Fort Worth Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Fort Worth, TX. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
935,508
Total Zone Types
20
Planning Department
Fort Worth Planning and Development Department
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
Tarrant County
Metro Area
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington
Fort Worth Zoning System
The Fort Worth zoning system includes 20 total zone classifications: 10 residential zones (A-5, A-7.5, A-10, A-21, B, and others) and 5 commercial zones (E, F, G, H, and others), as well as 2 mixed-use zones (MU-1, MU-2) and 3 industrial zones (I, J, K). Fort Worth's zoning is governed by the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 5 of the Unified Development Code, administered by the Development Services Department. Unlike neighboring Houston, Fort Worth has a comprehensive zoning framework. Fort Worth uses a lettered and alphanumeric zone designation system — 'A' zones are single-family residential, 'B' through 'D' are medium-density residential, and higher letters progress to commercial and industrial. Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in Texas and shares the DFW metroplex with Dallas. Tarrant County wraps the city. Texas has no statewide ADU law, so Fort Worth regulations are entirely from local UDC provisions. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Fort Worth Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Fort Worth Building Department (Fort Worth Development Services Department) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (817) 392-2222 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the Fort Worth Planning and Development Department at (817) 392-8000. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Fort Worth property?
Yes. Fort Worth allows accessory dwelling units on residential lots under the Unified Development Code Chapter 5. Detached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area with a 900 sqft maximum. No owner-occupancy requirement in most zones. You'll need a building permit from Fort Worth Development Services. One ADU per single-family lot is the standard allowance.
What zone is my Fort Worth property in?
Use the Fort Worth MapIt GIS at mapit.fortworthtexas.gov to look up your property's zoning designation. Fort Worth uses 'A' zones (A-5, A-7.5, A-10) for single-family residential and letter zones (B, C, D) for higher-density residential. You can also contact Development Services at (817) 392-2222 for zoning verification.
Are short-term rentals (Airbnb) allowed in Fort Worth?
Yes, with registration. Fort Worth requires STR registration for all rentals of 30 days or fewer at $150/year. Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs are allowed with registration. Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) must be collected. Your registration number must appear on all booking platform listings. Noise ordinance and occupancy limits apply.
Who provides electricity in Fort Worth?
Oncor Electric is the local transmission and distribution utility in Fort Worth. However, Fort Worth is in Texas's deregulated electricity market — residents choose their retail electric provider (REP) from multiple competitors. For solar interconnection, you work with Oncor Electric regardless of your chosen REP. For natural gas, Atmos Energy serves most of Fort Worth.
Does Fort Worth have flood risk issues?
Yes. Fort Worth is bisected by the Trinity River and its tributaries. FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) exist along these waterways. Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov) to check your property's flood zone status. Properties in SFHAs require flood insurance with federally-backed mortgages. Fort Worth participates in FEMA's Community Rating System, which discounts flood insurance for residents.
Does Fort Worth have historic districts?
Yes. Fort Worth has 8 locally designated historic districts, including the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, Ryan Place, Berkeley Place, and Fairmount/Southside. If your property is in one of these districts or is a designated landmark, the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission (HCLC) must approve exterior changes before building permits are issued. Contact the Planning and Development Department for historic overlay information.
Source: Fort Worth Unified Development Code Chapter 5 — Zoning; library.municode.com/tx/fort_worth. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source