Accessory Dwelling Units

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a separate dwelling unit on the same property as a single-family home that is smaller in size and regulated by the City of Austin’s Land Development Code § 25-2-774 Two-Family Residential Use. Some of the requirements for ADUs in the City of Austin are as follows:

Minimum lot size for ADUs on SF-3 zoned lots is 5,750 square feet.
Maximum size of an ADU is 1,100 square feet or 0.15 FAR whichever is smaller.
Buildings must be separated by a minimum of 10 feet (front to back and side to side).
An ADU requires parking be added in addition to parking requirements for the main structure (two parking spaces for a single-family home). If the site is located more than a quarter mile from an activity corridor (as defined by the Comprehensive Plan), then the addition of an ADU would trigger the need for an additional parking space. If the site is less than or equal to a quarter mile from an activity corridor, additional parking is not required. For more information: ADU Areas of Reduced Parking on Interactive ArcGIS Map
Use as a short-term rental is limited to a maximum of 30 days per year for ADUs constructed after October 1, 2015.
Use as a Type 2 short term rental is prohibited.

Appointments

Residential Zoning Questions

For general questions about an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with Residential Zoning.