ADUs are allowed in ArlingtonTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Arlington, TX
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
101,527
Owner-occupied
76%
Zoning districts
128
Avg Home Value
$302,554
Median Lot Size
0.18 acres
Avg Income
$87,275
Residential Types:
101,527 housing units
Single Family
2%
Apts (4+ units)
7%
Other
91%
Zoning Districts:
120,710 parcels · 128 districts
RS-7.2
57%(69,164)
PD
10%(12,171)
RS-5
10%(11,682)
RM-12
3%(3,994)
Other
20%(23,699)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Arlington, TX?
Arlington, 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
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 50% of the principal structure floor area
Max Units
- –1 per lot (secondary living unit); 0 allowed in Cottage Community developments
Parking
- –0 spaces required for a Secondary Living Unit; exempt from off-street parking; garage-apartment requires 1 space per dwelling unit; only one SLU per lot
Rental Restrictions
- –STRs require a valid permit; operating without one is unlawful.
- –STRs not allowed in single-family districts outside the STR Zone.
- –STRs prohibited in mixed-use or multi-family developments on properties with non-residential zoning.
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.
Tarrant County