ADUs are allowed in McAllenTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for McAllen, TX
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
34,604
Owner-occupied
1%
Zoning districts
19
Avg Home Value
$243,865
Median Lot Size
0.16 acres
Avg Income
$83,445
Residential Types:
34,604 housing units
Other
100%
Zoning Districts:
45,962 parcels · 19 districts
R-1
67%(30,889)
C-3
6%(2,847)
R-2
6%(2,796)
R-3T
5%(2,095)
Other
16%(7,335)
ADU Rules
What can you build in McAllen, TX?
McAllen, 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 for attached/internal ADUs: single-family lots of 5,000 sq ft or less capped at 650 sq ft; townhouses capped at 500 sq ft; duplexes at 900 sq ft; triplexes at 700 sq ft (no maximum for single-family lots over 6,500 sq ft; table is silent for 5,001–6,500 sq ft).
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum detached accessory building floor area of 50% of the principal structure’s floor area
- –Maximum detached ADU size by primary use: single-family 650 sq ft if lot is 5,000 sq ft or less (no max for lots over 6,500 sq ft); duplex 900 sq ft; triplex 700 sq ft; fourplex 600 sq ft; multiplex 500 sq ft
Max Units
- –1 ADU per lot
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or ADU as permanent residence.
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; on-street spaces cannot count; director may waive added parking if the change increases required parking by less than 5 spaces or 10% (whichever is greater); reductions: Uptown 50%, M-1/M-2 25%, infill 30%.
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.
Hidalgo County