Setback Requirements in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
Front, side, and rear setback requirements by zoning district for Fort Worth, TX. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Setbacks by Zoning District
| Zone | Front | Side | Rear | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-5 | 25 feet | 6 feet | 5 feet | Fort Worth UDC A-5 (Single-Family Residential, 5,000 sqft minimum lot) — standard single-family zone. 25 ft front, 6 ft side, 5 ft rear setbacks. |
| A-7.5 | 25 feet | 7 feet | 5 feet | Fort Worth UDC A-7.5 (Single-Family Residential, 7,500 sqft minimum lot) — slightly larger minimum lot than A-5. Marginally wider side setbacks. |
| A-10 | 30 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet | Fort Worth UDC A-10 (Single-Family Residential, 10,000 sqft minimum lot) — larger lot zone with increased setbacks. |
| B | 20 feet | 5 feet | 5 feet | Fort Worth UDC B (Two-Family Residential / Duplex zone) — reduced front setback compared to A zones. |
| C | 15 feet | 5 feet | 5 feet | Fort Worth UDC C (Low-Density Multifamily) — allows duplexes and triplexes with reduced setbacks. |
| MU-1 | 10 feet | 0 feet | 5 feet | Fort Worth UDC MU-1 (Mixed Use, low-intensity) — reduced setbacks to encourage urban infill and street activation. |
All setbacks measured from property line. Verify with Fort Worth Development Services Department before submitting permit applications.
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 Zoning Code — Setback Requirements. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source