Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Requirements in Fort Worth
In the City of Fort Worth, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is defined as a detached habitable structure intended for use by family members or temporary guests that specifically excludes cooking equipment and cannot be rented or leased as an independent residence. These units are permitted across most residential districts in Fort Worth provided they do not exceed the height or square footage of the primary dwelling and utilize the same utility meters as the main house.
Permitted Districts and Usage
Accessory Dwelling Units are permitted by right (subject to supplemental standards) in nearly all Fort Worth residential zoning districts, including One-Family ("A-5" through "A-2.5A"), Two-Family ("B"), and various Multifamily and Urban Residential ("UR") districts [§ 4.603].
The City of Fort Worth maintains strict regulations regarding how these units are utilized:
- Occupancy: The unit must be used only by a member of the family or a temporary guest of the residents in the primary dwelling [§ 9.101].
- Rental Restriction: By definition, a Fort Worth ADU is a non-rented and non-leased facility [§ 9.101].
- Independent Residence: The ADU may not be used as a separate independent residence in any One-Family District [§ 5.301].
Prohibited Cooking Equipment
A defining characteristic of an ADU in the City of Fort Worth is the absence of cooking equipment. If a detached structure contains cooking equipment, it may no longer qualify as an ADU under Fort Worth regulations.
| Feature | Fort Worth Requirement |
|---|---|
| Cooking Equipment Definition | Any stove, range, or appliance requiring a 220V or gas connection [§ 9.101]. |
| ADU Allowance | Detached habitable accessory buildings must not contain cooking equipment [§ 9.101]. |
Development and Building Standards
All habitable accessory structures in Fort Worth must meet the same building code standards as the primary residence [§ 5.301].
Size and Height
The City of Fort Worth regulates the scale of the ADU relative to the primary structure on the lot.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Square Footage | The ADU shall not have a greater square footage than the primary structure [§ 5.300]. |
| Maximum Height | The ADU may not exceed the height of the primary structure [§ 5.301]. |
| Building Separation | A minimum separation of ten feet must be maintained between the primary structure and the detached ADU [§ 6.502]. |
Utilities and Placement
- Utility Meters: Accessory structures in Fort Worth that require water, electric, or gas must receive service from the meters already serving the primary structure [§ 5.300].
- Front Yard Prohibitions: No detached accessory structure, including an ADU, may be erected within the minimum front yard, established front yard, or projected front yard of a Fort Worth residential lot [§ 5.300].
- Setbacks: The unit must comply with the side and rear setbacks required for the primary structure within its specific zoning district [§ 5.301].
- Lot Coverage: The total area covered by all rooftops (including the ADU and the main house) must not exceed the maximum lot coverage percentage permitted for that specific zoning district [§ 5.301].
Additional Requirements for One-Family Districts
In Fort Worth One-Family Districts, the ADU is strictly considered a subordinate building. It must be located on a lot that already contains a primary use (the main house) and cannot be constructed on a lot without one [§ 5.300]. Furthermore, the structure must be permanently installed; portable storage containers or trailers are not permitted for use as habitable dwellings in residential areas [§ 5.300].
Sections Cited
- § 4.603 (Residential District Use Table)
- § 5.300 (Accessory Uses - General)
- § 5.301 (Accessory Uses on Residential Lots)
- § 6.502 (Two Detached Dwelling Units on One Lot)
- § 9.101 (Defined Terms)