Zoning Restrictions: Arlington vs Fort Worth
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Arlington and Fort Worth have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington permits home occupations in residential zones provided the business is clearly secondary to the home's use as a dwelling. Occupations must be conducted indoors, use no more than 25% of the floor area, have no non-resident employees on site, and not change the residential character of the property. A home occupation registration is required.
View full Arlington rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth Zoning Sec. 5.116.A allows a home occupation as an incidental, secondary use of a dwelling. The business must be conducted entirely within the principal dwelling, attached garage, or one accessory building, with no activity visible from the street.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Required | - |
| Floor Area Limit | 25% of dwelling | - |
| Non-Resident Employees | Not allowed | - |
| Outdoor Storage | Prohibited | - |
| Prohibited Uses | Auto repair, kennels, restaurants | - |
| Code Section | - | Fort Worth Zoning Sec. 5.116.A |
| Location Limit | - | Inside dwelling, garage, or 1 accessory bldg |
| Visibility | - | Not visible from street |
| Noise | - | Subject to Sec. 23-8 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Can I run a business out of my Arlington home?
Yes, if it qualifies as a home occupation under the Unified Development Code. The business must be secondary to the residential use, conducted entirely indoors, have no non-resident employees on site, use no more than 25% of the floor area, and generate no external noise, odor, or traffic impacts.
Can I hire an employee to work at my home business?
No. Arlington's home occupation rules prohibit non-resident employees from working on site. Only people who live in the dwelling may perform the work. You may have employees who work off-site or meet clients elsewhere.
Do I need to register my home occupation with Arlington?
Yes. Arlington requires home occupation registration through the Planning Department. This helps the city track the use and ensure the property remains zoning-compliant. Failure to register can result in violations when the business is discovered.
Fort Worth FAQ
Can I run a business from my Fort Worth home?
Yes. Sec. 5.116.A permits home occupations in residential districts as long as they are secondary to the residential use, conducted indoors (or in an attached garage / one accessory building), and not visible from the street.
Are there limits on customers visiting my home business?
Yes. The number of employees, customers, and residents present at one time cannot exceed the lawful occupancy of the dwelling unit under Sec. 5.116.A.
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