ADU Rules in Garland, Texas

Overview

Garland is an eastern suburb of Dallas in Dallas County, with approximately 250,000 residents. The city developed primarily as a post-World War II suburban community with smaller lots, ranch-style homes, and a working-class character. Over recent decades, Garland has become one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, with significant Latino, Asian American (particularly Vietnamese American), and other immigrant communities. Garland is served by DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) light rail, with stations along the Blue Line providing access to downtown Dallas.

Texas has no statewide ADU preemption law. Garland governs ADU construction through its Development Code.

Zoning Districts and ADU Allowances

Garland's Development Code establishes residential zoning districts. Single-family districts (R-1, R-2, and related districts) generally permit accessory structures and accessory dwelling units as subordinate uses:

• ADUs must be on the same lot as the primary single-family residence
• The primary single-family use must remain the principal use
• Older Garland neighborhoods with smaller lots may have limited space for detached ADUs — verify setback requirements against your lot dimensions
• Garage apartments and secondary suites have been traditional parts of the Garland housing stock

Development Standards

Typical ADU development standards under the Garland Development Code:

• Maximum size: Limited by percentage of the primary dwelling floor area or an absolute cap; verify for your district
• Height: Detached accessory structures generally limited to one story or approximately 20 ft
• Rear setback: 5 ft minimum from rear property line
• Side setback: 5 ft minimum from side property line
• Front yard: ADUs must be behind the primary dwelling's front building line
• Lot coverage: Total lot coverage maximums apply; important on Garland's typically smaller urban lots
• Parking: One additional off-street parking space typically required; proximity to DART can reduce auto dependency

Lake Ray Hubbard and Flood Risk

Lake Ray Hubbard is a large reservoir operated by the City of Dallas, forming the eastern boundary of much of Garland. The lake and its inlet channels create FEMA floodplain designations in eastern Garland neighborhoods. Key considerations:

• Properties near Lake Ray Hubbard shoreline or inlet channels may be in AE (100-year flood) zones
• FEMA flood zone designation affects required finished floor elevations for new construction
• A floodplain development permit is required from the City of Garland for construction in regulated flood zones
• Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) for your specific address

DART Light Rail Access

Garland is served by DART's Blue Line with stations including Downtown Garland, Garland, and Forest/Jupiter stations. Transit proximity can be a selling point for ADU rentals:

• Properties within walking distance of DART stations may have stronger ADU rental demand
• DART access reduces the parking pressure on ADU tenants compared to car-dependent suburbs
• Check DART system maps at dart.org for current station locations and service

Neighborhood Character in Older Garland

Garland's older pre-1980 neighborhoods have smaller lots (often 6,000–8,000 sq ft) and more modest homes. This creates both opportunity (strong ADU demand from working families) and constraint (limited lot area for detached structures after setbacks are applied). Interior conversions — such as converting a garage to habitable space or creating a basement or attic apartment — may be more feasible on smaller lots than detached ADUs.

Permit Process

1. Verify zoning district at garlandtx.gov/planning or via the city's GIS portal
2. Check for Lake Ray Hubbard floodplain overlay at msc.fema.gov
3. Measure available lot area after applying required setbacks from all property lines
4. Prepare site plan and construction documents
5. Submit building permit application to Garland Building Inspections
6. Plan review for zoning and building code compliance
7. Inspections through certificate of occupancy

Contact

• Garland Planning Department: garlandtx.gov/planning | 972-205-2500
• Garland Building Inspections: garlandtx.gov | 972-205-2370
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: msc.fema.gov
• DART (transit access): dart.org

Disclaimer: Garland ADU regulations are subject to change. This page provides general guidance only. Always verify current rules with the City of Garland Planning Department and consult a licensed Texas professional before proceeding.