ADU Permit Online Portal Guide in Garland, Texas

Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in Garland, Texas — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.

Key Facts

Permit required
Yes
Submission method
Online
Typical fee range
$3,450 – $11,220
Review time
Varies by jurisdiction
Inspections
6 inspections required
VerifiedLast verified: Feb 15, 20262 verified sources

City of Garland Planning Department

Verified

7-step online submission process — account registration required[1][2]

Open Portal

Step 1: Zoning Eligibility Verification

[3][4]

Obtain zoning verification letter from Garland Planning confirming ADU is allowed in property zoning district and meets dimensional requirements

What You Need

  • Zoning Verification Letter
  • Proof of Property Ownership

Portal steps may change without notice. Always confirm the current process at Garland's online portal.

Generate your permit packet

Get a personalized ADU permit packet for Garland, Texas — tailored to your project details.

  • Required forms: Building Permit Application, and more
  • Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
  • Fee breakdown: $1,150–$6,800 estimated total
  • Step-by-step City of Garland Planning Department portal submission guide
  • Inspection prep checklist (6 items)
  • Personalized for your specific project details
Build My Permit Packet

Free to preview · Pro to download

Required Documents

Garland requires the following documents for this permit application.

R

Building Permit Application

Completed City of Garland building permit application with complete project description, property owner contact information, and construction cost estimates

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Architectural Drawings

Complete architectural plans signed by a licensed Texas architect, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction details with compliance notes

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Site Plan

Site plan showing property boundaries, dimensions, building footprint, setbacks, parking layout, access routes, and existing utilities

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Zoning Verification Letter

Zoning verification letter from Garland Planning confirming property zoning district and ADU eligibility under current zoning ordinance

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Structural Engineering Plans

Structural engineering plans and calculations by a licensed Texas professional engineer for foundation, framing, and load-bearing elements

R

Mechanical and Utility Plans

Plans showing water supply, sewer, electrical, gas connections and separate metering for water, electric, and gas services to ADU

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Proof of Property Ownership

Current property deed or title commitment showing applicant ownership of subject property

Fees and Timeline

Fee Breakdown

FeeRangeConfidence
ADU Permit Fee$2,300 – $6,800Verified
Plan Review Fee$1,150 – $4,420Verified

Inspections Required

Foundation and footing inspection per Texas Building Code

Foundation and footing inspection per Texas Building Code

Framing and structural member verification

Framing and structural member verification

Electrical rough-in and separate service panel inspection

Electrical rough-in and separate service panel inspection

Plumbing rough-in and fixture installation inspection

Plumbing rough-in and fixture installation inspection

Mechanical systems and HVAC installation inspection

Mechanical systems and HVAC installation inspection

Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

City of Garland Planning Department

Last verified: February 15, 2026

2 sources referenced

Official page
Garland ADU Development Guidelines

Verified February 15, 2026

Official page
City of Garland Zoning Ordinance

Verified February 15, 2026

Portal guide
Garland Permits and Planning Portal

Verified February 15, 2026

Fee schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a adu permit in Garland?
Yes. Garland requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
How long does adu permit approval take in Garland?
Processing times in Garland vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact Garland Development Services for current timelines.
What documents are required for a adu permit in Garland?
Garland requires 7 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Drawings, Site Plan, Zoning Verification Letter, and others. See the full list above for details.
What happens if I build without a adu permit in Garland?
Building without a permit in Garland can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Garland?
Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Garland's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
How much does a adu permit cost in Garland?
ADU permit fees in Garland typically range from $3,450 to $11,220, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Garland.

Related Permits

Ready to apply? Build your submission packet.

Answer a few project questions and get a adu permit packet for Garland, Texas — with every document, form, and fee organized for submission.

Build My Permit Packet

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Sources & Citations

All regulatory information on this page is sourced from official government publications. Always verify requirements directly with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before submission.

  1. [1]City of Garland Planning DepartmentGarland ADU Development Guidelineshttps://www.garlandtx.gov/planning(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  2. [2]City of Garland Planning DepartmentCity of Garland Zoning Ordinancehttps://library.municode.com/tx/garland(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  3. [3]City of Garland Planning DepartmentGarland Permits and Planning Portalhttps://www.garlandtx.gov/permits(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  4. [4]City of Garland Planning DepartmentGarland Building Permit and Development Fee Schedulehttps://www.garlandtx.gov/planning(verified Feb 15, 2026)