What's Required in El Paso
- New construction fee for first 10,000 SF is $3,785.
- Must include full kitchen and bathroom facilities for habitation.
- Separate utility connections or approved shared capacity required.
- Site plan showing placement and zoning setbacks.
- Must meet all standard building, electrical, and plumbing codes.
- Trade application fee of $100 per required trade.
How Much Does an ADU Permit Cost in El Paso?
Budget $1,000–$2,000 for the El Paso permit itself (valuation-based), issued by the Planning and Development Services — 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: new residential construction fees apply based on total square footage. 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 El Paso
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. Setbacks, height limits, and utility connections layer on top of those rules. The Planning and Development Services 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 El Paso
Step 1: Zoning Check
Verify if your lot allows for secondary dwelling units.
Step 2: Submit Plans
Provide architectural sets for the mandatory city review.
Step 3: Pay Fees
Submit initial application and plan review fees.
Step 4: Multi-stage Inspections
Schedule from foundation to final occupancy through Accela.
Step 5: Certificate of Occupancy
A final check ensures the unit is safe for habitation.