Tarrant County, TX Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Each Tarrant County municipality sets its own home occupation permitting process. Fort Worth requires a Home Occupation Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Development Services Department, with an application fee of approximately 65 dollars, plus compliance with Zoning Ordinance Chapter 5 restrictions on employees, traffic, and appearance. Arlington requires a Certificate of Occupancy through the Community Development Department, typically 100 dollars, with similar restrictions under UDC Section 5.2.3. Grapevine, Keller, Southlake, Mansfield, and Haltom City each issue home occupation permits with fees ranging from 50 to 150 dollars. Permits usually require a floor plan showing the portion of the dwelling used for business (often capped at 25 percent of floor area), disclosure of business type, and acknowledgment of all residential use restrictions. Some cities require HOA approval or proof of compliance with deed restrictions. Unincorporated Tarrant County has no home occupation permit because the county has limited zoning authority, but state licensing (for daycares, cottage food handlers, cosmetology, etc.) still applies. All home businesses must obtain a Texas sales tax permit from the Comptroller if selling taxable items.