Austin's Luxury ADU Builder
From Westlake Hills to Round Rock, we build backyard living spaces across Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties — one of the most ADU-friendly markets in Texas.
Austin Leads Texas in ADU Adoption
Austin has some of the most progressive ADU regulations in the state, making it one of the best cities in Texas to add a backyard living space to your property.
The city has steadily loosened restrictions on accessory dwelling units, allowing them on most single-family residential lots with reasonable size and setback requirements. Whether you're in the established neighborhoods near downtown or the growing suburbs of Williamson County, the regulatory environment supports what homeowners increasingly want: more flexible use of their own land.
Elbow Room brings San Antonio craftsmanship to Austin builds, with a team that knows the permitting landscape across all three metro counties.
Austin Neighborhoods We Serve
We build across Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties. Here are some of the areas where our ADUs are a perfect fit.
Westlake Hills
Upscale community west of downtown with large lots and hill country views — perfect for luxury ADUs that complement the main residence.
Tarrytown
Central Austin neighborhood with mature trees and established character. Ideal for guest houses and home offices on generous lots.
Travis Heights
Walkable, eclectic neighborhood south of the river. ADUs here are popular for rental income and short-term rental potential.
Zilker
Iconic Austin neighborhood near Barton Springs. High demand for ADUs as guest suites and income-generating rentals.
Clarksville
Historic neighborhood near downtown with walkable appeal. Compact lot ADUs maximize space in this premium location.
Hyde Park
One of Austin's oldest neighborhoods with a strong community feel. ADUs blend into the craftsman-style architecture.
Round Rock
Growing Williamson County city with family-friendly neighborhoods. Larger suburban lots support multigenerational ADU builds.
Georgetown
Historic square, growing population, and strong demand for flexible housing. ADUs are gaining traction in this Williamson County gem.
Austin ADU Zoning & Permits
Austin has progressively updated its land development code to make ADUs more accessible to homeowners, making it one of the easiest cities in Texas to build a backyard living space.
Regulations differ between the City of Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, and unincorporated areas of Travis, Williamson, and Hays Counties. We handle the specific requirements for your property's jurisdiction — from initial zoning verification through certificate of occupancy.
Get a Free ConsultationKey Austin Zoning Details
- Max Size: Up to 1,100 SF in most residential zones
- Lot Size: No minimum for many residential zones
- Setbacks: 5 ft side, 10 ft rear (typical, varies by zone)
- Height: Generally 30 feet maximum
- Parking: No additional parking required in many zones
- Permitting: Through Austin Development Services Department
Austin ADU Questions
What are Austin's ADU regulations?
Austin has some of the most ADU-friendly regulations in Texas. The city updated its land development code to allow ADUs on most single-family residential lots. Key rules include maximum size limits, setback requirements, and impervious cover restrictions. Many properties can build an ADU up to 1,100 SF. Elbow Room handles the full permitting process.
How much does an ADU cost in Austin?
Elbow Room ADUs in Austin start at $50,000 for a Studio and range up to $250,000+ for a full Residence with premium finishes. Austin's permitting fees and impact fees are included in our transparent pricing — no hidden costs.
Can I build an ADU in Round Rock or Georgetown?
Yes. Both Round Rock and Georgetown in Williamson County allow accessory dwelling units, though specific regulations differ from the City of Austin. Lot size minimums, setbacks, and permitting processes vary by jurisdiction. We navigate the specific requirements for your property's location.
Can I use my Austin ADU as a short-term rental?
Austin has specific short-term rental (STR) regulations that vary by property type and location. Type 2 STRs (non-owner-occupied) are restricted in some residential areas, while Type 1 STRs (owner-occupied) are generally permitted with a license. An Elbow Room ADU is built to full residential code, making it eligible for rental use where permitted.
How long does it take to permit and build an ADU in Austin?
Austin permitting typically takes 6–12 weeks, depending on review cycles and any zoning variances needed. Construction takes 14–18 weeks for a Suite and 18–26 weeks for a Residence. We manage the entire process from initial application through final inspection and certificate of occupancy.
Ready to Build in Austin?
Configure your ADU or schedule a consultation with our team. We'll help you navigate Austin's ADU-friendly regulations.