Guide to the A-5: One-family District Zoning in Fort Worth
The City of Fort Worth A-5: One-family district is a residential zone requiring a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet for the development of single-family detached dwellings. While primarily intended for low-density residential use, the district also permits certain institutional uses such as schools, parks, and places of worship by right. Most high-density residential structures, including duplexes, townhomes, and multifamily apartments, are strictly prohibited within this City of Fort Worth designation.
Purpose and Intent of the A-5 District
In the City of Fort Worth, the A-5: One-family district is established to provide for the development of one-family detached dwellings on lots with a minimum area of 5,000 square feet [Section 4.705(a)]. This district is designed to maintain compatible lot sizes in residential neighborhoods and ensure the health, safety, and general welfare of the community by limiting density [Section 4.700(a)].
Allowed Uses in the A-5 District
Uses in the City of Fort Worth A-5: One-family district are divided into those permitted by right (P), those permitted with supplemental standards (P*), and those requiring a special exception (SE) or conditional use permit (CUP).
Residential and Household Uses
| Use | Permission | Supplemental Standards |
|---|---|---|
| One-family detached dwelling | P | Section 6.507 |
| Industrialized housing | P* | Section 5.116.B |
| Boarding home facility (max 6 residents) | P* | Section 5.153 |
| Community home | P* | Section 5.110 |
Public, Civic, and Institutional Uses
| Use | Permission | Supplemental Standards |
|---|---|---|
| School, elementary or secondary | P | N/A |
| Museum, library, or fine arts center | P | N/A |
| Place of worship | P | N/A |
| Park or playground (public or private) | P | N/A |
| Neighborhood recreation center | P | N/A |
| Country club (private) | P | N/A |
| Golf course | P | N/A |
Utilities and Energy
| Use | Permission | Supplemental Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth telecommunications towers | SE | Section 5.137 |
| Telecommunications antenna (on structure) | P* | Section 5.136 |
| Utility transmission tower or distribution line | P* | Section 5.140 |
| Solar energy equipment | P | N/A |
| Wind energy equipment | P | N/A |
Accessory and Temporary Uses
| Use | Permission | Supplemental Standards |
|---|---|---|
| Accessory use or building | P* | Section 5.301 |
| Home occupation | P* | Section 5.116A |
| Large animals | P* | Section 5.307 |
| Community garden | P* | Section 5.146 |
| Model home | P* | Section 5.403 |
| Garage or occasional sale | P* | Section 5.402 |
| Private carport/porte cochere (front yard) | SE* | Section 5.301(b)(1) |
Prohibited Uses in the A-5 District
The City of Fort Worth expressly prohibits any use not listed as permitted or allowed by special exception. Prohibited uses in the A-5: One-family district include, but are not limited to:
- Higher Density Residential: Duplexes, townhomes, two-family dwellings, zero lot line homes, and multifamily apartments [Section 4.603].
- Commercial and Retail: General retail stores, restaurants, bars, taverns, and professional offices [Section 4.603].
- Lodging: Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term home rentals [Section 4.603].
- Special Living Facilities: Halfway houses, shelters, and fraternity/sorority houses [Section 4.603].
- Industrial: Any light or heavy industrial manufacturing, warehousing, or junk yards [Section 4.803].
Development Standards for A-5 District
Property owners in the City of Fort Worth A-5: One-family district must adhere to specific dimensional requirements for any new construction or expansion.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 5,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 50% |
| Front Yard Setback (local street) | 20 feet minimum |
| Front Yard Setback (limited local street) | 15 feet minimum |
| Rear Yard Setback | 5 feet minimum |
| Side Yard Setback | 5 feet minimum |
| Maximum Building Height | 35 feet |
[Section 4.705(c)]
Sections Cited
- Section 4.100 Districts Established
- Section 4.603 Residential District Use Table
- Section 4.700 One-family ("A-2.5A") District
- Section 4.705 One-family ("A-5") District
- Section 4.803 Non-residential District Use Table
- Section 5.110 Community Home
- Section 5.116A 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
- Section 6.100 Height
- Section 6.507 One-family Dwelling Unit Design Standards