ADUs are allowed in WacoTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Waco, TX
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
25,940
Owner-occupied
58%
Zoning districts
51
Avg Home Value
$332,307
Median Lot Size
0.21 acres
Avg Income
$69,990
Residential Types:
25,940 housing units
Single Family
83%
2-3 Family
6%
Apts (4+ units)
8%
Other
3%
Zoning Districts:
46,109 parcels · 51 districts
R-1B
55%(25,450)
R-2
19%(8,656)
PUD
4%(2,057)
C-3
4%(1,877)
Other
17%(8,069)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Waco, TX?
Waco, 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 the greater of 500 sq ft or 30% of the primary dwelling’s floor area (garages excluded from the primary’s floor area); adapted/renovated existing structures are exempt.
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size is the greater of 500 sq ft or 30% of the primary dwelling’s floor area (garages excluded); existing adapted/renovated structures are exempt.
Max Units
- –Single-family detached: 1 ADU/lot (attached or detached combined)
- –Duplex/multifamily/other: 0 ADUs
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy the primary dwelling or the ADU.
Parking
- –1 off-street space per ADU (in addition to the two for the primary); no max; ADU parking access must mirror the primary's; alley access allowed if the lot abuts a public alley.
Rental Restrictions
- –In single-family districts, you cannot lease both the primary dwelling and the ADU; the owner must occupy one unit.
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.
McLennan County