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.
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See how Tarrant County's shed & outbuilding permits rules stack up against other locations.
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