Dallas ADU Permit

What's Required in Dallas

• Permit required for all Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), detached or attached
• ADU must be located on a lot with a primary single-family residence
• Owner-occupancy of either the main house or the ADU is required in most zones
• Maximum floor area is generally capped at 700 sq ft or 25% of the main house
• Full construction plans including structural, MEP, and energy calcs (COMcheck) are required
• Public hearing or 'Board of Adjustment' approval may be required if not 'by-right' in your zone

How Much Does an ADU Permit Cost in Dallas?

Budget $1,500–$4,000 for the Dallas permit itself (valuation-based), issued by the City of Dallas Development Services Department — but treat that as the entry fee, not the total. ADUs are full dwelling units, so the permit stack usually includes building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade permits, plus plan review. One local note: fees include building, zoning, and separate trade permits. Impact fees for water/sewer may also apply. Get an itemized fee estimate from the department before finalizing your budget; the spread between a simple conversion and a new detached build is wide.

ADU Size Limits and Zoning Rules in Dallas

Before drawing plans, check the two gates that sink most ADU projects: size and zoning. Size ceilings vary by lot and ADU type (attached, detached, or conversion), so confirm your specific configuration. Other recorded conditions: owner-occupancy of either the main house or the ADU is required in most zones. Setbacks, height limits, and utility connections layer on top of those rules. The City of Dallas Development Services Department can confirm what your specific lot allows — worth doing before you pay for architectural drawings rather than after.

How to Get a ADU Permit in Dallas

Frequently Asked Questions