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
18,522
Owner-occupied
79%
Zoning districts
118
Avg Home Value
$367,178
Median Lot Size
0.24 acres
Avg Income
$94,583
Residential Types:
18,826 housing units
Single Family
92%
2-3 Family
3%
Apts (4+ units)
5%
Zoning Districts:
21,009 parcels · 118 districts
SF-9
13%(2,805)
SF-8
12%(2,442)
SF-12
9%(1,809)
SF-10
7%(1,567)
Other
59%(12,386)
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 ADU size: 1,200 sq ft (applies to internal/attached ADUs; only the ADU’s own area counts).
- –Maximum ADU size: 75% of the gross floor area of the primary structure (applies to internal/attached ADUs; only the ADU’s own area counts).
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Detached ADU maximum size of 1,200 sq ft (citywide cap).
- –Detached ADU maximum size of 75% of the gross floor area of the primary structure.
Max Units
- –Duplex & multifamily: 0 ADUs per lot
Owner Occupancy
- –ADU must be occupied by the same person or immediate family.
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
- –ADUs in DeSoto A, SF-CE, SF-E: renting prohibited; must be used by immediate family; no subletting; accessory buildings not rented.
- –Hampton Road districts: monthly or longer occupancy required; short-term rentals prohibited.
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.
Check my propertyHow can we help you?
Get matched with trusted local builders
Understand what's allowed on your property
Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
ADU rules in other Texas municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Dallas County