ADUs are allowed in Santa FeTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Santa Fe, TX
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
4,645
Owner-occupied
72%
Zoning districts
11
Avg Home Value
$297,053
Median Lot Size
0.50 acres
Avg Income
$93,635
Residential Types:
4,645 housing units
Single Family
12%
Other
87%
Zoning Districts:
5,534 parcels · 11 districts
R-1
47%(2,577)
AR
38%(2,117)
HC
6%(306)
NC
3%(187)
Other
6%(347)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Santa Fe, TX?
Santa Fe, 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
Max Units
- –AR: 2 accessory apartments per lot (in addition to 1 principal dwelling); R-1: 1 accessory apartment per lot (in addition to 1 principal dwelling). R-2: 0; MH: 0.
Owner Occupancy
- –No owner-occupancy requirement.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; no ADU-specific waivers or transit-based reductions; shared parking allowed; general minimum adjustments may apply (Sec. 6.01.04, 6.01.13)
Rental Restrictions
- –Initial occupancy limited to qualifying relatives; until the original occupant vacates, you cannot rent to unrelated tenants; after vacancy, the accessory apartment may be rented without the relationship restriction.
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.
Galveston County