Texas Makes It Easier Than Ever to Build an ADU
Recent Texas legislation and DFW city ordinances have addressed the ADU approval process — but requirements vary by city, zoning district, lot, and HOA. DFW ADU Pro® verifies the applicable rules during the property-feasibility process before finalizing design, pricing, or schedule.
Texas ADU Legislation — What Happened in 2025
Two high-profile bills — SB 673 and HB 2480 — were introduced in the 89th Texas Legislature to establish a statewide ADU mandate. While these bills ultimately did not pass, they signaled strong momentum for ADU-friendly policy at the state level.
SB 673, sponsored by Sen. Bryan Hughes, passed the Texas Senate in April 2025 but did not advance through the House. Among other provisions, the bill would have:
- Required cities to allow ADUs on single-family lots
- Banned mandatory owner-occupancy rules
- Eliminated parking mandates for ADUs
- Limited setbacks to a maximum of 5 feet
- Set a 60-day permit review timeline
Similar legislation may be reintroduced in a future session. In the meantime, local DFW cities have adopted their own ADU-related ordinances — requirements vary by city, zoning district, and lot.
DFW Cities Are Already ADU-Friendly
Without a statewide mandate, cities across the Metroplex have adopted their own ADU-friendly rules:
- Fort Worth — Streamlined ADU permitting process
- Dallas — ADU ordinance with clear approval pathways
- Denton — ADU-friendly zoning updates
- Frisco & Plano — Increasingly accommodating ADU development
- Keller & Southlake — ADUs permitted subject to standard zoning and HOA review
Our team navigates each city's specific requirements on your behalf — from setbacks to permitting timelines.
HOA & ADU Rights in Texas
Texas Property Code §202.007 limits HOA restrictions on certain property improvements. While HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic guidelines, they cannot outright ban ADUs where local zoning permits them. We help you navigate HOA requirements and architectural review processes.
DFW Setback & Zoning Requirements
Setback requirements vary by city across DFW. Most cities require 5–10 foot rear and side setbacks for ADUs. We conduct a full property feasibility assessment before design begins to ensure your ADU meets all local zoning requirements.
Ready to Take Advantage of Texas ADU Laws?
DFW ADU Pro® stays current on all Texas ADU legislation and DFW city ordinances. We'll guide you through every regulation, permit requirement, and approval process — so you can build with confidence.
- Free property feasibility assessment
- Expert Texas permit navigation
- HOA compliance guidance
- Full design-build service
Call (817) 854-4251 or request a free estimate — we'll assess your property and walk you through exactly what's possible under your city's current ADU rules.