Zoning Guide

Fort Worth Setbacks & Height Limits — Residential Zones

Last updated: Verified:

Fact-checked against the current Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance (2026 S-20) on September 20, 2026.

Fort Worth does not use one generic single-family setback schedule. Chapter 4 separates several one-family districts — including A-21, A-10, A-7.5, A-5, and AR — and a separate B two-family district.

Current One-Family Examples

For principal one-family development, the current ordinance includes:

Zone Min. Lot Area Front Interior Side Street Side Rear Max. Height
A-21 21,780 sq ft 30 ft 10 ft 15 ft 10 ft 35 ft
A-10 10,000 sq ft 25 ft 5 ft 10 ft 10 ft 35 ft
A-7.5 7,500 sq ft 20 ft local / 15 ft limited-local street 5 ft 10 ft 5 ft 35 ft
AR 3,500 sq ft 20 ft one side 10 ft / other side 0 ft 10 ft 5 ft 35 ft

The previous version of this page incorrectly described AR as an 8,000-sq-ft ordinary one-family district. The current §4.706 instead describes AR as a One-Family Restricted district intended for smaller lots and zero-lot-line development.

B Is a Two-Family District

The previous page also incorrectly labeled B as a one-family 6,000-sq-ft district.

Current §4.707 is explicitly the Two-Family (“B”) District. It permits several two-unit configurations, each with its own dimensional table.

For example, for two attached units on one lot, the current table lists:

  • minimum lot area: 5,000 sq ft;
  • minimum lot width: 50 ft;
  • front yard: 20 ft;
  • interior side yard: 5 ft;
  • side street: 10 ft;
  • rear yard: 5 ft;
  • maximum height: 35 ft;
  • maximum lot coverage: 50%.

Two detached units and zero-lot-line forms have different lot and rear-yard requirements, so the B district should not be reduced to one universal table.

Front-Yard and Corner-Lot Rules

The district tables cross-reference Chapter 6 for additional front-yard rules, including projected front-yard provisions. Corner lots also have separate street-side requirements.

Use the district table as the starting point, then check the Chapter 6 yard rules before relying on a dimension.

Accessory Structures

Garages, carports, porte cocheres, fences, and other accessory improvements are governed by additional Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 provisions. They should not automatically be assigned the principal-building setbacks above.

For accessory dwelling questions, see the Fort Worth ADU rules page and verify the current zoning provisions for the proposed use.

How to Check a Property

  1. Confirm the complete zoning district using Fort Worth's official zoning resources.
  2. Open the current Chapter 4 district section for that designation.
  3. Check Chapter 6 yard, height, lot, and corner-lot provisions.
  4. Check PD, conservation, historic, airport/airfield, and other overlays.
  5. Confirm accessory structures and two-unit configurations under their specific rules.
  6. Verify parcel-specific questions with Development Services before relying on a design dimension.

Official Sources

This guide is informational only. The current ordinance, parcel zoning, overlays, plats, and project type control. Verify current requirements before design, permitting, purchase, or construction decisions.

More about Fort Worth Zoning

Building Permits — Cost & TimelineADU Rules in Fort Worth, Texas

Sources

  1. Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance (Municode)·library.municode.com·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link
  2. City of Fort Worth Planning Department·fortworthtexas.gov·Accessed 2026-04-14·Direct link

FAQ

What are the setback requirements in Fort Worth?
Setbacks in Fort Worth vary by zoning district. In the B (One-Family) district — the most common single-family zone — the front setback is 20 ft, side setbacks are 5 ft, and the rear setback is 15 ft. The AR district uses 25 ft front, 5 ft side, and 20 ft rear. Always verify your specific zone on the Fort Worth zoning map.
What is the maximum building height in Fort Worth residential zones?
Maximum building height in Fort Worth's standard one-family residential districts (A-5, A-21.78, AR, and B) is 35 ft. Multi-family, mixed-use, and commercial districts allow greater height, often subject to additional regulations and overlay limits.
How are setbacks measured in Fort Worth?
Setbacks are measured from the property line to the nearest point of the building wall. Eaves, chimneys, bay windows, and similar architectural features may project a limited distance into the required setback. Corner lots have two front setbacks (one per street frontage).
Does Fort Worth use Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for single-family zones?
Fort Worth's single-family residential districts (A, AR, B) primarily regulate bulk through minimum lot size, setbacks, height, and lot coverage rather than FAR. FAR is more commonly applied in mixed-use and form-based districts. Check your specific district chapter in the zoning ordinance.