Denton planning staff propose code tweaks to ease accessory dwelling unit development

City of Denton planning staff on a virtual webinar Friday afternoon outlined proposed amendments to the Denton Development Code aimed at making accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, easier to build and own in the city.

The proposed changes would expand where ADUs are allowed, adjust maximum size rules, relax some architectural and parking requirements for units not visible from the public right‑of‑way, and allow an ownership path via a condominium association while keeping the ADU on the same lot as the primary home. Staff said the proposals are intended to support “missing middle” housing and help address affordable‑to‑moderate ownership options.

Why it matters: ADUs are one tool for adding smaller, lower‑cost housing options within established neighborhoods; Denton planning staff said the city issued only 41 or 42 ADU permits between 2021 and July of this year and that several current code provisions act as barriers to broader ADU use.

What staff described

- Current rules: Angie Mangleris, development review manager in the City of Denton planning division, described current code language saying, "Accessory dwelling units are currently allowed by right, in the City Of Denton in all of our…