Accessory Structures in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
3 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
An accessory dwelling unit in Fort Worth is a habitable accessory structure under Zoning Ordinance § 5.301, and it has to clear three hurdles before anyone can move in: the same side and rear setback and lot-coverage limits that apply to every accessory building, the City's building code for habitable space, and a height cap that never exceeds the primary house.
Fort Worth ADU Zoning Standards
Some RestrictionsFort Worth Zoning Ordinance (Code Appendix A) § 5.301(a), (c)
(a) General provisions. ... (2) Accessory buildings shall comply with the side and rear setbacks for the primary structure of the zoning district applicable to the residential use. (3) The total area covered by all rooftops shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage (percentage) for the district applicable to residential use. ... (c) Habitable accessory structures. In addition to the req...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Fort Worth lets homeowners build a habitable accessory structure, a garage apartment or casita, but Zoning Ordinance § 5.301(c)(3) limits what it can be used for: only as an accessory dwelling unit, never as a separate independent residence in one-family districts. That single sentence is the legal barrier to renting the unit out on its own.
Fort Worth ADU Rental Restriction Rule
Significant RestrictionsFort Worth Zoning Ordinance (Code Appendix A) § 5.301(c)(3)
(c) Habitable accessory structures. In addition to the requirements set out in subsection (a) above, habitable accessory buildings must comply with the following requirements: (1) Must meet all applicable City of Fort Worth building code for habitable structures; (2) May not exceed the height of the primary; and (3) May be used only as an accessory dwelling unit and may not be used as a...
Shed & Carport Rules
Fort Worth requires a building permit for all sheds regardless of size per the Development Services Department. Sheds must comply with Zoning Ordinance Section 5.301 setback requirements for accessory structures and cannot exceed the height of the primary structure.
Shed Permit Requirements in Fort Worth
Some RestrictionsFort Worth Development Services — Residential Permitting: Storage Buildings including Shipping Containers
Residential building permits are for one or two family detached homes and their accessory structures on individually platted lots. Permits are required for new construction, as well as work that changes, moves or repairs walls, floors, ceiling, windows, doors, electrical, mechanical or plumbing. Permits are not required for "cosmetic" remodels (floor or wall covering, cabinets, counter tops, sh...
Looking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Worth city rules.
Accessory Structures in Tarrant County →