ADU Rules in Midland, Texas

Overview

Midland is a Midland County city of approximately 135,000 people in the Permian Basin of West Texas, located immediately east of Odessa on Interstate 20. Midland serves as the corporate office center for the Permian Basin oil and gas industry, housing the headquarters of numerous independent oil companies and energy service firms. The city is served by Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF). President George H.W. Bush lived in Midland in the late 1940s–1950s, and it is a frequent reference point in Texas political culture.

Texas has no statewide ADU preemption law — local zoning governs. Midland's zoning ordinance is the primary regulatory document.

Zoning Framework

Midland uses a conventional zoning ordinance with single-family residential districts at various densities. ADUs — including guest houses, garage apartments, casitas, and accessory living quarters — are addressed in the accessory use provisions of residential districts.

Typical ADU types in Midland's residential districts:

• Detached guest houses or casitas: Separate accessory structures on the rear or side of the primary lot
• Garage apartments: Habitable space within or above a detached garage
• Attached secondary units: Additions or conversions connected to the primary dwelling

Typical Development Standards

Midland's accessory dwelling standards for single-family residential districts generally include:

• Minimum lot size: A minimum lot area threshold before an ADU is permitted (verify with Planning for your district)
• Maximum ADU size: Typically limited to a percentage of primary dwelling floor area or a fixed maximum square footage
• Setbacks: Rear setback approximately 5 ft; side setback approximately 5 ft for accessory structures
• Height: One to one-and-a-half stories for most detached accessory structures
• Lot coverage: Combined coverage of all structures must stay within district maximum
• Utilities: Check whether the ordinance permits separate water and electric service to an ADU in your district

HOA Presence in Midland

Midland has a more affluent demographic profile than neighboring Odessa, and newer subdivisions developed over the past 20–30 years reflect this with active HOAs and more comprehensive deed restrictions. Established neighborhoods closest to downtown Midland (developed in the 1950s–1970s) may have fewer HOA constraints and larger lots.

In HOA-governed subdivisions, deed restrictions may:

• Prohibit accessory dwelling units or secondary living quarters
• Restrict rental of any portion of a single-family property
• Require architectural review committee (ARC) approval for any new structure

Always review subdivision CC&Rs before planning an ADU.

Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF)

Midland International Air & Space Port serves commercial and general aviation traffic. Properties near the airport may be subject to FAA Part 77 obstruction standards (height limits near approach and departure paths). Standard residential ADUs are unlikely to trigger FAA height restrictions, but check with Midland Planning if your property is close to flight paths.

West Texas Climate and Construction

• No coastal or hurricane risk: Midland is approximately 300 miles from the Gulf Coast
• Semi-arid climate: Low annual rainfall; localized flash flooding possible during intense storms
• Playa lakes: Several mapped FEMA flood zones associated with local playas; check msc.fema.gov
• Temperature extremes: Hot summers and occasional winter storms require appropriate HVAC and insulation
• Wind: High wind speeds are common; construction must meet Texas wind speed requirements

Permit Process

1. Confirm zoning district with Midland Planning & Zoning
2. Check FEMA flood zone and airport proximity if relevant
3. Review subdivision deed restrictions (CC&Rs) if in HOA-governed area
4. Prepare site plan, floor plans, and elevations
5. Submit building permit application to Midland Building Inspections
6. Pay fees; schedule inspections through certificate of occupancy

Contact

• Midland Planning & Zoning: midlandtexas.gov/government/departments/planning-zoning | 432-685-7417
• Midland Building Inspections: midlandtexas.gov | 432-685-7420
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: msc.fema.gov

Disclaimer: Zoning regulations in Midland are subject to change. This page reflects general guidance as of the date noted. Always verify current ADU rules with the City of Midland Planning & Zoning Department and a licensed Texas professional before proceeding with construction.