Tarrant County, TX Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

In unincorporated Tarrant County, any new driveway or modification to an existing driveway connecting to a county-maintained road requires a driveway permit from the Tarrant County Transportation Services Department. The permit review addresses location relative to intersections and crests, sight distance for safe entry and exit, driveway width (typically 12 to 24 feet for residential, wider for commercial), culvert size and drainage compatibility with roadside ditches, and surface type. Culverts installed beneath the driveway must be appropriately sized to handle stormwater flow along the county road so that drainage capacity is not reduced. The Texas Transportation Code Chapter 251 and the county subdivision regulations authorize these requirements to protect the road right-of-way and public safety. Driveways on state highways (US, State, FM, and RM routes) fall under TxDOT jurisdiction and require a separate access permit from the Fort Worth District office. Property owners are responsible for maintaining the driveway apron and culvert at their own expense. Shared driveways and flag lot access must meet minimum width and emergency vehicle access standards. Paving is not universally required in rural areas, but county standards may mandate an all-weather surface for safety. Violations such as unpermitted connections or damaged culverts can trigger enforcement and may require removal or reconstruction at the owner expense.