ADU Rules in Fort Worth, Texas

Overview

Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in Texas and the cultural and governmental center of Tarrant County. As the western anchor of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, Fort Worth blends its legendary Stockyards heritage with rapidly expanding suburban growth. As a home rule city, Fort Worth governs ADU construction through its Zoning Ordinance — Texas has no statewide ADU preemption law.

Zoning Districts and ADU Allowances

Fort Worth's Zoning Ordinance establishes residential districts where ADUs may be permitted. Common single-family districts include A-5, A-7.5, A-10, and AR (one-family residential with varying lot sizes). In these districts:

• Accessory dwelling units are generally permitted as an accessory use to the primary single-family residence
• Detached ADUs must be located on the same lot as the primary dwelling
• The primary dwelling must be the principal use; the ADU cannot exceed the primary dwelling in scale or importance
• Garage apartments are a common and historically permitted accessory dwelling type in Fort Worth

Development Standards

Key ADU development standards in Fort Worth's single-family districts:

• Maximum size: Typically limited by a percentage of the primary dwelling's floor area or an absolute square footage cap; verify current limits for your district
• Height: Detached ADUs generally limited to one story (maximum 20–25 ft); two-story accessory structures may require additional setbacks
• Rear setback: 5 ft minimum from rear property line
• Side setback: 5 ft minimum from side property line
• Front yard: ADUs must be behind the front building line of the primary dwelling
• Lot coverage: Total lot coverage for all structures must comply with district maximums (typically 40–50%)
• Parking: One off-street parking space typically required per ADU

NAS JRB Fort Worth AICUZ: Military Overlay

Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (NAS JRB Fort Worth), formerly Carswell AFB, is located on the western edge of Fort Worth adjacent to the City of White Settlement. The installation hosts multiple reserve components and maintains an active flight operations pattern.

The AICUZ (Aircraft Influence Compatible Use Zone) associated with NAS JRB Fort Worth includes:

• Noise contour zones (65, 70, 75+ dB DNL): Noise zones extend to the north and east of the base into residential Fort Worth neighborhoods; new residential construction is increasingly restricted at higher noise levels
• Accident Potential Zones (APZ I and APZ II): Safety buffer zones extending beyond runway ends where residential construction may be prohibited or restricted
• Clear Zones: Immediately adjacent to runways; no habitable structures permitted

West Fort Worth neighborhoods including parts of White Settlement, Sansom Park, River Oaks, and Lake Worth may be affected. Always check with Fort Worth Development Services for AICUZ overlay status before planning an ADU on properties in west Fort Worth.

Trinity River Floodplain

The West Fork of the Trinity River flows through Fort Worth, and significant portions of the city lie in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. Trinity River basin flooding is a recurring concern in the DFW region. Properties in flood hazard areas require a floodplain development permit, and structures must meet elevation requirements. Verify flood zone status with FEMA's map portal (msc.fema.gov) before designing an ADU.

Stockyards and Historic Districts

Fort Worth's Historic Stockyards National Historic District and other designated historic areas have design review requirements. The Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission (HCLC) reviews new construction in designated areas for design compatibility. ADU projects in or adjacent to historic districts should consult with HCLC early in the design process.

Permit Process

1. Verify zoning district at fortworthtexas.gov/development — use the address lookup tool
2. Check for AICUZ overlay, floodplain, or historic district status
3. Prepare site plan and construction documents (architect/engineer stamp required for larger structures)
4. Submit building permit application to Fort Worth Development Services
5. Plan review for zoning compliance, building code, and fire code
6. Inspections at foundation, framing, rough-in (MEP), and final

Contact

• Fort Worth Development Services: fortworthtexas.gov/development | 817-392-2222
• NAS JRB Fort Worth Public Affairs: cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/nas_jrb_fort_worth.html
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: msc.fema.gov

Disclaimer: Fort Worth ADU regulations, including AICUZ boundaries, are subject to change. This page provides general guidance only. Always verify current rules with the City of Fort Worth Development Services Department and consult a licensed Texas professional before proceeding.