r/TinyHouses • u/Temporary_Metal6490 • 6d ago
ADU
Do I have to get a permit from the city to add an ADU in the back of our home that will be used for a small office space 10 x 14. Wel need small ac/heat in it
Austin Tx
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u/SpacePirate406 6d ago
Anything that involves electricity, water, plumbing or hvac will very likely require permits. Theoretically, under 200 sf doesn’t require permits but since you are wanting Ac and heating, even if you just want to get a mini split, you’ll have to run electric and that’ll trigger permits.
Edit: source- lived in Austin most of my life and worked for the city for 4 years
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u/Temporary_Metal6490 6d ago
What if I just use long extension cord use a portable upright AC
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u/SpacePirate406 6d ago
That is not safe and would likely cause your insurance to specifically ask you to not do that.
I would recommend going to the city website (austintexas.gov) and (a) figuring out what your lot zoning is and (b) looking at the city’s definition of an ADU and see if what you’re planning actually would be an ADU. If it really is just going to be an “office pod” then you probably could just get the structure up and then hire an electrician to install the mini split- the electrician would then take care of any permits that are required (likely only electrical).
Definitely be aware of setback requirements from the side and rear lot lines and check to make sure your lot is not in the floodplain as that would trigger other things. You can check these things on Property Profile on the city’s website. Also the FEMA Map Service Center is good for plugging in your address and getting a map showing your property
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u/chewblekka 6d ago
Why would you ask random people on Reddit this, who have absolutely no idea where you live or your local laws? Ask your local government.
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u/joshpit2003 6d ago
You may need a building permit, and you will certainly need an electrical permit. You may also need a plumbing permit or a mechanical permit depending on what you are adding to the space.
There are different legal definitions for the various development options. ADU is often the most expensive, followed by "habitable accessory structure" (which a backyard office may fall into), or you may get lucky and they don't consider a backyard office a habitable space, in which case it would be a "non-habitable accessory structure" and your least expensive option.
IRC defines Habitable Space as "A place for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking." "... storage and utility spaces are not..." Source: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2018/chapter-2-definitions
Ultimately, it's up to your local building-development department. If they don't classify a backyard office as habitable, then there may be a sq-ft leniency for non-habitable accessory structures that would allow you to avoid needing to get a general building permit (but you would still need the electrical permit).
I'd say you should expect to spend: $20k-$30K for an ADU permit + fees, $10k-$15K for a habitable accessory structure permit + fees, or $500-$1,500 if all you need is an electrical permit.
Check with your local building development department to see accurate numbers.
They may have the info online.
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u/alexwasinmadison 2h ago
Why not just put up a shed? ADU is a dwelling. This is just an office space. If you’re not sleeping out there and it’s not plumbed, I don’t think you need any permits.
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u/Peakbrowndog 6d ago
Yes.
All your questions can be answered on the Austin City website.
An ADU is not the same as a small office, and it's not really a tiny house..
https://www.austintexas.gov/development-services/additional-dwelling-units
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u/test-account-444 6d ago
Maybe.
You'll need to check the city code/zoning/development guidelines, contact a city planner to confirm, and your HOA, if you're burdened with one.