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 3, 2026.

Zoning districts

• SFRResidential

  Single-Family Rural

  SFR (Single-Family Rural) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the SFR section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• SFEResidential

  Single-Family Estate

  SFE (Single-Family Estate) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the SFE section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• SFSResidential

  Single-Family Suburban

  SFS (Single-Family Suburban) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the SFS section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• SFUResidential

  Single-Family Urban

  SFU (Single-Family Urban) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the SFU section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• SFCResidential

  Single-Family Compact

  SFC (Single-Family Compact) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the SFC section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• SFLResidential

  Single-Family Limited

  SFL (Single-Family Limited) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the SFL section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• SFTResidential

  Single-Family Townhouse

  SFT (Single-Family Townhouse) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the SFT section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• SFU/MHResidential

  Single-Family Urban, Manufactured Home

  SFU/MH (Single-Family Urban, Manufactured Home) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the SFU/MH section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• TFResidential

  Two-Family

  TF (Two-Family) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the TF section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• CHResidential

  Cottage Housing

  CH (Cottage Housing) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the CH section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• THResidential

  Tiny House

  TH (Tiny House) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the TH section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• NRResidential

  Neighborhood Residential

  NR (Neighborhood Residential) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the NR section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• MFResidential

  Multifamily

  MF (Multifamily) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the MF section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• LOCommercial

  Local Office

  LO (Local Office) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the LO section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• LCCommercial

  Local Commercial

  LC (Local Commercial) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the LC section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• GCCommercial

  General Commercial

  GC (General Commercial) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the GC section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• HCCommercial

  Heavy Commercial

  HC (Heavy Commercial) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the HC section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• HIIndustrial

  Heavy Industrial

  HI (Heavy Industrial) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the HI section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• PUDSpecial purpose

  Planned Unit Development

  PUD (Planned Unit Development) is a use component in Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance. A parcel's full zoning in Leander is a composite designation that pairs a use component with a site component (Type 1 through 5, art. V) and an architectural component (Type A through D, art. VII), for example SFU-2-B. Use standards come from the PUD section of art. III and the art. III, sec. 20 use matrix; dimensional and site standards attach to the site component. Confirm the full designation on the official zoning map before acting.

• TODMixed use

  Transit Oriented Development (SmartCode)

  The Transit Oriented Development district is governed by the Leander SmartCode, a separate development code adopted under Leander Code of Ordinances ch. 14, art. 14.03. The Composite Zoning Ordinance does not apply inside the TOD district, and TOD zoning uses transect and sector designations (for example T4, T5, T6, S1, S2, SD, CD) rather than use components. Confirm the parcel's transect designation and current SmartCode text with the Planning Department before acting.

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?