Pflugerville's Unified Development Code, section 4.6.3 as published, allows an accessory dwelling unit only if the owner of the main structure lives in it. The ADU's floor area cannot exceed half of the main home's first-floor gross living area, and a detached ADU cannot have its own water or wastewater meter.
Where can a detached unit go?
Generally behind the rear wall of the main house. The code requires 10 feet of separation between the buildings unless they are linked by a breezeway or connected roofline. A detached unit can sit in front only in limited cases, such as part of a private courtyard that keeps the main building's setbacks.
What about attached units?
An attached ADU must look like part of one cohesive residence and keep the main home's setbacks. Exterior entrances should share a common entry; if there are separate entrances, only one may face the street.
Is Pflugerville changing its code?
The city has been working on an overhaul of its development code, with housing options among the topics under discussion. Until a new code is adopted, we design to the rules in effect and recheck them at permit time.
What should I check first?
- Your home's first-floor living area, which sets the ADU size cap.
- HOA covenants, common in Pflugerville subdivisions.
- Your water and wastewater provider, which varies across the area.
Compare all four suburbs in our suburban ADU guide.