Frequently Asked Questions
Austin-specific ADU regulations, design, financing, and construction.
Austin-specific ADU regulations, design, financing, and construction.
Serving Austin and the surrounding metro: Downtown Austin, South Austin, East Austin, North Austin, West Austin, Bouldin Creek, Hyde Park, Tarrytown, Clarksville, Mueller, Crestview, Allandale, Travis Heights, Zilker, Barton Hills, Cherrywood, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown, Hutto, Bee Cave, Lakeway, West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, Manor, Buda, Kyle, and Dripping Springs. Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties.
In Austin, adus are limited to 0.15 FAR (ratio of the floor area of your structure as compared to the size of your lot) or 1100 square feet, whichever is smaller. For instance, if you had a 5000sf lot, your adu would be limited to 750 square feet or smaller.
In Austin, all residential structures are limited to 32' in height, as measured from the grade to the midpoint of the roof. In practice, though, they are typically limited to two stories.
The adu will need to be a minimum of 10'-0" from the main structure.
In Austin, the typical side yard setback is 5'-0" and 10'-0" at the rear.
This depends on where you live. If you are in Austin and live near a transit center (see link below), then you are not required to provide an extra parking space for the adu. If you are required a parking space for the adu, it will need to able to be accessed without someone from the main house having to move their car. http://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d7485d285dd24f1ca6bfcfddf01f4771
Yes, you will need a building permit as well as trade permits for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and right-of-way if you are working in the street (driveway apron, adding parking, etc).
We're still gathering data points on how quickly we can build adus, but on average 6-9 months.
Not yet - at least if not a connected suburb of Austin. ADU does plan to expand outside of Austin as soon as feasible.
Yes! We are still looking for a local company to partner with, but can contract with the original installer of the existing system to add solar to the adu.
Because ADU is a design-build company we can offer services from concept to keys. Wherever you are in the process - whether it be in the concept phase or permitted and ready for construction - ADU can help you reach your goals with your adu build.
Yes! Provided you have enough equity to cover at least 80% of the total cost.
Absolutely. This is one of the best of and most encouraged uses of adus. One of ADU's goals is to build units quickly and inexpensively enough that they can rented at or below market rate, thus helping to curb spiking rental rates.
Sure can! ADU can help you turn your property in to a site condominium and then sell your adu.
ADU is proud to be a Texas-born company and as such celebrates the people who had a positive impact on the arts, science, and culture of Texas. The pre-designed plans featured on the site are named after someone who made such an impact on the state. Did we miss someone? ADU is constantly adding new designs so if you have a suggestion for someone who should be considered, please feel free to reach out and let us know!
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