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Zoning Guide

McAllen Zoning & Land Use Guide

Editor-verified· 2026-05-24
Last updated: Verified:

Notable local initiatives in McAllen

Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to McAllen — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.

  1. Envision McAllen 2040 Comprehensive Plan(2023)

    McAllen's current comprehensive plan, 'Envision McAllen 2040,' was adopted by the City Commission via Ordinance 2023-74 on May 22, 2023. The plan emphasizes 15-minute neighborhoods, missing-middle housing, hybrid (vehicular/pedestrian/transit) corridors, and drainage as a citywide priority.

    Source · mcallen.net

  2. McAllen Unified Development Code (UDC)(2024)

    In December 2024 the McAllen City Commission unanimously approved a new Unified Development Code consolidating subdivision, zoning, landscaping, and signage regulations into a single document. The UDC implements Envision McAllen with streamlined zoning, mixed-use zones, reduced parking requirements, and expanded missing-middle housing options.

    Source · texasborderbusiness.com

  3. Zoning Ordinance — Chapter 138 (legacy code)

    Prior to (and partially still operative alongside) the 2024 UDC, McAllen's zoning regulations were codified in Chapter 138 of the Code of Ordinances. McAllen first adopted zoning in 1945; the predecessor to Chapter 138 was adopted in 1979 when the 1945 ordinance was repealed.

    Source · library.municode.com

  4. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211 (state zoning enabling authority)

    McAllen's zoning authority derives from Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211 (Municipal Zoning Authority), which requires zoning to be 'in accordance with a comprehensive plan' (Envision McAllen 2040 fills that role) and sets the procedural framework for the UDC and amendments.

    Source · statutes.capitol.texas.gov

Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of McAllen Planning Department(956) 681-1251
Building Code Edition
Locally adopted (IBC/IRC based)
ADUs Allowed
Yes
Primary District
R-1 — Single-Family Residential 1
Max Height
35 ft

Regulatory Layers That Apply in McAllen

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Texas

  • Building Code: No statewide building code (locally adopted)
View Texas zoning overview

County — Hidalgo County

  • Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning

City / Municipal

The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.

Overlay Districts

No overlay districts identified.

Private Restrictions

  • HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
  • Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

Primary Zoning Districts

R-1Single-Family Residential 1
Min Lot
7,500 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
25 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
20 ft
R-2Single-Family Residential 2
Min Lot
6,000 sq ft
Max Height
35 ft
Front Setback
20 ft
Side Setback
5 ft
Rear Setback
15 ft
R-3Multi-Family Residential
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
C-1Commercial District 1
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
C-2Commercial District 2
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
C-3Commercial District 3
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
I-1Light Industrial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies
I-2Heavy Industrial
Min Lot
Varies
Max Height
Varies
Front Setback
Varies
Side Setback
Varies
Rear Setback
Varies

Permit Costs & Timelines

Permit Costs & Timelines

Specific permit fee schedules for McAllen are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

Check McAllen permit fees →

Official Sources

City-specific

City of McAllenmcallen.netOfficial sourceMcAllen Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source