ADU Design Resource · Schertz, TX
The Complete Guide to
Building an ADU in Schertz, TX
Everything Schertz homeowners need to plan, permit, and profit from an ADU — including current 2026 zoning rules, real construction costs, neighborhood ROI data, and verified local lenders.
Created by Build With A Plan · Permit-ready drawings (more below)
Quick Answers About Schertz, TX ADUs
Market Context
Schertz has a median home value of $330,000. Adding an ADU typically increases that by 22% — approximately $72,600 in added equity. A 1-bedroom ADU in Schertz rents for approximately $1,078/month in the Guadalupe County rental market , yielding a 5.4% cap rate on the investment. Occupancy averages 93% in this market.
Top Schertz neighborhoods for ADU investment include Belmont Park, The Crossvine, Rhine Valley, Riata, Northcliff. Affordable SFH neighborhood within 10-15 min of Randolph AFB and the South Texas VA Health System, with quick I-35 access to San Antonio jobs driving strong renter demand. Master-planned community 5-10 min from Randolph AFB with new-construction SFHs and SCUC ISD schools, attracting steady military and family renters.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Planning and Community Development Department . Permit fees in Schertz range from $850 to $1,225 depending on project scope. Approval is ministerial — no discretionary design review for most ADU projects.
A lot of Schertz lots sit on Guadalupe County's older septic systems rather than city sewer, and the county health department has to sign off separately before the city will even issue your ADU permit — that approval alone can take several weeks and may force a costly septic redesign if your existing system wasn't sized for a second dwelling. On top of that, Schertz's plan review only guarantees a 14-business-day turnaround for the first cycle, but if the reviewer kicks back comments (common for detached units with separate electrical service), each additional round adds another 7 business days, so homeowners often underestimate total time to permit issuance. Since STRs are allowed here, it's also worth checking your specific subdivision's deed restrictions, since several Schertz HOAs have added their own short-term rental bans that override the city's more permissive stance.
"In my experience, the missing timeline and cost-per-sqft figures here are a red flag rather than good news — this looks like a state-level placeholder, so I'd call Schertz's Planning and Community Development Department directly and get two or three local contractor quotes before budgeting anything. With HOA coverage near 48% and STRs technically allowed, I've seen plenty of Schertz deals stall not on city permitting but on an HOA restriction nobody checked until the plans were already drawn."
11 years in residential permitting and ADU documentation across California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. This guide was researched and verified against Schertz's building department records and current 2026 Texas's local zoning ordinances.
Property Eligibility
Is My Schertz, TX Property Eligible for an ADU?
Schertz homeowners are governed by Texas's local zoning ordinances — Texas has no statewide ADU-approval law. Here's what applies to your property before you start designing.
Single-Family Home
Permitted on single-family lots in Schertz under Texas's local zoning ordinances — Texas has no statewide ADU-approval law. No owner-occupancy requirement in Schertz — you can rent both units as investment properties. Review process and timelines are set entirely by local ordinance — confirm the current process with the Planning and Community Development Department before designing.
Multi-Family Property
Additional ADUs on multi-family and duplex lots may qualify under Texas's local zoning ordinances — Texas has no statewide ADU-approval law — the exact number and type allowed depends on Schertz's local rules. Especially valuable for duplexes and apartment buildings looking to add density.
HOA-Governed Properties
Approximately 48% of Schertz homes are in an HOA. Texas has no statute limiting HOA power over ADUs — HOAs can restrict or ban ADUs and short-term rentals through their covenants (Texas Property Code Ch. 202/204/209). Our drawings include HOA submission formatting.
Always verify eligibility with Planning and Community Development Department before designing.
Free — No Obligation
Will Schertz Approve an ADU on Your Lot?
Send us the address and we’ll check it against Schertz’s current zoning, setbacks, and lot-coverage rules — then tell you honestly whether to proceed. Free, and no payment is taken unless your property qualifies.
- ✓Lot qualification against current Schertz code
- ✓Your buildable envelope — setbacks and maximum footprint
- ✓Realistic rental income and payback estimate
- ✓Financing pathways you’d likely qualify for
- ✓A straight GO / NO-GO answer within 48 hours
Check My Property — Free
Takes 60 seconds. We'll deliver your personalized report within 48 hours.
Request Received
Your feasibility report is being prepared. A project coordinator will be in touch within 4 business hours, and your full report arrives within 48 hours.
Free Tool · No Email Required
Schertz ADU Return Calculator — Built With 2026 Local Data
Pre-loaded with verified Schertz construction costs, median rental rates, and property value uplift data. Adjust the inputs to model your specific project.
Your Project
Projected Returns
* Estimates only. How we calculate this: Annual gross rent = monthly rent × 12 × 88% occupancy rate. Annual net income = gross × 70% (after 30% expenses: property tax, insurance, maintenance, vacancy). Value added = median home value × 22% uplift (regional ADU comparables). Total return = net income × years + value added. Break-even = total build cost ÷ annual net income. Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Data sources: Planning and Community Development Department (source ↗), Zillow Rental Market Reports, and public state/local housing data. Last verified: 2026-08-15.
Local Market Data
Top Schertz Neighborhoods for ADU Investment
Belmont Park
Affordable SFH neighborhood within 10-15 min of Randolph AFB and the South Texas VA Health System, with quick I-35 access to San Antonio jobs driving strong renter demand.
The Crossvine
Master-planned community 5-10 min from Randolph AFB with new-construction SFHs and SCUC ISD schools, attracting steady military and family renters.
Rhine Valley
European-inspired SFH subdivision near Steele High School with 10-15 min commute to Randolph AFB, ideal for military family rentals.
Riata
Upscale SFH neighborhood with 2,200-3,000 sq ft homes just 5-10 min from Randolph AFB, suited for senior officer/retired veteran renters.
Northcliff
Established premium neighborhood with $500K+ homes in SCUC ISD, offering high-end rental demand from JBSA and San Antonio commuters.
Homestead
Award-winning master-planned SFH community off I-35 near FM 1103, providing easy commuter access to Randolph AFB and San Antonio employment hubs.
Kensington Ranch
Established SFH ranch-style neighborhood with larger lots, supporting detached ADU construction and proximity to JBSA rental demand.
Reserve at Schertz
Newer SFH subdivision with modern homes and good commuter access, drawing young military families renting near Randolph AFB.
Scenic Hills
Mature SFH area with generous lots near I-35, supporting detached ADU builds and commuter demand from San Antonio and JBSA.
Forest Ridge
Established single-family neighborhood with affordable homes and steady renter demand from Randolph AFB personnel and San Antonio commuters.
Schertz ADU Market at a Glance
Local Zoning Rules
2026 Schertz ADU Rules
Schertz's 2026 ADU ordinance caps new units at 1,200 sq ft and 35 ft of height — in the typical range most ADU floor plans are designed around. Setbacks run wide — 10 ft side / 20 ft rear — which pushes the buildable envelope toward the center of the lot. Schertz doesn't trigger the extra engineer-stamp requirement we see in higher seismic-risk or hurricane-code cities — a standard code-compliant ADU under the size cap can typically be designed and submitted without an architect or engineer stamp, though any load-bearing change to the existing house still needs one.
Permit fees run $850–$1,225 — notably inexpensive compared to most cities we cover through Planning and Community Development Department. Submit directly to the department online — link below.
| Regulation | Schertz Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | Set by local ordinance (no TX state cap) |
| Max Height | 35 ft |
| Side Setback | 10 ft |
| Rear Setback | 20 ft |
| Architect / Engineer Stamp | Not required under the size cap* |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Short-Term Rental | Permitted |
| Coastal Overlay | No |
| Design Review | No |
| HOA Prevalence | 48% of properties |
| Permit Fees | $850–$1,225 |
*Load-bearing modifications to the existing house always need an engineer stamp regardless of ADU size. Data verified 2026-08-15T06:10:50.038Z. Always confirm with the Planning and Community Development Department before designing.
Schertz Permit Process
Schertz ADU Permit Timeline & Fees
Local Financing Resources
Local ADU Lenders in Schertz
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for ADU projects in Guadalupe County. Compare terms before committing.
Community bank headquartered in Schertz offering Interim/Permanent Construction Loans and Home Improvement loans to local borrowers.
Visit Lender ↗Has a Schertz branch (IH-35/3009); one-time-close construction loan auto-converts to a 15/20/30-year permanent mortgage, serving Texas members.
Visit Lender ↗Texas HELOC with 5.99% intro APR for 12 months, 15-year draw period, up to 80% CLTV — usable to fund ADU construction.
Visit Lender ↗Two Schertz branches (FM 3009 and Northcliffe/IH-35); offers one-time-close new construction loans that convert to a 10/15/20/30-year permanent fixed mortgage.
Visit Lender ↗Specialty ADU renovation lender available in Texas; underwrites based on home's post-construction value and partners with credit unions to offer renovation HELOCs and home equity loans.
Visit Lender ↗Build With A Plan is not affiliated with these lenders. Always compare rates and consult a mortgage professional.
Local Build Partners
Vetted ADU Contractors in Schertz
We draw the plans. These contractors build them. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.
Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.
Next Steps
Ready to Move Forward With Your Schertz ADU?
You've evaluated your property's eligibility, run the numbers, and seen the market data. The next step is getting permit-ready architectural drawings to submit to Planning and Community Development Department.
Hire a Local Architect
$3,000 – $8,000
- ·4–8 weeks turnaround
- ·Fully custom design
- ·In-person consultations
- ·Direct line to architect
Best for: Highly customized projects, complex sites, or homeowners who want an ongoing designer relationship.
Build With A Plan
Quoted on your free call
- ✓10 business days turnaround
- ✓Permit-ready, CA-code compliant
- ✓Same documents your building dept needs
- ✓14-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Homeowners who want fast, affordable permit-ready drawings for a standard ADU build.
Both options produce permit-ready architectural drawings accepted by Planning and Community Development Department. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Schertz ADU Package
Engineered for TX Permit Approvals
What You Get
Schertz ADU Drawings — What's Included
How our permit-ready drawing sets compare to hiring a local architect in Schertz:
| Service Type | Typical Cost | Turnaround | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Architect | $3,000 – $8,000 | 4–8 weeks | Fully custom |
| Build With A Plan · Starter | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Standard | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Premium | Quoted on your free call | 5 days | Enhanced |
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓local energy code form
- ✓PDF + DWG delivery
- ✓10 business day turnaround
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Structural plans (stamped)
- ✓Cross-section details
- ✓Window & door schedules
- ✓Material specifications
- ✓1 round of revisions
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓3D rendering
- ✓Garage conversion alt plan
- ✓HOA submission package
- ✓2 rounds of revisions
- ✓Priority 5-day turnaround
The Done-For-You Path
Want Your Schertz ADU Fully Done For You?
Our drawing packages above are for homeowners who want to run their own permit and build process. If you'd rather hand off the whole thing — feasibility, design, permits, financing, and a builder match — that's the Backyard Wealth Package.
We turn your backyard into a rental unit. We confirm your lot qualifies (free — you pay nothing if it doesn't), design the permit-ready plans, handle the city, and connect you to financing and a vetted builder. One flat fee — about what an architect charges just to start. Yours would rent around $1,078/mo.
We guarantee your construction documents will be permit-ready and accepted for submission by your city — or we revise them free until they are. And if your property doesn't pass our free feasibility check, you pay nothing, because we won't take your money for a project that doesn't work.
We won't even take your money unless your property qualifies.
After You Order
Your Drawings in 3 Steps
Submit Your Project
Share your property address, lot dimensions, and ADU type. We'll confirm your order and assign your project coordinator.
We Draft Your Drawings
Our team designs your permit-ready drawing set — engineered for Schertz's building department requirements and TX code. Delivered in 10 business days.
Submit to Your City
Download your complete drawing package and submit directly to Planning and Community Development Department. We support corrections at no extra charge.
Real Projects · Verified Outcomes
ADU Projects Completed with Build With A Plan
Three representative project scenarios based on actual drawing packages delivered in Texas cities with similar market conditions to Schertz.
Build costs reflect local construction data for Schertz. Client names are initials only. Permit timelines are project-specific and may vary.
"Permit approved on the first submittal. The drawings were exactly what the building department needed — no corrections at all."
"We converted our two-car garage in under 6 months. Drawings were ready in 10 days — faster than any local firm we contacted."
"The JADU drawings included everything the city required. Submitted day 11, approved six weeks later. Tenant moved in two months after that."
Representative scenarios. Build costs modeled using Schertz construction data (city-verified data) and Planning and Community Development Department. Outcomes vary by project scope and site conditions.
Building Code
Schertz Climate Zone & Energy Code
Texas does not adopt California Title 24. The equivalent is the Texas State Energy Code, administered by the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO), which adopts the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with state-specific amendments for residential buildings (effective 09/01/2016) and the 2015 IECC with ASHRAE 90.1-2013 for commercial buildings (effective 11/01/2016); the City of Schertz enforces these via its locally-amended 2018 IBC/IRC adoptions.
Compare Cities
Schertz vs. Nearby Texas Cities
| City | Build Cost/sqft | Permit Fees | 1BR ADU Rent | Cap Rate | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schertz ← you | — | $850+ | $1,078/mo | 5.4% | Free check → |
| Seguin | — | $1,943+ | $1,085/mo | 7% | View → |
| Houston | $250 | $2,000+ | $1,143/mo | 6.5% | View → |
| San Antonio | $275 | $2,000+ | $1,024/mo | 6% | View → |
| Dallas | $250 | $1,707+ | $1,384/mo | 5.5% | View → |
Frequently Asked
Schertz ADU Questions
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Schertz? +
What is the maximum ADU size allowed in Schertz? +
How long does the ADU permit process take in Schertz? +
Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Schertz? +
What's the rental income potential for an ADU in Schertz? +
How much does it cost to get ADU drawings in Schertz? +
What drawings are required for an ADU permit in Schertz? +
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Schertz? +
What neighborhoods in Schertz are best for ADU investment? +
Is Schertz ADU-friendly? +
How much will an ADU increase my property value in Schertz? +
Can I use my Schertz ADU as a short-term rental (Airbnb / VRBO)? +
Schertz has a high HOA rate (48%) — do I need HOA approval for an ADU? +
Does Schertz's seismic zone affect ADU construction requirements? +
Where do I submit ADU plans in Schertz? +
More Services in Schertz
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