Fort Worth Accessory Structure and Shed Building Permit Guide
In the City of Fort Worth, non-habitable accessory structures—such as storage sheds and private workshops—require a building permit if they exceed 400 square feet in size when associated with urban agriculture or community garden uses [Section 5.146]. For standard residential properties, the City of Fort Worth limits the cumulative size of all non-habitable accessory buildings to specific maximums ranging from 120 square feet to 2% of the total lot area, depending on the size of the parcel [Section 5.301]. All habitable accessory structures, regardless of size, require a building permit and a certificate of occupancy within the City of Fort Worth [Section 5.146].
Building Permit Thresholds in the City of Fort Worth
For any property located within the City of Fort Worth, the necessity of a building permit for a shed or accessory structure is primarily determined by its intended use and its dimensions.
Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens
Under the general requirements for Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens, the City of Fort Worth explicitly requires building permits for the following:
- Any habitable structure, regardless of its square footage [Section 5.146].
- Any non-habitable structure that is greater than 400 square feet in size [Section 5.146].
General Residential Accessory Structures
While the City of Fort Worth requires permit applications to be accompanied by a drawing or plat showing the lot plan and dimensions [Section 3.100], the zoning code establishes strict maximum size limits for non-habitable accessory buildings on residential lots. If a resident of the City of Fort Worth intends to build a shed that exceeds these maximums, it may violate the City of Fort Worth's zoning standards unless a variance is granted.
Maximum Size Allowances for Residential Accessory Buildings
The City of Fort Worth regulates the "Maximum Total Square Feet" allowed for non-habitable accessory structures (excluding private garages, carports, or porte cocheres) based on the size of the residential lot.
| Residential Lot Size (City of Fort Worth) | Maximum Cumulative Square Footage for Non-Habitable Accessory Buildings |
|---|---|
| Less than 5,000 square feet | 120 square feet |
| 5,000 to 9,999 square feet | 200 square feet |
| 10,000 to 21,779 square feet | 400 square feet |
| 21,780 to 43,559 square feet | 400 square feet |
| 43,560 square feet or larger | 2% of the total area of the lot |
Note: The square footage of an attic or loft is excluded from the calculation of the maximum square footage of a non-habitable accessory building, provided the space is not heated or air-conditioned [Section 5.301].
Height and Location Restrictions
Even if a structure does not require a permit based on its size, the City of Fort Worth enforces specific development standards regarding where an accessory structure can be placed on a lot and how tall it can be.
Height Limits
- Standard Limit: Non-habitable accessory structures in the City of Fort Worth are generally limited to a maximum height of 10 feet [Section 5.301].
- Height Increase: The height of an accessory structure may be increased up to 14 feet if the building is set back an additional two feet (a 2:1 ratio) from the standard rear and side yard setback requirements of the applicable City of Fort Worth zoning district [Section 5.301].
- Primary Structure Rule: In no case may a non-habitable accessory structure exceed the height of the primary residence on the lot [Section 5.301].
Placement and Setbacks
- Rear Yard Requirement: All non-habitable accessory structures must be located behind the rear wall of the primary residential structure [Section 5.301].
- Street Distance: Structures must be placed at least 75 feet from the front property line of the lot, or at the least restrictive distance established by the specific City of Fort Worth zoning district [Section 5.301].
- Front Yard Prohibition: The City of Fort Worth prohibits the erection of any detached accessory structure, including sheds and greenhouses, within a minimum front yard, established front yard, or projected front yard [Section 5.300].
Sections Cited
- Section 3.100 Building Permits
- Section 5.146 Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens
- Section 5.300 General (Accessory Uses)
- Section 5.301 Accessory Uses on Residential Lots
- Section 9.101 Defined Terms