ADU Impact Fees: Arlington vs Fort Worth

Are ADU impact fees waived in Arlington?

No. Texas has no statewide ADU impact-fee waiver. Arlington charges standard fees but allows ADUs to share the principal dwelling's water/sewer tap to avoid most impact fees. Building, plan-check, and trade permit fees still apply.

What does an ADU cost in fees in Arlington?

Expect $1,500–$3,500 in building, plan-check, and trade permit fees for a small ADU sharing the main house's utilities. Separate water/sewer connections add $4,500–$8,000 in impact fees. Roadway impact fees of $1,000–$3,000 may apply.

What does a Fort Worth ADU cost in fees?

Total city fees typically run $4,500-$9,500 for a new ADU: roughly $2,500-$3,500 water impact fee, $1,800-$2,800 wastewater impact fee, $500-$2,500 roadway impact fee (varies by zone), and $500-$1,500 building permit and plan check. Texas has no sub-750 sq ft fee exemption.

Are smaller ADUs cheaper to permit in Fort Worth?

Slightly. Plan check fees scale with project value, but impact fees are charged per dwelling unit regardless of size. Unlike California, Texas has no law waiving impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft - Fort Worth applies the full schedule.

Can I share my Fort Worth ADU's water meter with the main house?

Sometimes. Sharing meters may reduce water impact fees if the Water Department determines no new capacity is needed. Submit the request with your building permit application; new sewer impact fees usually still apply because the ADU adds wastewater demand.