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.
In Fort Worth, detached storage sheds of 120 square feet or less do not require a building permit if they have no electrical or plumbing. Sheds over 120 square feet require a permit and plan review. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks — typically 5 feet from rear and side property lines. Sheds must be in the rear yard only and cannot exceed 15 feet in height. Arlington follows similar rules with the 120 square foot exemption. If a shed includes electrical wiring or plumbing, a permit is always required regardless of size. In unincorporated Tarrant County, permits may be required through county development services for structures over 120 square feet.
Building a shed without a required permit can result in fines of $500-$2,000 per day, a stop-work order, and requirement to obtain a retroactive permit with additional fees. Unpermitted structures may be ordered removed.
Arlington, TX
Arlington has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. Property maintenance rules under ...
Arlington, TX
Arlington has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to rig...
Arlington, TX
Arlington has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Amplified outd...
Arlington, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Arlington require multiple permits through the Community Development and Planning Department: a building permit for the structur...
Arlington, TX
Arlington has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Operation is governed by general nu...
Arlington, TX
Arlington adopts the 2018 International Fire Code under Arlington City Code Chapter 11. IFC § 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas contain...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Tarrant County.
See how Arlington's shed & outbuilding permits rules stack up against other locations.
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