ADU Permits: Arlington vs Fort Worth
How do adu permits rules compare between Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Fort Worth has fewer restrictions than Arlington.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington allows accessory dwelling units only in limited residential districts under the Arlington Unified Development Code (UDC) Article 4. Detached ADUs (called 'guest quarters' or 'accessory living quarters') typically require a Specific Use Permit (SUP) reviewed by Planning and Zoning Commission and approved by City Council. Building permits issue only after the SUP is granted. Texas has not preempted local discretionary review.
View full Arlington rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
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.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Arlington UDC Art. 4 & 5 | Zoning Ord. Sec. 5.300 |
| Review Type | Specific Use Permit (discretionary) | - |
| Timeline | 3–6 months SUP + permit | - |
| Detached Max Size | ~600 sq ft typical | - |
| Minimum Lot | ~8,000 sq ft typical | - |
| Allowed Districts | - | A-5, A-7.5, A-10, A-21, AR, B, C, D, ER |
| Max ADU Size | - | 25% of primary or 800 sq ft (lower) |
| Max Height | - | 1.5 stories |
| Application Portal | - | Accela Citizen Access |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
How do I get an ADU permit in Arlington?
Most Arlington ADUs require a Specific Use Permit under UDC Article 4. File the SUP with Community Development and Planning, attend Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council hearings, then apply for the building permit through OneStart. Total time 3–6 months.
Why does Arlington require an SUP for ADUs?
Texas has not preempted local discretionary review of ADUs the way California's Gov. Code § 65852.2 has preempted San Diego. Arlington retains City Council authority to approve or deny each accessory living quarters request after public hearing.
Fort Worth FAQ
Can I build an ADU in Fort Worth?
Yes in most residential zoning districts (A-5 through A-21, AR, B, C, D, ER, CR) under Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance Section 5.300. The ADU must be on a lot with a primary dwelling, capped at 25% of primary floor area or 800 sq ft, and limited to 1.5 stories. Some districts require a Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment.
How long does a Fort Worth ADU permit take?
Typically 4-8 weeks through the Accela Citizen Access portal for a clear application. Plan review covers Zoning Ordinance Section 5.300 compliance, building code review, and inspections from Development Services. Special Exception cases add 60-90 days for Board of Adjustment review.
Where do I file an ADU permit in Fort Worth?
Online at apps.fortworthtexas.gov/Accela. Submit the building permit application with site plan, floor plans, elevations, and engineering details. The application is routed concurrently to Zoning, Building, Plumbing, Electrical, and Water for review.
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