Fort Worth A-21 One-Family Zoning District Overview
The A-21: One-family district in Fort Worth is established to facilitate semi-rural residential development characterized by a minimum lot size of one-half acre (21,780 square feet). This Fort Worth district limits building height to 35 feet and requires substantial setbacks, including a 30-foot minimum front yard, to maintain its lower-density suburban character [Section 4.702].
Purpose and Character of the A-21 District
The primary purpose of the A-21 district is to provide for semi-rural development of one-family dwellings on large lots. In the Fort Worth district hierarchy, the A-21 district is considered the third most restrictive residential base district, falling between the A-43 (one-acre) and A-10 (10,000 square foot) zones [Section 4.101]. This classification ensures compatibility between large-lot residential uses and helps maintain the public health, safety, and general welfare by regulating population density [Section 4.702].
Property Development Standards
All development within the Fort Worth A-21 district must adhere to specific dimensional requirements to preserve the intended semi-rural aesthetic. These standards govern how a building is positioned on a lot and its total scale.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 21,780 square feet (1/2 acre) |
| Minimum Lot Width | 85 feet at the building line |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 30% |
| Maximum Building Height | 35 feet |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 30 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 10 feet |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 10 feet |
| Interior Lot Side Setback | 15 feet minimum adjacent to a side street |
| Corner Lot Side Setback | 10 feet minimum for interior lot line |
[Section 4.702]
Permitted Land Uses
The Fort Worth Residential District Use Table designates which activities are allowed by right, by special exception, or via supplemental standards in the A-21 district.
Residential and Group Living
- One-family detached dwellings: Permitted by right as the primary use of the district.
- Industrialized housing: Permitted subject to supplemental standards, including a minimum of 50% masonry construction for exterior walls [Section 4.603, Section 6.507].
- Community homes: Permitted by right, provided they meet state licensing requirements [Section 5.110].
- Boarding home facilities: Permitted subject to supplemental standards, limited to a maximum of six residents [Section 5.153].
Public, Civic, and Institutional
- Education: Public or private elementary and secondary schools are permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Religious: Places of worship and their related auxiliary uses are permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Civic: Museums, libraries, and fine arts centers operated by the government are permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Recreation: Public parks, playgrounds, golf courses, and private country clubs are allowed [Section 4.603].
Utility and Energy
- Telecommunications: Antennas on existing structures are permitted; however, stealth telecommunications towers require a special exception (SE) from the board of adjustment [Section 4.603, Section 5.137].
- Oil and Gas: Gas drilling and production are permitted subject to the supplemental standards of Chapter 15 of the Fort Worth City Code [Section 4.603].
Additional Development Regulations
Parking Requirements
In the A-21 district, Fort Worth requires two off-street parking spaces for dwelling units with three or fewer bedrooms. These spaces must be located behind the front building wall. For units with more than three bedrooms, one additional space is required, which may be located either behind the front wall or in the driveway [Section 4.702].
Fencing and Walls
Fences in the A-21 district are regulated based on their location on the lot:
- Front Yards: Fences are generally limited to four feet in height and must be an open design (e.g., wrought iron or tubular steel). Solid fences are prohibited in required front yards unless a special exception is granted [Section 5.305].
- Side and Rear Yards: Fences may reach a maximum height of eight feet if located behind the front building setback line [Section 5.305].
- Public Open Space Easements: Fences are limited to a maximum height of two feet within these easements [Section 4.702].
Large Animals and Agriculture
Because of its semi-rural nature, the A-21 district allows for the keeping of large animals (such as horses or cattle) and the operation of community gardens. These uses are subject to specific spacing requirements, such as keeping animals at least 50 feet away from regulated structures [Section 5.307, Section 5.146].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.101: District Hierarchy
- Section 4.603: Residential District Use Table
- Section 4.702: One-Family ("A-21") District
- Section 5.110: Community Home
- Section 5.137: Telecommunications Tower and Stealth Telecommunication Tower
- Section 5.146: Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens
- Section 5.153: Boarding Home Facilities
- Section 5.305: Fences
- Section 5.307: Large Animals
- Section 6.507: One-family Dwelling Unit Design Standards