A-7.5 One-family District Regulations in Fort Worth
The A-7.5 One-family District in the City of Fort Worth is established to provide for detached single-family residential development on lots with a minimum area of 7,500 square feet. This district maintains a maximum building height of 35 feet and a maximum lot coverage of 45% to ensure a consistent residential character and density [Section 4.704].
Purpose and Intent
The purpose of the A-7.5 One-family District in the City of Fort Worth is to regulate the development of single-family dwellings on individual lots. This district allows for traditional residential uses and customarily accessory structures, while ensuring compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood through specific yard and area requirements [Section 4.704(a)].
Property Development Standards
Development within the A-7.5 One-family District is governed by strict dimensional requirements to ensure proper spacing and density. These standards apply to the primary dwelling and its placement on the lot.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 7,500 square feet [Section 4.704(c)] |
| Minimum Lot Width | 55 feet at the building line [Section 4.704(c)] |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 45% of the total lot area [Section 4.704(c)] |
| Front Yard Setback (Local) | 20 feet minimum [Section 4.704(c)] |
| Front Yard Setback (Limited Local) | 15 feet minimum [Section 4.704(c)] |
| Rear Yard Setback | 5 feet minimum [Section 4.704(c)] |
| Side Yard Setback | 5 feet minimum [Section 4.704(c)] |
| Interior Lot Side Street Setback | 10 feet minimum [Section 4.704(c)] |
| Maximum Height | 35 feet [Section 4.704(c)] |
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The City of Fort Worth utilizes a Residential District Use Table to define which activities are permitted within the A-7.5 One-family District. Uses are categorized as permitted by right (P), permitted with supplemental standards (P*), or requiring a special exception (SE) [Section 4.601].
Uses Permitted by Right (P)
The following uses are allowed without additional special permissions in the A-7.5 One-family District, provided they meet standard City of Fort Worth building codes:
- One-family detached dwellings [Section 4.603]
- Elementary or secondary schools (public or private) [Section 4.603]
- Museums, libraries, or fine arts centers (government operated) [Section 4.603]
- Places of worship [Section 4.603]
- Country clubs (private) and golf courses [Section 4.603]
- Neighborhood recreation centers [Section 4.603]
- Public parks or playgrounds [Section 4.603]
- Private parks [Section 4.603]
- Terrace garages (within required yard setbacks) [Section 4.603]
Uses Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
These uses are allowed in the A-7.5 One-family District but must comply with specific additional regulations found in the City of Fort Worth supplemental use standards:
- Industrialized housing [Section 4.603]
- Boarding home facilities [Section 4.603]
- Community homes [Section 4.603]
- Telecommunications antennas on existing structures [Section 4.603]
- Utility transmission towers or distribution lines [Section 4.603]
- Gas drilling and production [Section 4.603]
- Home occupations [Section 4.603]
- Large animals (subject to pasture area requirements) [Section 4.603]
- Community gardens [Section 4.603]
- Model homes and temporary real estate sales trailers [Section 4.603]
- Occasional sales (e.g., garage sales) [Section 4.603]
Uses Requiring a Special Exception (SE)
The following uses require a hearing and approval by the Board of Adjustment in the City of Fort Worth:
- Stealth telecommunications towers [Section 4.603]
- Private carports or porte cocheres located in the front yard [Section 4.603]
Prohibited Uses
Under the City of Fort Worth zoning ordinance, any use not specifically listed as permitted in the use table is prohibited [Section 4.601(d)]. Prohibited uses in the A-7.5 One-family District include, but are not limited to:
- Multifamily housing: Duplexes, triplexes, and apartments [Section 4.603].
- Commercial uses: Retail stores, offices, auto repair, and restaurants (unless qualified as a home occupation) [Section 4.603].
- Industrial uses: Manufacturing, warehousing, and heavy industrial operations [Section 4.603].
- Lodging: Hotels, motels, and commercial bed and breakfast inns [Section 4.603].
- Certain Institutional uses: Halfway houses and homeless shelters [Section 4.603].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Fort Worth requires that A-7.5 One-family District residential units provide 1 to 4 spaces per dwelling unit, depending on the number of bedrooms and specific subdivision platting [Section 6.201(b)]. Two spaces must typically be located behind the front building wall for units with three or fewer bedrooms [Section 4.704(d)(2)].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.100 Districts Established
- Section 4.601 Key to Table Designations
- Section 4.603 Residential District Use Table
- Section 4.704 One-family ("A-7.5") District
- Section 6.100 Height
- Section 6.201 Off-Street Parking Requirements