Adopted Building Code | - | 2021 IRC, 2020 NEC (ORD-2023-10699) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Irving FAQ
How do I get an ADU permit in Irving?
Confirm the lot's zoning district under UDC Chapter 2, then check UDC Section 3.1 for accessory structure rules. R-6 and R-7.5 single-family districts do not permit ADUs by right — you'll need rezoning or a Board of Adjustment Special Exception. Once zoning is approved, apply for a building permit through Irving Development Services.
Does Irving allow ADUs by right?
Not in the typical R-6 and R-7.5 single-family districts. UDC Section 3.1 generally limits detached accessory buildings to those without second kitchens. ADUs with kitchens usually require rezoning to a district that permits two-family use or a Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment.
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