Fort Worth, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Impact Fees (2026)

Fort Worth's impact fee program is adopted under Texas Local Government Code Ch. 395 and codified in Fort Worth City Code Chapter 35. The 2025 fee schedule charges impact fees per dwelling unit, so an ADU is treated as a separate residential unit. Typical 2025 rates: Water capital recovery fee approximately $2,500-$3,500 per single-family equivalent (varies by service area), Wastewater capital recovery fee approximately $1,800-$2,800 per SFE, and Roadway impact fees approximately $500-$2,500 depending on service area zone (Zones A through N). Building permit and plan-check fees run $500-$1,500 depending on ADU size and complexity. ADUs that share the primary dwelling's water/sewer connections without a new meter may qualify for reduced water impact fees, but require Water Department review. Texas does NOT have a state law equivalent to California's Government Code 65852.2(f)(3) which waives impact fees for sub-750 sq ft ADUs; Fort Worth applies full impact fees regardless of ADU size. School impact fees are not charged in Texas (school districts use bond financing). Fort Worth's impact fee study is updated every 5 years under Local Gov. Code 395.0575.