ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Fort Worth (2026)
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit requirements, fees, and process for Fort Worth, TX. Find out if you need a permit and how to apply.
Yes, a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Fort Worth, TX.
A ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) permit is required in Fort Worth, TX. The Fort Worth Development Services Department handles permit applications for Fort Worth. Below you will find the current thresholds, fees, and process for obtaining a adu (accessory dwelling unit) permit in Fort Worth.
When Is a Permit Required?
When a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Is Required in Fort Worth: All ADU construction
Permit Fees
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit Fees in Fort Worth: $2,000–$8,000 including utility connection fees. Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks.
Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks
How to Get a ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit in Fort Worth
Verify whether your project meets the permit threshold in Fort Worth: All ADU construction.
Prepare your permit application and plans. Contact the Fort Worth Development Services Department at https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services for required documentation.
Submit your application online at https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services/permits or in person at the Fort Worth Development Services Department.
Pay the permit fee: $2,000–$8,000 including utility connection fees.
Wait for plan check approval. Estimated timeline: 3-6 weeks.
Schedule required inspections through https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services/inspections. All inspections must pass before project is finalized.
Important: Fort Worth Development Services building permit required. Utility connection fees from Fort Worth Water Department apply for new service. UDC Chapter 5 accessory dwelling unit standards must be met.
Fort Worth Development Services Department
Phone: (817) 392-2222
Website: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services
Online Permits: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services/permits
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm
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 Building Code — ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Requirements. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source