Buda, Texas zoning

A plain-language summary of the Buda zoning ordinance, organized by district and topic. Source: the official ordinance on eCode360 (General Code), last reviewed July 3, 2026.

Zoning districts

• AGResidential

  Agricultural (AG) District

  Unsubdivided, relatively undeveloped land intended to retain rural character while reserving area for future growth. Also the interim classification for newly annexed territory until initial zoning is adopted (Sec. 2.10.02).

• R-1Residential

  Estate Residential (R-1) District

  Large-lot single family living, generally one acre or larger, not served by urban infrastructure, with rural character retained. Under the pre-2017 UDC this land was Low Density Residential (LR).

• R-2Residential

  Suburban Residential (R-2) District

  Low density single family neighborhoods at roughly one to four dwelling units per acre with pedestrian-friendly design, on 9,000 square foot minimum lots.

• R-3Residential

  One & Two Family Residential (R-3) District

  Denser neighborhoods at six to eight dwelling units per acre allowing single family homes, duplexes, patio homes, townhomes, and multiplexes. Townhomes on individual lots follow R-4 regulations.

• R-4Residential

  Transitional Residential (R-4) District

  Residential district intended for multifamily and associated uses up to 12 dwelling units per acre. The Use Chart permits duplexes, townhouses, and multiplexes; the Dwelling, Multi-Family (Apartment) use row is not marked permitted in R-4.

• R-5Residential

  Urban Residential (R-5) District

  Multifamily residential district at up to 24 dwelling units per acre; the dimensional table caps density at 20 dwelling units per acre. Townhomes on individual lots follow R-4 regulations.

• R-MHResidential

  Manufactured Housing (R-MH) District

  Manufactured housing independently, in a manufactured home park, or in a manufactured home subdivision. Parks or subdivisions must be at least five acres and at most 25 acres (Use Chart condition 5).

• B-1Commercial

  Neighborhood Business (B-1) District

  Small scale goods and services supporting residential areas within one-quarter to one-half mile, adjacent to or integrated with neighborhoods, with pedestrian access. Not intended along freeways.

• B-2Commercial

  Arterial Business (B-2) District

  Retail and commercial activity along arterial streets serving residential areas within about three miles. Certain auto-oriented uses need a Specific Use Permit when within 400 feet of residential uses (Use Chart condition 29).

• B-3Commercial

  Interstate-35 Business (B-3) District

  General retail and commercial uses serving the whole community and visitors, large in scale and traffic, appropriate only near Interstate 35 and similar limited-access highways.

• LIIndustrial

  Light Industrial (LI) District

  Large business parks, light industry, and office warehousing without nuisance-like activity, located with easy access to arterials and nonresidential collectors and screened from residential areas.

• HIIndustrial

  Heavy Industrial (HI) District

  Manufacturing and industrial activity that may generate nuisances. Not appropriate adjacent to residential uses and not permitted within 1,000 feet of any residential district except AG.

• O-RSpecial purpose

  Rural Heritage Overlay (O-R) District

  Overlay along FM 967 and parts of FM 1626 that retains rural and natural corridor character. Applies to parcels abutting the corridor right-of-way or shallow parcels within 400 feet of it; standards and an overriding use table are in Sec. 2.10.11.

• O-GSpecial purpose

  Gateway Corridor Overlay (O-G) District

  Overlay along major arterials including Loop 4, FM 967, FM 2001, FM 1626, Cabela's Drive, Main Street, Robert S. Light Boulevard, part of West Goforth Road, and Old San Antonio Road. Standards and an overriding use table are in Sec. 2.10.12.

• O-HSpecial purpose

  Historic Overlay (O-H) District

  Overlay preserving sites, structures, and landmarks of historical or cultural significance. Designation and development procedures, including Historic Preservation Commission review, are in Sec. 2.10.10.

• PDSpecial purpose

  Planned Development (PD)

  Negotiated district for developments that existing districts cannot easily accommodate, requiring a higher level of amenities. Each PD has its own adopted ordinance and development plan under Sec. 2.10.08; the city GIS records the PD name in the polygon attributes.

• F1Special purpose

  Form District 1 (F1)

  Form-based district for minimal development related to recreation and community gathering, protecting sensitive landscapes and public access to Garlic Creek and Onion Creek. Standards are in the Form Based Code (Subsection 2.08).

• F2Special purpose

  Form District 2 (F2)

  Listed in the Table 10 roster but designated Reserved in Sec. 2.05.05 (Ordinance 2021-10) and absent from the Use Chart. F2 polygons still exist in the city GIS layer; confirm applicable standards with Development Services before relying on this classification.

• F3Mixed use

  Form District 3 (F3)

  Form-based district supporting a mix of small-to-medium building types with predominantly residential uses on an interconnected street network. Standards by building type are in Subsection 2.08.

• F3HMixed use

  Form District 3H (F3H)

  Form District 3 pattern within the Downtown Node and Historic Overlay; development must match the character and form of Buda's historic downtown fabric. Standards by building type are in Subsection 2.08.

• F4Mixed use

  Form District 4 (F4)

  Mixed-use urban fabric with a wide range of building types, used to transition from higher to lower intensity development between neighborhoods and a mixed use core. Standards by building type are in Subsection 2.08.

• F4HMixed use

  Form District 4H (F4H)

  Form District 4 pattern within the Downtown Node and Historic Overlay; must match the character and form of Buda's historic downtown. Standards by building type are in Subsection 2.08.

• F5Mixed use

  Form District 5 (F5)

  Higher density mixed-use buildings for retail, offices, townhomes, and apartments on a tight street network with wide sidewalks and buildings close to the sidewalk. Standards by building type are in Subsection 2.08.

• F5HMixed use

  Form District 5H (F5H)

  Preserves historic commercial buildings with compatible infill for retail, offices, townhouses, and apartments; must match the character and form of Buda's historic downtown. Standards by building type are in Subsection 2.08.

Rules by topic

• Permitted usesWhat you can do by right in each zoning district.
• Special land usesUses that need special approval before they are allowed.
• SetbacksHow far buildings must sit from property lines.
• Building heightHeight limits by district, and the exceptions.
• Lot coverageHow much of a lot buildings may cover.
• Lot size and widthMinimum lot area and width requirements.
• ParkingRequired spaces, driveway rules, and surfaces.
• Accessory dwelling unitsWhether a second dwelling unit is allowed.
• Garages, sheds, and accessory structuresSize caps, setbacks, and height limits for detached structures.
• FencesHeight limits, placement, and prohibited materials.
• SignsWhat signs are allowed and where.
• Home occupationsRunning a business from a residence.
• Variances and appealsWho decides, what standard applies, and the sequence.

Common questions

• Can I add an accessory dwelling unit?
• Can I build a fence?
• Can I run a home business here?
• Can I use this property for retail?
• Do I need special approval for my use?
• How do I request a variance?
• How much parking is required?
• How tall can I build?
• What setbacks apply to this property?
• What can I build on this property?