Leander, Texas zoning

A plain-language summary of the Leander zoning ordinance, organized by district and topic. Source: the official ordinance on Municode, last reviewed July 6, 2026.

Zoning districts

• SFRResidential

  Single-Family Rural

  Single-family detached homes on lots of one acre or more, intended to preserve rural character and let agricultural uses continue.

• SFEResidential

  Single-Family Estate

  Single-family detached homes on large lots of at least 12,000 square feet.

• SFSResidential

  Single-Family Suburban

  Single-family detached homes on intermediate suburban lots of at least 9,000 square feet.

• SFUResidential

  Single-Family Urban

  Single-family detached homes on moderate lots of at least 7,200 square feet, a transition between larger lots and higher density areas.

• SFCResidential

  Single-Family Compact

  Single-family detached homes on small lots of at least 5,500 square feet, with a maximum district size of 75 acres.

• SFLResidential

  Single-Family Limited

  Single-family detached homes on small lots of at least 4,100 square feet, allowing zero lot line development with reduced setbacks.

• SFTResidential

  Single-Family Townhouse

  Single-family attached townhouses on very small lots, meant to buffer larger lot neighborhoods from more intensive uses.

• SFU/MHResidential

  Single-Family Urban, Manufactured Home

  Single-family homes and manufactured homes on moderate lots of at least 7,200 square feet.

• TFResidential

  Two-Family

  Two-family dwellings on intermediate lots, with a stated goal of no more than ten contiguous acres carrying the component.

• CHResidential

  Cottage Housing

  Multiple detached cottage-style homes on one lot, with flexible building placement around preserved open space and shared common areas.

• THResidential

  Tiny House

  Smaller detached single-family homes on one lot, intended near shared amenity space and everyday community services.

• NRResidential

  Neighborhood Residential

  Small-scale multifamily buildings, attached or detached, on one lot, forming a transition between two-family areas and higher density areas.

• MFResidential

  Multifamily

  Multifamily dwellings limited to small areas, no more than 25 contiguous acres by design; new MF zoning is allowed only within a mixed-use PUD.

• LOCommercial

  Local Office

  Small-scale, limited-impact offices that may sit next to residential neighborhoods as a transition from commercial areas and arterial streets.

• LCCommercial

  Local Commercial

  Small-scale commercial, retail, personal services, and offices serving the everyday needs of nearby residents.

• GCCommercial

  General Commercial

  Small to large-scale commercial, retail, and commercial service uses in high traffic areas, concentrated at arterial intersections.

• HCCommercial

  Heavy Commercial

  Light manufacturing, assembly and processing, storage, warehouses, and lumber sales, served by industrial or commercial collector streets.

• HIIndustrial

  Heavy Industrial

  Large-scale manufacturing, assembly, and processing, with outdoor processing allowed only with a Type 5 site component.

• PUDSpecial purpose

  Planned Unit Development

  A negotiated district with unified, customized zoning standards for coordinated development, including multifamily as part of mixed-use master plans.

• TODMixed use

  Transit Oriented Development (SmartCode)

  Governed by the separate Leander SmartCode adopted under ch. 14, art. 14.03, which uses transect designations; the Composite Zoning Ordinance does not apply inside the district.

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?