Resource Guide
ADU Zoning Guide for Dallas–Fort Worth: City-by-City Rules
Complete ADU and garage apartment zoning guide for every major city in Dallas–Fort Worth. What's allowed, lot requirements, setbacks, permits, and owner-occupancy rules — updated for 2026.
Understanding ADU Zoning in Texas
What zoning means for your project. Zoning rules determine whether you can build an ADU on your property, how big it can be, where it can be placed, and whether you need to live on the property to rent it. Every city in DFW has its own rules — there's no statewide standard (yet).
By-right vs. special exception. A "by-right" permit means you automatically qualify as long as you meet the code requirements — no hearings, no discretionary approval. A "special exception" requires a hearing before a board, which adds time, cost, and uncertainty. Fort Worth's straightforward approach is mostly by-right. Dallas requires special exceptions in many neighborhoods.
Texas ADU legislation. Texas has been moving toward more ADU-friendly statewide policy, though local municipalities still control zoning. We monitor legislative changes that affect DFW cities.
Fort Worth ADU Zoning
What's allowed: Garage conversions, above-garage apartments, and detached ADUs are permitted in most residential zones. Lot size: Minimum 6,000 sq ft in most districts. Setbacks: Varies by district — typically 5 ft side, 5 ft rear for detached ADUs. Height: 25–35 ft maximum depending on district. Owner-occupancy: Not required — you can rent without living on property. Parking: Must maintain equivalent covered parking or obtain a variance for garage conversions. Permits: Building permit required for all ADU work. Contact: Fort Worth Development Services, (817) 392-8000.
Dallas ADU Zoning
What's allowed: ADU construction depends on overlay district. ADUO (Accessory Dwelling Unit Overlay) zones permit ADUs by right. Outside overlay zones, Board of Adjustment approval required. Lot size: Varies by district. Setbacks: Per base zoning district. Height: Per base district. Owner-occupancy: Not required in most zones. Parking: Replacement parking may be required. Permits: Building permit required; Board of Adjustment hearing required outside ADUO zones. Contact: Dallas Development Services, (214) 948-4480.
Mansfield ADU Zoning
What's allowed: ADUs permitted in residential zones subject to setback, height, and lot coverage requirements. Owner-occupancy: Not required in most zones. Permits: Building permit required. Contact: Mansfield Building Services, (817) 276-4220.
Aledo / Parker County ADU Zoning
What's allowed: City of Aledo and Parker County unincorporated areas allow ADUs; county unincorporated properties often have fewer restrictions than incorporated cities. Larger lot sizes typical. Contact Parker County Development Services for address-specific guidance.
Denton ADU Zoning
What's allowed: ADUs up to 800 sq ft or 75% of primary dwelling floor area (lesser applies). Lot size: Minimum 7,000 sq ft. Setbacks: 5 ft side and rear. Height: Maximum 20 ft. Owner-occupancy: Not required. Permits: Building permit required. Contact: Denton Development Services, (940) 349-8360. One of the clearest and most predictable ADU ordinances in DFW.
Burleson, Arlington & Southlake
Burleson: ADUs permitted subject to standard zoning requirements. Contact Burleson Community Development, (817) 426-9600.
Arlington: ADUs permitted in most single-family zones subject to setback, height, and lot coverage limits. Contact Arlington Development Services, (817) 459-6502.
Southlake: Larger lots generally accommodate detached structures. Architectural compatibility standards apply. Contact Southlake Planning & Development, (817) 748-8069.
A Note on Accuracy
Zoning codes change. The information above reflects our best current knowledge as of early 2026, but we verify every address individually before any design work begins. Never rely solely on this guide — always confirm with your city's development services department or let us verify your specific property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a garage apartment in Fort Worth without an owner-occupancy requirement?
Yes. Fort Worth has no owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs. You can rent your garage apartment to anyone without living on the property.
Does Dallas allow garage apartments?
Yes, but it depends on your neighborhood. In ADUO overlay zones, ADUs are permitted by right. Outside these zones, Board of Adjustment approval is required.
What's the smallest lot I can build an ADU on in DFW?
Minimum lot sizes vary by city. Denton requires 7,000 sq ft. Fort Worth's minimums vary by district. Mansfield and Burleson have their own requirements. We verify your specific lot before design.
Do I need owner-occupancy to rent an ADU in DFW?
Most DFW cities — including Fort Worth, Dallas, and Arlington — do not require owner-occupancy for ADU rentals. Some cities may have specific rules. We verify this for your address.
What happens if my ADU doesn't comply with zoning?
Unpermitted ADUs can result in fines, required removal, and problems at resale. Every project we build is fully permitted and inspected. No shortcuts.