Fort Worth A-5 One-Family District Setback and Yard Regulations
In the Fort Worth A-5 One-family district, primary residential structures are generally required to maintain a minimum front yard setback of 20 feet on local streets and 15 feet on limited local streets. The A-5 One-family district also mandates a minimum of 5 feet for both side and rear yard setbacks, though these requirements may be reduced to 3 feet for specific garage placements.
A-5 One-Family District Setback Requirements
The City of Fort Worth establishes specific dimensional standards for yards in the A-5 One-family district to ensure compatible lot sizes and public welfare [Section 4.705(a)]. These setbacks apply to the primary dwelling and must be kept unobstructed, except for minor architectural projections like eaves, which may extend up to six inches into a required yard [Section 6.101(a)].
Primary Structure Setbacks
| Yard Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Yard (Standard Local Street) | 20 feet |
| Front Yard (Limited Local Street) | 15 feet |
| Side Yard | 5 feet |
| Rear Yard | 5 feet |
The front yard setback for a property in the Fort Worth A-5 One-family district is determined by the greatest of the following: the platted building line, the 20-foot (or 15-foot) district standard, or the average setback of the nearest building on either side if 40% of the lots on the block face are already developed [Section 6.101(d)].
Special Setback Reductions for Garages
The Fort Worth zoning code provides flexibility for garage placement within the A-5 One-family district, allowing for reduced side and rear setbacks under specific conditions to encourage varied site designs [Section 4.705(d)(8)].
| Structure Type | Condition | Reduced Setback |
|---|---|---|
| Detached Garage | Located behind the rear wall of the main house | 3 feet (Side and Rear) |
| Attached Garage | Located at least 18 feet behind the front wall of the house | 3 feet (Side) |
Corner Lot and Yard Obstruction Rules
In the A-5 One-family district, corner lots are subject to "projected front yard" regulations. On a corner lot, the side yard adjacent to the side street must be a projected front yard equal to the most restrictive front yard required for any lot in the same block face [Section 6.101(f)(2)].
Additionally, the Fort Worth code allows for certain features to be located within required yards:
- Terrace Garages: May be located in a front or side yard if they are completely recessed into the terrace and do not project beyond the property line [Section 6.101(a)(3)].
- Porches and Patios: Open porches or patios with vertical roof supports must be set back at least 15 feet from the front property line on local streets and 10 feet on limited local streets [Section 6.101(a)(4)].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.705 One-Family (“A-5”) District
- Section 6.101 Yards