ADUs are allowed in DesotoTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Desoto, TX
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
18,524
Owner-occupied
79%
Zoning districts
118
Avg Home Value
$361,219
Median Lot Size
0.24 acres
Avg Income
$94,586
Residential Types:
18,773 housing units
Single Family
92%
2-3 Family
3%
Apts (4+ units)
5%
Zoning Districts:
21,012 parcels · 118 districts
SF-9
13%(2,806)
SF-8
12%(2,442)
SF-12
9%(1,809)
SF-10
7%(1,565)
Other
59%(12,390)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Desoto, TX?
Desoto, TX follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size is 1,200 sq ft or 75% of the primary dwelling’s gross floor area, whichever is less.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum ADU size is the lesser of 1,200 sq ft or 75% of the primary structure’s gross floor area.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner or immediate family must occupy the ADU.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU (plus 2 for the primary dwelling; in Hampton Road Character Code districts); max: none; exceptions: reductions via alternate/shared parking or parking study, rare on-street use, up to 15% relief by Minor Adjustment.
Rental Restrictions
- –Detached ADU cannot be rented; ADUs in A, SF-CE, SF-E districts shall not be sublet or leased; Hampton Road area requires Household Living on a monthly or longer basis (no short-term rentals).
ADU State Law
What can you build in Texas?
- –Texas does not have a statewide ADU law. ADUs are regulated entirely at the local level.
- –ADU rules vary significantly by city, and many jurisdictions prohibit ADUs outright.
- –Counties generally lack zoning authority, but other restrictions may still apply outside city limits.
- –Outside city limits, ADU feasibility often depends on subdivision rules, deed restrictions, and septic or fire requirements.
- –Building/fire codes are set statewide, but whether an ADU is allowed is local zoning.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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ADU rules in other Texas municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Dallas County