Garland ADU Permits Guide - Owners

Housing and Building Standards Texas 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Texas

Garland, Texas homeowners who want to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) must follow local building and zoning rules, obtain required permits, and pass inspections before occupancy. This guide explains city departments to contact, the typical permit workflow, common compliance issues, and how enforcement and appeals work under Garland municipal practice. It is written for property owners and agents preparing plans, submitting applications, and coordinating inspections so you can reduce delays and avoid enforcement penalties.

Overview of ADU permit process

ADUs commonly include converted garages, attached units, or small detached dwellings on a residential lot. Garland requires building permits for most new construction, additions, and occupancy changes; check Development Services for permit requirements and submittal instructions[1]. Zoning rules affecting lot use, setbacks, lot coverage and parking apply and are set out in the city code[2].

  • Prepare site and floor plans showing dimensions, setbacks, utilities and access.
  • Confirm zoning compliance (setbacks, lot coverage, parking) with Planning/Development Services.
  • Submit a Building Permit application with construction plans and required documentation.
  • Schedule plan review and required inspections; correct any code violations identified by inspectors.
Start with a pre-application consultation at Development Services to spot zoning issues early.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unpermitted ADUs or work done without required inspections is handled by Garland Development Services and Code Enforcement. Specific fine amounts and escalation for ADU violations are not fully listed on the cited pages; where amounts or schedules are omitted the text below notes that information is "not specified on the cited page" and cites the relevant source.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page[2].
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence schedules are not specified on the cited page[2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, corrective orders, required permit and inspection, and referral to municipal court or civil action are used by the city (described on enforcement pages)[2].
  • Enforcer and inspection pathway: Garland Development Services (Building Safety and Code Enforcement) handles inspections and complaints; contact details and permit portal are on the city Development Services pages[1].
  • Appeals/review: the municipal code and department pages describe appeal routes to administrative review or municipal court; specific time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited page[2].
If work has already started without a permit, contact Development Services immediately to limit fines and corrective orders.

Applications & Forms

The primary application is the Building Permit application available through Garland Development Services and the online permit portal; fee schedules and form names are maintained by the department. Fees and specific form numbers for ADU permits are not specified on the cited permit overview page[1].

  • Building Permit Application: submit plans, energy compliance, and required documentation via the city permit portal or in person at Development Services[1].
  • Fees: consult the Development Services fee schedule or permit portal for current permit fees (not specified on the cited overview page)[1].
  • Contact/submit: Development Services permit counter and online portal information are on the city website[1].

How-To

  1. Prepare site and construction plans that comply with local zoning and building codes.
  2. Request a pre-application review from Development Services to confirm requirements.
  3. Complete and submit the Building Permit application via the city permit portal, attaching plans and documentation.
  4. Respond to plan review comments and obtain approval.
  5. Schedule and pass required inspections during construction.
  6. Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy where required before renting or occupying the ADU.

FAQ

Do I need a building permit to create an ADU in Garland?
Yes. Most ADU construction, conversions, and changes of occupancy require a building permit and must meet zoning rules; consult Development Services for project-specific guidance[1].
How long does plan review and permit approval take?
Review timelines depend on plan complexity and completeness; specific review timeframes are not specified on the cited overview page and are set by Development Services procedures[1].

Key Takeaways

  • Start with Development Services for a pre-application review to avoid zoning conflicts.
  • Submit a complete Building Permit application with plans to the city permit portal.
  • Unpermitted ADUs risk stop-work orders and enforcement; fines and exact penalties are not fully listed on the cited pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Garland Building Safety & Permits - Development Services page
  2. [2] Garland Code of Ordinances - Municode

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data