ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit in Mesquite, TX
Yes — you need a permit for adu (accessory dwelling unit) work in Mesquite.
New accessory dwelling unit; also requires a Conditional Use Permit under zoning (App. C, 2-603(N)).
| Permit needed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | New accessory dwelling unit; also requires a Conditional … |
| Fee | Not in the ordinance — the department quotes it |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | App. C, 2-603(N); IRC R105.2 (item 1 accessory-structure exemption deleted by Sec. 5-581) |
| Based on | IRC 2018 (adopted by reference); Zoning Ordinance 2-603 |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the Mesquite building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
If you skip it
Class C Misdemeanor, fine up to $2,000 per offense; each day a separate offense (Sec. 5-553).
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesquite | — | Yes | New accessory dwelling unit; also requires a Conditional … |
| Richardson | 16 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Plano | 22 mi | Yes | Building a garage apartment, casita, or other accessory d… |
| Allen | 25 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Lewisville | 30 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| McKinney | 31 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
Other work in Mesquite
Questions people ask
I already built it without a permit. What now?
Mesquite can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.