ADU Rules in Irving, Texas

Overview

Irving is a city in Dallas County, situated between Dallas and Fort Worth along the northern edge of the DFW Metroplex. With approximately 250,000 residents, Irving is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Texas, with large South Asian, Hispanic, and other immigrant communities. The city contains two very distinct identities: older, working-class North Irving neighborhoods developed in the mid-20th century, and Las Colinas, a large master-planned business and residential development in western Irving that includes the Urban Center around Lake Carolyn and the Mandalay Canal.

Texas has no statewide ADU preemption law. Irving governs ADU construction through its Zoning Ordinance.

Zoning Districts and ADU Allowances

Irving's Zoning Ordinance establishes single-family residential districts where ADUs are permitted as accessory uses:

• R-6, R-7.5, R-10 (single-family with varying minimum lot sizes): ADUs generally permitted as accessory uses
• The ADU must be on the same lot as the primary single-family dwelling
• Detached ADUs must be clearly subordinate to the primary residence in size and use
• Older North Irving lots (typically 6,000–9,000 sq ft) provide limited but workable space for detached ADUs

Development Standards

Typical ADU development standards in Irving's single-family districts:

• Maximum size: Limited by percentage of primary dwelling floor area or an absolute cap; verify for your specific district
• Height: One story typically; approximately 20 ft maximum for detached accessory structures
• Rear setback: 5 ft minimum from rear property line
• Side setback: 5 ft minimum from side property line
• Front yard: ADUs must be placed behind the primary dwelling's front building line
• Lot coverage: Total lot coverage maximums apply; verify for your district
• Parking: Off-street parking requirements apply; one space per ADU typically required

DFW International Airport: Noise Overlay

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the largest airports in the world, with runways that extend across the borders of Irving, Fort Worth, and Grapevine. Irving properties — particularly in west Irving — lie under major flight approach and departure corridors.

The FAA Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program establishes noise impact zones around DFW:

• 65 dB DNL and above: New residential construction is generally incompatible; residential uses are discouraged or prohibited
• 70+ dB DNL: No new residential uses permitted
• Irving's western neighborhoods near the airport boundary are most affected; some areas have undergone sound insulation programs

Before designing or purchasing property for an ADU in western Irving, check with Irving Planning for the current DFW noise compatibility map. Properties in high-noise zones may not qualify for new residential ADU construction.

Las Colinas and Planned Developments

The Las Colinas area encompasses much of western Irving and is governed by Planned Development (PD) districts with specific conditions negotiated when the PDs were adopted. In addition, much of Las Colinas is subject to Las Colinas Association (LCA) covenants and architectural review.

• Residential areas within Las Colinas PDs may have different ADU standards than standard R-districts
• LCA covenants can be more restrictive than city zoning
• Review both the PD conditions (available through Irving Planning) and LCA covenants before planning any ADU in Las Colinas

Elm Fork Trinity River and Flood Risk

The Elm Fork of the Trinity River flows through Irving, and portions of the city are in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. The Corps of Engineers' Lewisville Lake and Grapevine Lake systems manage flood flows upstream, but significant flood zones remain along the Elm Fork corridor. Verify FEMA flood zone status at msc.fema.gov before planning ADU construction.

Irving Transit: TEXRail and DART

Irving is served by the TEXRail commuter rail line (from downtown Fort Worth through Irving to DFW Airport) and connections to DART at DFW Airport and the CentrePort/DFW station. The Irving Convention Center station in Las Colinas and the Downtown Irving/Heritage Crossing station provide transit access in the urban core.

Permit Process

1. Verify zoning district at cityofirving.org/planning or via the Irving GIS map
2. Check DFW Airport noise overlay for western Irving properties
3. Check Las Colinas PD conditions and LCA covenants if applicable
4. Verify FEMA flood zone status
5. Prepare site plan and construction documents
6. Submit building permit application to Irving Planning and Inspections
7. Plan review for zoning, noise overlay, and building code compliance
8. Inspections through certificate of occupancy

Contact

• Irving Planning and Inspections: cityofirving.org/planning | 972-721-2424
• DFW Airport Noise Compatibility: dfwairport.com
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: msc.fema.gov

Disclaimer: Irving ADU regulations, DFW airport noise zones, and Las Colinas PD conditions are subject to change. This page provides general guidance only. Always verify current rules with the City of Irving Planning and Inspections Department and consult a licensed Texas professional before proceeding.