AR: One-family Restricted District Regulations in Fort Worth
The AR: One-family restricted district in Fort Worth provides a specific zoning classification for detached single-family homes on small lots with a minimum area of 3,500 square feet. This district allows for zero-lot-line housing configurations and establishes a maximum building height of 35 feet to maintain a low-profile residential character. Residential use in the AR: One-family restricted district is strictly limited to detached dwellings, prohibiting two-family, multifamily, and most group living arrangements.
Allowed Residential and Household Uses
In the AR: One-family restricted district of Fort Worth, primary residential uses are limited to detached structures. All uses marked with an asterisk (*) are subject to supplemental standards found in Chapter 5 of the Fort Worth zoning code.
- One-family detached dwelling: Permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- One-family zero lot line detached: Permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Industrialized housing: Permitted by right, subject to supplemental standards [Section 4.603, Section 5.116.B].
Allowed Public, Civic, and Institutional Uses
The Fort Worth zoning code allows several public and community-oriented uses within the AR: One-family restricted district to serve the local neighborhood:
- Schools (Elementary or Secondary): Public or private schools are permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Places of Worship: Permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Public Parks or Playgrounds: Permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Museums, Libraries, or Fine Arts Centers: Must be government-operated or controlled to be permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Community Homes: Permitted by right, subject to supplemental standards [Section 4.603, Section 5.110].
- Boarding Home Facilities: Permitted by right, subject to supplemental standards [Section 4.603, Section 5.153].
Allowed Recreation and Utility Uses
The following infrastructure and recreational uses are permitted in the AR: One-family restricted district:
- Country Clubs and Golf Courses: Permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Neighborhood Recreation Centers: Permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Telecommunications Antenna: Permitted on existing structures subject to standards [Section 4.603, Section 5.136].
- Utility Transmission Lines: Permitted subject to standards [Section 4.603, Section 5.140].
- Gas Drilling and Production: Permitted subject to standards [Section 4.603].
- Stealth Telecommunications Towers: Allowed only by Special Exception [Section 4.603, Section 5.137].
Accessory and Temporary Uses
The AR: One-family restricted district in Fort Worth allows for secondary uses that are incidental to the primary residence:
- Accessory Buildings: Such as sheds or tool houses, subject to size and placement limits [Section 4.603, Section 5.301].
- Home Occupations: Permitted provided they remain incidental and do not change the residential character of the property [Section 4.603, Section 5.116.A].
- Community Gardens: Permitted subject to standards [Section 4.603, Section 5.146].
- Large Animals: Permitted subject to acreage and pasture requirements [Section 4.603, Section 5.307].
- Model Homes and Garage Sales: Permitted as temporary uses subject to standards [Section 4.603, Section 5.402, Section 5.403].
Prohibited Uses
The following uses are expressly prohibited within the AR: One-family restricted district of Fort Worth based on their exclusion from the residential use table:
- Two-family Dwellings and Duplexes: Any structure designed for more than one family per lot [Section 4.603].
- Multifamily Apartments: High-density residential buildings are not allowed [Section 4.603].
- HUD-code Manufactured Housing: Standard mobile homes or HUD-certified manufactured homes are prohibited [Section 4.603].
- Commercial Lodging: Bed and breakfast homes/inns, hotels, motels, and short-term home rentals are prohibited [Section 4.603].
- Group Living Facilities: Halfway houses, shelters, and fraternity/sorority houses are prohibited [Section 4.603].
- Retail and Commercial Businesses: Standard retail sales, auto repair, and professional offices are prohibited [Section 4.603].
District Development Standards
The AR: One-family restricted district has specific requirements for lot dimensions and building placement in Fort Worth.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 3,500 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 35 feet at building line |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 20 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 5 feet |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | One side 10 feet; other side 0 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 35 feet |
[Section 4.706]
Sections Cited
- Section 4.603 (Residential District Use Table)
- Section 4.706 (One-family Restricted "AR" District)
- Section 5.110 (Community Home)
- Section 5.116.A (Home Occupations)
- Section 5.116.B (Industrialized Housing)
- Section 5.136 (Telecommunications Antenna)
- Section 5.137 (Telecommunications Tower and Stealth Telecommunication Tower)
- Section 5.140 (Utility Transmission Tower or Distribution Line)
- Section 5.146 (Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens)
- Section 5.153 (Boarding Home Facilities)
- Section 5.301 (Accessory Uses on Residential Lots)
- Section 5.307 (Large Animals)
- Section 5.402 (Garage or Other Occasional Sale)
- Section 5.403 (Model Home)