Princeton, Texas zoning

A plain-language summary of the Princeton zoning ordinance, organized by district and topic. Source: the official ordinance on Municode, last reviewed July 3, 2026.

Zoning districts

• AResidential

  Agricultural

  Fringe/urban-edge agricultural district intended to protect agricultural uses until urbanization warrants a district change (Sec. 82-8). One acre minimum lots; single-family dwellings require two acres or more.

• SF-EResidential

  Single-Family Residential - Estate

  Large-lot single-family estate district, densities up to one unit per gross acre, appropriately located near agricultural and standard single-family uses (Sec. 82-9).

• SF-SEResidential

  Single-Family Residential - Small Estate

  Large-lot single-family district on smaller lots than SF-E, near agricultural and standard single-family uses (Sec. 82-10).

• SF-1Residential

  Single-Family Residential district - 1

  Standard single-family district intended for densities under four units per gross acre, appropriately located near multifamily and certain neighborhood retail/office uses (Sec. 82-11).

• SF-2Residential

  Single-Family Residential district - 2

  Medium-density single-family district, four to six units per gross acre, functioning as a buffer between major streets, nonresidential areas, and lower-density residential areas (Sec. 82-12).

• TFResidential

  Two-Family Residential (Duplex)

  Slightly higher density district that can buffer between low- and high-density districts or between residential and nonresidential districts (Sec. 82-13).

• SF-ZResidential

  Single-Family Residential - Zero Lot Line

  Medium-density zero lot line (patio home) district allowing up to nine units per acre, with specific zero-side-yard construction rules (Sec. 82-14).

• SF-THResidential

  Single-Family Townhome

  Attached single-family townhome district for structures of three to eight units, with site plan approval required (Sec. 82-15).

• MH-1Residential

  Manufactured Home district (Manufactured Home Subdivision district)

  Manufactured home subdivision district intended to provide quality manufactured home development with the character of a standard single-family subdivision (Sec. 82-16). Listed as "MH-S" in the district roster (Sec. 82-7) and as "MH-1" in the section heading and GIS layer; both refer to this district.

• MH-2Residential

  Manufactured Home Park district

  Manufactured home park district (two to ten acres) where lots are rented or leased for placement of a manufactured home (Sec. 82-17). Listed as "MH-P" in the district roster (Sec. 82-7) and as "MH-2" in the section heading and GIS layer; both refer to this district.

• MF-1Residential

  Multiple Family Residential - Medium Density

  Medium-density multifamily district for two-story apartments, three-plexes and four-plexes, up to a maximum density noted in the dimensional chart (Sec. 82-18).

• MF-2Residential

  Multifamily Residential district - High Density

  Higher-density multifamily district intended as a buffer between major thoroughfares/nonresidential or higher-density areas and lower-density residential areas, up to 24 units per gross acre (Sec. 82-19).

• NCCommercial

  Neighborhood Convenience district

  Small district (up to two acres) for a limited range of service and light retail uses at thoroughfare intersections, serving adjacent residential neighborhoods (Sec. 82-20).

• C-1Commercial

  Commercial district - Office, light retail and neighborhood services

  Office, neighborhood shopping, and service-character retail/commercial district for daily community needs; business must be conducted wholly within an enclosed building (Sec. 82-21).

• C-2Commercial

  General Commercial district

  General commercial district similar to C-1 but permitting an expanded range of service and repair uses, all conducted within a building or structure (Sec. 82-22). Amended by Ordinance No. 2026-05-11-02.

• M-1Industrial

  Manufacturing/Industrial district - Light

  Light manufacturing, storage, wholesale and non-nuisance industrial uses; excludes uses specifically limited to M-2 (Sec. 82-23).

• M-2Industrial

  Manufacturing/Industrial district - Heavy

  Heavy industrial district accommodating most industrial uses, subject to performance standards for smoke, particulate matter, odor, noise, radiation and water pollution (Sec. 82-24).

• PDSpecial purpose

  Planned Development district

  Combining/mixing district permitting flexibility in land and building use and design; development standards, permitted uses, and any variances from standard requirements are set in the individual granting ordinance (Sec. 82-25).

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?
• Is Princeton's residential development moratorium still in effect?
• What setbacks apply to this property?