ADU Rules in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Fort Worth, TX. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Fort Worth, TX.
Fort Worth, TX permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law governs the approval process. In Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Development Services Department handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Fort Worth.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Fort Worth: Detached ADU: up to 50% of primary structure floor area, up to 900 sqft maximum (max height: 25 feet). Attached ADU: No greater than 40% of main dwelling floor area. Fort Worth UDC Chapter 5 governs accessory dwelling units and accessory structures. Detached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary structure floor area with a 900 sqft cap. JADU is a California-specific concept not applicable in Texas.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 50% of primary structure floor area, up to 900 sqft maximum | 25 feet |
| Attached ADU | No greater than 40% of main dwelling floor area | Per zone height limit |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Fort Worth: Plan check fee: $200–$1,500. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $800–$3,500. Impact fees: $500–$2,500 depending on utility connections. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: $2,000–$8,000 total fees. Fort Worth Development Services fee schedule available at fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services. Tarrant Regional Water District and local utility connection fees apply for new service.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $200–$1,500 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $800–$3,500 |
| Impact Fees | $500–$2,500 depending on utility connections |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | $2,000–$8,000 total fees |
Permit Timeline
Fort Worth ADU Permit Timeline: Fort Worth Development Services building permit: typically 3-6 weeks. Electronic plan review available. Construction typically 4-12 months. Apply through the Fort Worth Development Services Department online permit portal. Phone: (817) 392-2222.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Fort Worth: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: 5 feet. Rear setback: 5 feet. Accessory structures and ADUs must maintain 5 ft rear and side setbacks in Fort Worth residential zones. Alley-adjacent lots may have different rear setback requirements. Fort Worth UDC Chapter 5.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: 1 parking space required per ADU. Parking requirements may be reduced near Trinity Metro transit corridors and TEXRail stations.
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must be on same lot as primary residence
- One ADU per residential lot in most districts
- Must comply with lot coverage limits for the applicable zone
- Cannot be sold or conveyed separately from primary lot
- Must meet accessory structure setback requirements per UDC Chapter 5
- STR use requires compliance with Fort Worth STR regulations
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Fort Worth: Single-family lots: 1 ADU per single-family lot in A-zoned districts. Multifamily properties: Multiple units allowed by right in B, C, D zones per zone standards. Fort Worth UDC allows one ADU per A-zoned single-family lot. B through D zones allow higher density by right depending on zoning classification.
Single-Family Lots
1 ADU per single-family lot in A-zoned districts
Multifamily Properties
Multiple units allowed by right in B, C, D zones per zone standards
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Fort Worth has 8 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Fort Worth has 8 locally designated historic districts including the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, Ryan Place, Berkeley Place, Fairmount/Southside, and the Paddock Viaduct area. The Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission (HCLC) reviews exterior alterations to designated landmarks and contributing structures in historic districts. Certificate of Appropriateness required before building permits are issued in historic overlay areas. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/planning-development/historic-preservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Fort Worth?
Yes. Fort Worth, TX allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU per single-family lot in A-zoned districts.
How big can an ADU be in Fort Worth?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Fort Worth is 50% of primary structure floor area, up to 900 sqft maximum square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Fort Worth?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Fort Worth is Fort Worth Development Services building permit: typically 3-6 weeks. Electronic plan review available. Construction typically 4-12 months.. Total estimated permit fees are $2,000–$8,000 total fees.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Fort Worth?
No, Fort Worth does not require additional parking for ADUs.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Fort Worth?
No, owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs in Fort Worth.
Source: Fort Worth Unified Development Code Chapter 5 — Zoning; library.municode.com/tx/fort_worth. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source