Accessory Structures in Cameron County, TX (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Cameron County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
An accessory dwelling unit on unincorporated Cameron County land needs its own permit and stays capped at 1,000 square feet or 50% of the main house's footprint, whichever is smaller, on lots under 10,000 square feet. The property owner must live in either unit and record a covenant saying so.
Cameron County ADU Size and Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsCameron County Flood Damage Prevention and Building Regulations, Art. 5 § L(1)(a),(d),(f); § L(2)(a); § L(3)(d)
The property owner, which shall include title holders and contract purchasers, must occupy either the principal unit or the accessory dwelling as their permanent residence, and shall at no time receive rent for the owner-occupied unit. ... No accessory dwelling unit shall be constructed, used or occupied unless and until an accessory dwelling permit is issued. ... Only one accessory dwelling un...
Shed & Carport Rules
A shed or detached garage in unincorporated Cameron County has to meet the same building setback lines as any other structure: at least 25 feet from the road right-of-way, 50 feet from a major highway, and 5 feet from side and rear property lines, or whatever the recorded plat requires if that's stricter.
Cameron County Accessory Building Setback Rule
Some RestrictionsCameron County Flood Damage Prevention and Building Regulations, Art. 2 § B(1); Art. 4 § J.2(1)(e); Art. 5 § P
ACCESSORY BUILDING - means a structure that is accessory to and incidental to that of the dwelling and that is located on the same lot. ... Building setback lines shall be: 1. A minimum of 25' from the edge of the right-of-way on all public roads other than major highways and roads; 2. A minimum of 50' from the edge of the right-of-way on all major highways and roads; 3. A minimum of 5' from ad...
Accessory Structures by City in Cameron County
1 cities in Cameron County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Cameron County ordinances
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