Residential Lot Coverage Standards in Fort Worth
The City of Fort Worth regulates residential density by establishing maximum lot coverage percentages for single-family and two-family districts, ranging from 20% in the A-2.5A District to 50% in the A-5 and B Districts. In higher-density multifamily districts, such as CR, C, and D, the City of Fort Worth utilizes minimum open space requirements rather than maximum lot coverage to manage site development, with requirements ranging from 35% to 60% open space. Accessory structures and all rooftop areas are included in the cumulative lot coverage calculation for any residential lot within the City of Fort Worth.
Single-Family and Two-Family District Standards
In the City of Fort Worth, "Lot Coverage" is defined as the total lot area covered by the foundation of the main structure, attached and detached garages, carports, accessory detached habitable areas, porches, patios, and entry areas compared to the total site area [§ 9.101]. The City of Fort Worth applies specific percentage caps based on the zoning district's intensity.
| Zoning District | District Name | Maximum Lot Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| A-2.5A | One-Family (2.5 Acre) | 20% |
| A-43 | One-Family (1 Acre) | 30% |
| A-21 | One-Family (0.5 Acre) | 30% |
| A-10 | One-Family (10,000 sq. ft.) | 40% |
| A-7.5 | One-Family (7,500 sq. ft.) | 45% |
| A-5 | One-Family (5,000 sq. ft.) | 50% |
| B | Two-Family (Attached or Detached) | 50% |
| MH | Manufactured Housing (Subdivision) | 50% |
[Sections 4.202, 4.700, 4.701, 4.702, 4.703, 4.704, 4.705, 4.707]
Multifamily and Cluster District Open Space Requirements
The City of Fort Worth transitions from "lot coverage" to "minimum open space" for multifamily and unique residential districts. Open space is defined as the net land area minus all building footprints, parking areas, access drives, and fenced patios [§ 9.101].
| Zoning District | District Name | Minimum Required Open Space |
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Zero Lot Line/Cluster (Cluster Housing) | 15% |
| R2 | Townhouse/Cluster | 15% |
| CR | Low Density Multifamily | 60% |
| C | Medium Density Multifamily | 45% |
| D | High Density Multifamily | 35% |
[Sections 4.708, 4.709, 4.710, 4.711, 4.712]
Additional Coverage Regulations
Accessory Buildings
The City of Fort Worth mandates that any accessory building added to a residential lot must comply with the coverage standards of the primary district [§ 5.301]. Specifically, the total area covered by all rooftops on the lot cannot exceed the maximum lot coverage percentage established for that residential use [§ 5.301(a)(3)].
Urban Residential (UR) District
In the City of Fort Worth Urban Residential District, specific lot coverage percentages are replaced by complex setback and height requirements designed to promote a walkable urban form. However, a maximum single-family lot size is set at 5,000 square feet [§ 4.713(d)(3)].
Calculations and Enclusions
When calculating area for the City of Fort Worth requirements, "Net Land Area" includes all privately owned property within the outer perimeter lines but excludes dedicated public streets [§ 9.101]. Any portion of a foundation not covered by a roof is still generally considered in lot coverage calculations unless specifically exempted [§ 9.101].
Sections Cited
- § 4.202 Manufactured Housing (“MH”) District
- § 4.700 One-Family (“A-2.5A”) District
- § 4.701 One-Family (“A-43”) District
- § 4.702 One-Family (“A-21”) District
- § 4.703 One-Family (“A-10”) District
- § 4.704 One-Family (“A-7.5”) District
- § 4.705 One-Family (“A-5”) District
- § 4.707 Two-Family (“B”) District
- § 4.708 Zero Lot Line/Cluster (“R1”) District
- § 4.709 Townhouse/Cluster (“R2”) District
- § 4.710 Low Density Multifamily (“CR”) District
- § 4.711 Medium Density Multifamily (“C”) District
- § 4.712 High Density Multifamily (“D”) District
- § 4.713 Urban Residential (“UR”) District
- § 5.301 Accessory Uses on Residential Lots
- § 9.101 Defined Terms