Arlington vs Fort Worth
How do density bonus law rules compare between Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Arlington and Fort Worth have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
Arlington does not operate a formal density-bonus or inclusionary-housing program. Developers seeking higher density rely on planned development district rezonings rather than by-right bonuses tied to affordable-housing or amenity contributions.
View full Arlington rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth's Mixed-Income Housing Program offers density bonuses, parking reductions, and fee offsets to developers who include affordable units in qualifying projects. Participation is voluntary and administered by the Neighborhood Services Department.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Citywide density bonus | None | - |
| Primary tool | Planned Development zoning | - |
| State preempt | Mandatory IZ blocked | - |
| Bonus zone | Entertainment District PDs | - |
| Lead agency | - | Neighborhood Services Department |
| Authority | - | Council policy and zoning bonuses |
| State backstop | - | TX LGC 214.905 voluntary only |
| Common bonuses | - | Density height parking fees |
| Target areas | - | Downtown Near Southside urban villages |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Can I build extra units if I include affordable housing?
Not through a by-right bonus. Arlington negotiates additional density only through PD rezoning approved by City Council. Voluntary affordability commitments may strengthen a PD case but do not trigger automatic unit increases.
Does Arlington offer transit-oriented bonuses?
No. Because Arlington has no fixed-route transit system, traditional TOD density bonuses do not apply. Higher densities near Via Rideshare-served corridors require PD rezoning rather than a formula adjustment.
Fort Worth FAQ
Are Fort Worth developers required to include affordable units?
No. Texas Local Government Code Section 214.905 prohibits mandatory inclusionary zoning for rental housing. Fort Worth offers voluntary incentives such as density bonuses and fee reductions for projects that set aside affordable units.
How long do affordability covenants last in Fort Worth?
Covenant length varies by program tier and funding source. Bonus-only deals typically run fifteen to thirty years, while projects layered with federal tax credits or HOME funds can extend to forty years or longer per recorded land use restriction agreements.
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