ADUs are allowed in AustinTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Austin, TX
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
199,385
Owner-occupied
62%
Zoning districts
511
Avg Home Value
$870,782
Median Lot Size
0.18 acres
Avg Income
$122,841
Residential Types:
199,385 housing units
Single Family
91%
Apts (4+ units)
6%
Other
3%
Zoning Districts:
226,100 parcels · 511 districts
SF-3-NP
24%(54,698)
SF-2
18%(40,066)
SF-3
10%(22,709)
PUD
7%(15,258)
Other
41%(93,369)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Austin, TX?
Austin, TX follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Conditional Use Permit
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 2,300 sq ft for a detached accessory dwelling unit (backyard cottage).
Max Units
- –2 ADUs in SF-1, SF-2, SF-3; 1 ADU in SF-5, SF-6, MF-1 to MF-6, CBD, DMU
Rental Restrictions
- –Type 3 short-term rentals in multi-family use require a license to operate (≤30 days).
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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Learn the key rules and size limits for ADUs
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ADU rules in other Texas municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Travis County
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