ADU hacks for lot smaller than 5,750? Is it worth trying?

[Isaac Tamar]

Hi all,

My wife and I own a 2/1 in Cherrywood (78722 zip code). Our lot is about 5,100 SQF, too small to build an ADU under current regulations. We have heard that it is possible to build a backyard structure as long as it doesn't have a kitchen (or was it a bathroom?) and have it not be considered an ADU, which, in theory, would get us around the regulations. The idea would be to rent it out as a separate unit long term, since we won't be living in the main house and therefore don't qualify to do a STR. I envisioned building a studio with a bathroom and a porch, no kitchen. Due to the limitations involved, we're trying to figure out if it is worth pursuing this strategy. I have a few questions for anyone who is familiar with the regulations:

1. Is it possible to build an outdoor kitchen (like an outdoor sink with a grill for example) and have it "not count" as a kitchen?

2. What would it cost to build something like this? I imagine it would be no bigger than 400 SQF. For reference, the main house is 890 SQF. 

3. Any further thoughts or suggestions?

Thank you in advance!

[Eliott Elias]

@Devin Dang and @Jordan Moorhead are great people to reach out to for this