ADU Design
& Build
Dallas.
Backyard cottages, garage apartment conversions, and attached ADUs across Dallas and the DFW metroplex. ADUO zoning applications, Board of Adjustment variances, PE-stamped permit drawings, and full construction — all under one team.
A second home on your existing property
An ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a self-contained residential unit built on the same lot as an existing home. In Dallas, ADUs can be detached backyard cottages, converted garages, or attached units — each with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom.
ADUs are one of the fastest-growing segments of the Dallas housing market. Homeowners build them to generate rental income, house family members, or increase property value. With Dallas home values continuing to rise, an ADU can add $100,000–$200,000+ in appraised value.
Design and permits only? Many clients use UTES for ADU design, ADUO application, and permit drawings only — then build with their own contractor. No construction contract required.
Key Dallas ADU requirements
Dallas’s ADU regulations are specific — eligibility depends on your zoning district, lot size, and whether you’re in an ADUO zone. Here’s what you need to know:
- MAX SIZE800 sq ft living area for detached ADUs
- ZONINGADU Overlay (ADUO) application required in most zones before permits
- SETBACKSMinimum 5-ft rear and side setbacks typically required
- HEIGHTMaximum 24 ft height for detached ADUs in most zones
- OWNER OCC.Owner must occupy either the main home or the ADU
- PERMITBuilding permit required through DallasNow portal
Three types of ADU — we design and build all of them
Every property is different. UTES reviews your lot, zoning district, and existing structure to recommend the right ADU type for your specific situation.
- Up to 800 sq ft living area
- Detached from main house
- Own utilities and entrance
- ADUO application required
- Typical build: 5–7 months
- Existing structure converted
- Lower cost than new build
- Structural assessment included
- Requires building permit
- Typical build: 3–5 months
- Connected to main house
- Separate entrance required
- No ADUO required in some zones
- Often lower permit complexity
- Typical build: 4–6 months
Navigating Dallas’s ADU approval process
The Dallas ADU approval process involves multiple steps before a building permit can be issued. UTES manages every step in-house — you don’t need to navigate the system yourself.
What does an ADU cost in Dallas?
ADU costs in Dallas vary significantly based on type, size, finish level, and site conditions. The table below provides general cost ranges to help with planning — UTES provides a detailed estimate after a site visit and consultation.
Design, engineering, and permit fees are in addition to construction costs and typically range from $12,000–$28,000 depending on project complexity.
| ADU Type | Typical cost range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Backyard cottage (new build) | $160,000 – $280,000+ | 5–7 months |
| Garage apartment conversion | $80,000 – $160,000 | 3–5 months |
| Attached ADU conversion | $60,000 – $130,000 | 4–6 months |
| Design, engineering & permits | $12,000 – $28,000 | 3–5 months |
Cost ranges are estimates only. Final costs depend on size, site conditions, finish level, and current material pricing. Contact UTES for a detailed project-specific estimate.
From eligibility check to move-in day
UTES manages the full ADU process — zoning review, design, ADUO application, permits, and construction. Here’s what to expect at each stage.
Free zoning eligibility review
We review your property’s zoning, lot size, and existing conditions to confirm ADU eligibility and identify required approvals. Completed within 1 business day of your inquiry.
Design & ADUO application
Architectural design prepared based on your goals, budget, and site constraints. UTES submits the ADUO zoning application to the City of Dallas and manages the approval process.
Engineering & DallasNow permit submission
PE-stamped structural engineering drawings prepared. Full permit package submitted through DallasNow. UTES manages all city communications and responds to revision requests.
Construction
Permit issued — construction begins. UTES manages the full build with regular updates, transparent budgeting, and quality control. Or hand off to your own contractor — your choice.
Final inspection & certificate of occupancy
UTES coordinates all city inspections and obtains the Certificate of Occupancy — the final sign-off that makes the ADU legally habitable and rentable.
Frequently asked questions about Dallas ADUs
Many Dallas properties are eligible, but eligibility depends on your zoning district, lot size, and whether you’re in an ADUO zone. UTES provides a free zoning eligibility review to confirm whether your property qualifies and what approvals are required.
The ADU Overlay (ADUO) is a zoning approval required by the City of Dallas before an ADU building permit can be issued in most zones. It involves submitting a zoning application with site plans and supporting documents. UTES prepares and submits the full ADUO application and manages the process on your behalf.
ADU construction costs typically range from $80,000 for a garage conversion to $280,000+ for a new detached backyard cottage, depending on size and finish level. Design, engineering, and permit fees range from $12,000–$28,000 additionally. UTES provides a detailed project-specific estimate after a site visit.
The full timeline from design through construction completion typically ranges from 8 to 14 months — including ADUO application (4–8 weeks), DallasNow permit review (4–8 weeks), and construction (3–7 months depending on type and size).
Dallas caps detached ADUs at 800 square feet of living area. The ADU must also comply with setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and height restrictions under the Dallas Development Code. UTES reviews all applicable requirements during the initial consultation.
Yes. UTES provides ADU design, structural engineering drawings, ADUO applications, and permit packages as standalone services. Many clients use UTES for design and permits only, then proceed with their own contractor. No construction contract required.
Ready to build your
Dallas ADU?
Start with a free zoning eligibility review. We’ll confirm whether your property qualifies and what approvals are needed — within 1 business day.