Does Texas have a statewide ADU law?

No. As of October 2026, Texas has no statewide law requiring cities to allow ADUs. In 2025, Senate Bill 673 would have barred cities from banning ADUs or requiring owner occupancy; it passed the Senate but stalled in the House. Each city, including Austin and its suburbs, still sets its own ADU rules.

What would SB 673 have done?

Filed for the 2025 regular session, SB 673 would have limited city and county authority over ADUs on single-family and duplex lots. Bill analyses describe it as barring outright bans, owner-occupancy requirements and leasing restrictions, and capping parking, lot size and setback rules. It would have left homeowners association rules, historic district rules and deed restrictions in place.

Why does it matter in the Austin area?

Because the gap between cities is wide. Austin allows up to three units on many single-family lots. Cedar Park, by contrast, bars renting an ADU separately from the main home, and Pflugerville requires the owner to live in the main house. A state law like SB 673 would have overridden limits like those; without one, they stand. See how the suburbs compare.

Could that change?

The Legislature meets in regular session in odd-numbered years, so the next regular session begins in January 2027. A similar bill could return. Until a law passes and takes effect, plan around the city code in force on the day you apply.

It depends: what governs my lot today?

• City zoning. Inside city limits, the city's development code.
• Extraterritorial or county land. Outside city limits, county rules and often septic standards.
• Private restrictions. Deed restrictions and HOA rules, which would have survived even under SB 673.
• Building code. The residential code each city has adopted, plus state-licensed trades for electrical, plumbing and HVAC.

Do rules from other states apply here?

No. Many ADU articles online describe rules from other states, such as state-set size minimums and impact-fee exemptions. Those do not apply in Texas.