Guide to the B: Two-family District in Fort Worth
The B: Two-family district in Fort Worth is a residential zoning classification designed to permit a maximum of two dwelling units on a single lot, typically in the form of duplexes or two detached units. For standard two-family attached dwellings, the City of Fort Worth requires a minimum lot area of 5,000 square feet, while two detached units on a single lot require at least 7,500 square feet [Section 4.707]. Most structures in this district are limited to a maximum height of 35 feet [Section 4.707].
Purpose and General Character
The primary purpose of the B: Two-family district is to provide a specific residential zone within the City of Fort Worth for the development of two-unit housing and customarily accessory uses [Section 4.707]. In the City of Fort Worth zoning hierarchy, the B: Two-family district represents a progression from more restrictive single-family districts ("A" and "AR") toward denser residential options [Section 4.101].
The character of the B: Two-family district is defined by its flexibility in housing types, allowing for:
- Two attached units on a single lot (duplexes).
- Two detached units on a single lot.
- Detached zero lot line units on a single lot.
- Attached zero lot line units on a single lot [Section 4.707].
Technical Development Standards
The City of Fort Worth applies specific dimensional requirements to the B: Two-family district based on the specific housing type being developed.
Attached and Detached Unit Standards
| Standard | Two Attached Units (Single Lot) | Two Detached Units (Single Lot) |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Lot Area | 5,000 sq. ft. | 7,500 sq. ft. |
| Min. Lot Width | 50 ft. | 50 ft. |
| Max. Lot Coverage | 50% | 50% |
| Max. Building Height | 35 ft. | 35 ft. |
| Min. Front Yard | 20 ft. | 20 ft. |
| Min. Rear Yard | 5 ft. | 10 ft. |
| Min. Side Yard | 5 ft. | 5 ft. |
| Bldg. Separation | N/A | 10 ft. |
[Section 4.707]
Zero Lot Line Standards
For zero lot line units in the City of Fort Worth B: Two-family district, the minimum lot area is significantly reduced to 2,500 square feet with a minimum lot width of 25 feet. While one side yard may be 0 feet, the other parallel side must be at least 5 to 10 feet depending on whether the units are attached or detached [Section 4.707].
Permitted Land Uses
The City of Fort Worth regulates land use in the B: Two-family district through a comprehensive residential use table. Permitted uses include both residential dwellings and compatible civic or institutional facilities.
Residential Uses
- Permitted by Right: One-family detached dwellings, two-family detached dwellings, duplexes, one-family zero lot line units, and community homes [Section 4.603].
- Supplemental Standards: Boarding home facilities (limit of 6 residents) and home occupations are permitted subject to specific City of Fort Worth performance criteria [Section 4.603, Section 5.153, Section 5.116.A].
Public, Civic, and Institutional Uses
- Educational & Religious: Public or private elementary and secondary schools and places of worship are permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Recreation: Public parks, playgrounds, and neighborhood recreation centers are permitted by right [Section 4.603].
- Utilities: Utility transmission lines and telecommunications antennas (on existing structures) are permitted by right. However, stealth telecommunications towers require a special exception [Section 4.603].
Other Development Regulations
Off-Street Parking
The City of Fort Worth requires two off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit in the B: Two-family district. For units with more than three bedrooms, one additional space is required per bedroom over three [Section 6.201, Section 4.707].
Accessory Structures
Accessory buildings on residential lots in Fort Worth must be located behind the rear wall of the primary residence and set back at least 75 feet from the front property line. They are generally limited to one story and a height of 10 feet, though height may be increased to 12 feet if the structure is set back further from the side and rear property lines [Section 5.301].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.101 District Hierarchy
- Section 4.603 Residential District Use Table
- Section 4.707 Two-Family ("B") District
- Section 5.116.A Home Occupations
- Section 5.153 Boarding Home Facilities
- Section 5.301 Accessory Uses on Residential Lots
- Section 6.201 Off-Street Parking Requirements