ADU Build in Arlington Texas

[Drew Harris]

Hello BP,

I'm looking to convert my detached garage into a 2 Bed 1 Bath ADU in the Arlington, TX area. Does anyone have experience with permitting with the city? I read that the city approved 51 ADU permits in the last two years. But any guidance or stories will be helpful.

[Bruce Lynn]

Does your zoning allow it?

Pretty rare from what I see that cities allow or want this....turns single family neighborhood into multi family and most of the zoning people don't like this.

Plenty of issues from their point of few of why they don't like it.....parking is one...now no one parking in garage, and potential for more cars...so now 3-4-5 cars in the street.

More taxing on the water/sewer/trash/police/fire/city services.

I wish you the best of luck with this.  I have seen it in Arlington....one place super unusual, like almost two full houses on a lot that really should support only 1.

I think your first step is to go in person to Planning and Zoning office...with your information and idea of what you want to do and see if they give you a warm or cold reception.  DO NOT CALL....go in person.

They often don't give you the time of day if you call and quick no.   In person they're more apt to give you ideas of what you could do or even if it is possible.

You might also start watching or going to the P&Z meetings to hear the discussions.   See if you can watch the back recordings of P&Z meetings where this was discussed or approved if variances were needed.

See if you can find a list of the 51 to see where they are and what they did.   Even in a big city like Arlington 51 sounds like a lot these days.    Could be they were on big lots and more pool house type or who knows.

You might also have better luck if you are leaving the garage for use, and building the apartment on top of the garage.

Let us know if you have success and the war stories.