AR: One-family Restricted District in the City of Fort Worth
The AR: One-family restricted district in the City of Fort Worth is a residential zone designed for high-density detached single-family dwellings on lots with a minimum area of 3,500 square feet and a minimum width of 35 feet. This district characterizes the "zero lot line" concept, allowing for one side yard to be reduced to zero feet provided a 10-foot side yard is maintained on the opposite side. The City of Fort Worth limits the maximum height for structures in this district to 35 feet, or approximately two-and-one-half stories.
Purpose and Intent
The primary purpose of the AR: One-family restricted district is to provide a specific residential zone within the City of Fort Worth for the development of detached one-family dwelling units on smaller lot areas than standard residential zones [Section 4.706]. This district is intended to support high-density single-family neighborhoods while maintaining the detached character of the homes. It is categorized within the City of Fort Worth district hierarchy as being less restrictive than the standard "A" series (One-family) districts but more restrictive than multi-family and commercial zones [Section 4.101].
Permitted Land Uses
The City of Fort Worth permits a specific range of residential and community-oriented uses in the AR: One-family restricted district. These are divided into uses permitted by right, uses requiring supplemental standards, and those requiring special exceptions [Section 4.603].
Residential Uses
- One-family detached dwelling: Permitted by right.
- One-family zero lot line detached: Permitted by right, subject to specific zero lot line standards [Section 6.101].
- Industrialized housing: Permitted, subject to supplemental standards defined in Section 5.116.B.
- Community home: Permitted, subject to state licensing and spacing requirements [Section 5.110].
Civic and Institutional Uses
- Public and Private Schools: Elementary and secondary schools are permitted by right.
- Places of Worship: Permitted by right.
- Public Parks and Playgrounds: Permitted by right.
- Museums or Libraries: If government-operated, these are permitted by right.
Accessory and Temporary Uses
- Home Occupations: Permitted, provided they remain incidental to the residential use and meet noise and traffic standards [Section 5.116.A].
- Garage or Occasional Sales: Permitted up to twice per year for a maximum of three consecutive days per sale [Section 5.402].
- Accessory Buildings: Such as private workshops or storage sheds, provided they meet setback and height requirements [Section 5.301].
Property Development Standards
Development in the AR: One-family restricted district must adhere to strict dimensional requirements to ensure the compatibility of these high-density lots within City of Fort Worth neighborhoods.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 3,500 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 35 feet |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 20 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 5 feet |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | One side 10 feet; parallel side 0 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 35 feet |
| Minimum Off-Street Parking | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
[Sections 4.706, 6.100, 6.201]
General Character and Regulations
The general character of the AR: One-family restricted district is defined by its compact lot patterns and the optional use of zero lot lines.
Zero Lot Line Dwellings
When the zero lot line concept is utilized in the City of Fort Worth AR district, the blocks must be platted or replatted to provide a zero-foot setback on one side and a ten-foot access easement for the adjacent lot. The first dwelling unit constructed on a block sets the zero lot line pattern for the remaining lots on that block to maintain a consistent neighborhood appearance [Section 4.708].
Parking and Access
In the City of Fort Worth AR district, parking must be located behind the front building line. For lots fronting on limited local streets, two parking spaces are required per unit [Section 6.201]. Tandem or "stacked" parking spaces are permitted to meet these requirements.
Exterior and Design
The City of Fort Worth requires that any one-family dwelling in this district consist of a minimum of 50% masonry on exterior walls. Additionally, if an "infill" house is built in an established neighborhood, it must include a minimum of one three-inch caliper front yard tree and one three-foot caliper street parkway tree [Section 6.507].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.101 District Hierarchy
- Section 4.603 Residential District Use Table
- Section 4.706 One-family Restricted ("AR") District
- Section 4.708 Zero Lot Line/Cluster ("R1") District
- Section 5.110 Community Home
- Section 5.116.A Home Occupations
- Section 5.116.B Industrialized Housing
- Section 5.301 Accessory Uses on Residential Lots
- Section 5.402 Garage or Other Occasional Sale
- Section 6.100 Height
- Section 6.101 Yards
- Section 6.201 Off-street Parking Requirements
- Section 6.507 One-family Dwelling Unit Design Standards