Accessory Structures in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Fort Worth, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Yes — you need a building permit for any accessory dwelling unit in Fort Worth, whether it is a detached ADU, an attached ADU, or a garage conversion. Fort Worth regulates ADUs as 'Accessory Uses on Residential Lots' under §5.301 of the Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A to the City Code). In one-family ('A' through 'AR') districts, an ADU is permitted as an accessory dwelling but cannot be operated as a separate, independent residence. ADUs must observe the side and rear setbacks of the underlying zoning district and may not exceed the height of the primary residence.
Fort Worth Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Fort Worth permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in most residential zoning districts under the Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance Section 5.300. Permits are reviewed by the Development Services Department through the Accela permit portal. Most ADUs require a building permit; new detached ADUs may also require zoning verification or a Special Exception in some districts.
Fort Worth ADU Permit Process (Zoning Ord. Sec. 5.300)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Fort Worth charges impact fees on new ADUs under City Code Chapter 35 (Impact Fees) authorized by Texas Local Government Code Chapter 395. Standard 2025 impact fees for an ADU run approximately $4,000-$8,000 covering water, wastewater, and roadway capacity, plus building permit and plan review fees of $500-$1,500.
Fort Worth ADU Impact Fees and Permit Costs
Some RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance Section 5.300 requires that one of the dwellings (primary or ADU) be owner-occupied. ADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary residence. The owner-occupancy requirement is enforced through code compliance complaints and may require a recorded deed restriction in some districts.
Fort Worth ADU Owner-Occupancy and Use Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Fort Worth allows long-term rental of an ADU (30+ days) but only when the primary dwelling is owner-occupied (Zoning Ord. Sec. 5.300). Short-term rentals under 30 days are restricted under Fort Worth Code Ch. 7 (Short-Term Rentals), which requires registration, occupancy limits, and excludes most residential districts.
Fort Worth ADU Rental and Short-Term Use Rules
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance Section 5.301 governs accessory uses on residential lots. Non-habitable accessory structures (sheds) are limited to 10 feet in height (up to 12 feet with additional setback) and must comply with side and rear setbacks for the primary structure. Sheds over 120 sq ft require a building permit.
Fort Worth Shed and Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Yes — you need a building permit to convert a garage into living space in Fort Worth. A converted garage is treated as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under §5.301 of the Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance. In one-family districts the converted space cannot be used as a separate, independent residence, must comply with the side and rear setbacks of the primary dwelling, and cannot exceed the height of the main house.
Fort Worth Garage Conversion Rules & Permits
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Fort Worth require a building permit. Under zoning Sec. 5.301, rear-yard carports up to 400 sq ft may sit as close as 1.5 ft from the rear lot line on lots up to 7,500 sq ft, and side-yard carports up to 200 sq ft may sit 1.5 ft from the side lot line, subject to height and roof-pitch matching the main house. Front-yard carports are not allowed except by special exception.
Fort Worth Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Fort Worth permits tiny homes on foundations meeting IRC Appendix Q, but prohibits tiny homes on wheels as permanent dwellings in most residential zones.
Fort Worth Tiny Home Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Worth city rules.
Accessory Structures in Tarrant County →