5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Brazoria County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Texas counties cannot zone, so Brazoria County sets no ADU rules in unincorporated areas. Inside a city, the city code governs. Pearland's Old Townsite district expressly allows one additional dwelling unit in an accessory structure.
Pearland UDC §2.5.3.1 (Old Townsite district accessory buildings)
Additional dwelling unit (one) and home occupation (as defined in UDC) in an accessory structure shall be permitted.
Brazoria County cannot zone, so unincorporated sheds face no county size or setback rule — only floodplain and septic permits. Cities set their own limits. Pearland caps accessory structures at 660 sq. ft. and 24 feet in its Old Townsite district.
Pearland UDC §2.5.3.1 (Old Townsite district accessory buildings)
Accessory structures shall not be larger than 660 sq.ft. (footprint) or exceed two stories or 24 feet in height, whichever is less.
Brazoria County has no zoning power, so unincorporated garage conversions face no county land-use rule — only building/septic/floodplain concerns. Inside a city, you need a city building permit and must meet code for the new living space.
Texas counties cannot set carport zoning, so unincorporated Brazoria County imposes no setback or design rule. Inside a city, the Unified Development Code applies — Pearland treats carports as accessory structures with setback limits and no front-yard placement.
Pearland UDC §2.5.3.1 (Old Townsite district accessory buildings)
Minimum Side Setback - Five feet (5'). Minimum Rear Setback - Seven and a half feet (7.5') if located along an alley, twenty feet (20') if no alley.
Brazoria County cannot set a minimum house size or zone tiny homes in unincorporated areas — only septic, platting and floodplain rules apply. Inside a city, the building code (IRC Appendix Q) and zoning govern minimum dwelling standards.
1 cities in Brazoria County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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