4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Tarrant County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
In most Tarrant County cities, storage sheds under 120 square feet do not require a building permit. Sheds over 120 square feet require a permit and must comply with setback requirements. All sheds must be in the rear yard.
City of Fort Worth — Residential Permitting (Storage Buildings; Pools and Other Small Structures)
Storage Buildings including Shipping Containers: All storage buildings require a building permit. There are additional zoning requirements associated with the location, maximum height and square footage, depending upon your lot size. [...] Pools and Other Small Structures: All accessory structures require a building permit. This may include gazebos, outdoor fireplaces, fountains with plumbing, ...
Fence permits are required in Fort Worth for fences over 6 feet tall. Standard residential fences of 6 feet or less in rear and side yards do not require a permit but must comply with zoning setbacks and materials standards.
City of Fort Worth — Residential Permitting (Fences/Retaining Walls)
Fences/Retaining Walls: Fences in the front yard and projected front yard can be no more than 4 feet tall and open design picket style. Chain link is prohibited in the front yard and projected front yard. Fences may require additional approval if the property is in a historic district. Building permits are required for solid fences with a height above 7 feet and for open fences with a height ab...
Decks over 30 inches above grade require a building permit in most Tarrant County cities. Ground-level patios on grade generally do not require a permit. Attached decks must comply with the building code for structural connections.
City of Fort Worth — Residential Permitting (Decks)
Decks: All platforms, walks and decks over 6" above grade require a building permit. Certain rules apply to the location of decks and vary by the zoning classification of each property.
Most renovation work in Tarrant County requires a building permit if it involves structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. Cosmetic work like painting, flooring, and cabinetry typically does not require a permit.
City of Fort Worth — Residential Permitting (Do I need a permit for my project?)
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...
1 cities in Tarrant County have their own permit requirements rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Tarrant County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Tarrant County Ordinance Hub →