5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Bell County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Texas counties cannot zone, so unincorporated Bell County sets no ADU rules. Inside Killeen, Temple or Belton, the city zoning code decides whether an accessory dwelling unit is allowed. Killeen exempts accessory buildings under 200 square feet from residential design standards.
Killeen Code of Ordinances § 31-901(c)
Accessory buildings smaller than two hundred (200) square feet shall be exempt.
Unincorporated Bell County has no zoning, so it sets no shed size or setback limits—only septic and platting rules apply. Inside Killeen, sheds follow the city code: structures are limited to 20 feet tall, and nothing over 80 square feet may sit inside a utility easement.
Killeen Code of Ordinances § 31-901(c)
Accessory buildings smaller than two hundred (200) square feet shall be exempt.
Bell County cannot zone, so it does not regulate converting a garage into living space in unincorporated areas—but you still need septic capacity and can't violate deed restrictions. Inside Killeen, Temple or Belton, a building permit and the city's zoning and code apply.
Unincorporated Bell County cannot zone, so it imposes no carport setback or design rules. Inside Killeen, Temple or Belton, carports are accessory structures governed by the city zoning and building code, including setbacks and, in some cases, permits.
Bell County cannot zone, so it doesn't ban tiny homes in unincorporated areas—but a permanent dwelling still needs septic (OSSF) approval and must meet platting rules. Inside Killeen, Temple or Belton, the city zoning code decides whether a tiny home is allowed.
1 cities in Bell County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Bell County Ordinance Hub →