Yes. As of October 2026, Texas has no law that stops an HOA or deed restriction from prohibiting an ADU. City approval does not override private covenants, so a lot covered by a one-dwelling covenant may be blocked even where the city allows ADUs. Whether yours does depends on its wording and status.
Why does city approval not settle it?
Zoning is public law; HOA covenants are private contracts recorded against your property. A Dallas special exception, a Plano cottage permit or a Garland building permit says the city allows the unit. It says nothing about whether your neighbors agreed, through the covenants, not to build one.
Didn't Texas try to change this?
SB 673, the 2025 statewide ADU bill, would have limited subdivisions' ability to block ADUs, according to reporting at the time. It passed the Senate in April 2025 and stalled on the House calendar in May 2025. Texas law limits what HOAs can ban in a few named areas, such as solar panels, but ADUs are not among them.
What covenant wording should I look for?
- Limits to one single-family dwelling per lot.
- Rules on outbuildings, garages and guest quarters.
- Leasing limits or minimum lease terms.
- Architectural review requirements for any exterior construction.
- The amendment procedure, in case owners want to change the rule.
Where do I find my covenants?
They are recorded with the county clerk for Dallas, Collin or Denton County, depending on where the property sits. Your title policy and HOA resale documents usually list them, and many HOAs post them online.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Sources, as of October 2026:
- FOX 4 News, "Texas Senate bill would allow secondary homes on every lot" (April 9, 2025).
- Vanplex summary of Texas SB 673 bill history (89th Legislature).
- Texas Property Code, Chapters 202 and 209 (restrictive covenants and property owners' associations).