Setback and Yard Requirements for AR: One-family Restricted District in Fort Worth

In the City of Fort Worth, the AR: One-family restricted district requires a minimum front yard setback of 20 feet and a minimum rear yard setback of 5 feet. Side yard requirements for the AR: One-family restricted district utilize a zero-lot-line configuration, typically requiring 10 feet on one side while allowing 0 feet on the parallel side [Section 4.706].

Standard Yard and Setback Requirements

The AR: One-family restricted district is specifically designed in Fort Worth for detached one-family dwellings on smaller lots. Development in this district must adhere to the following dimensions for yards and setbacks:

Type of Requirement	Minimum Standard for AR District
Front Yard	20 feet
Rear Yard	5 feet
Side Yard (Standard)	10 feet on one side; 0 feet on the parallel side
Side Yard (Adjacent to Side Street)	10 feet
Lot Width at Building Line	35 feet
Maximum Building Height	35 feet

Note: Front yard setbacks may be subject to averaging based on the setbacks of the nearest buildings on the same block face [Section 6.101].

Side Yard and Zero Lot Line Regulations

The AR: One-family restricted district in Fort Worth encourages the use of zero-lot-line dwellings. Under this provision, one side yard is reduced to zero, provided the other side yard is at least 10 feet. This allows for more efficient use of smaller residential lots while maintaining adequate separation between structures [Section 4.706].

For corner lots within the AR: One-family restricted district, the side yard adjacent to a side street must be at least 10 feet. Additionally, corner lots may be subject to "projected front yard" requirements, meaning if a corner lot abuts the side of a lot facing an intersecting street, the side yard of that corner lot must equal the front yard required for the lot adjacent to its rear [Section 6.101].

General Yard Restrictions in Fort Worth

All yards in the AR: One-family restricted district must remain generally unobstructed from the ground to the sky, with the following exceptions:

Architectural Projections: Cornices, sills, and chimneys may project up to six inches into a required yard [Section 6.101].
Patios and Porches: On local streets in Fort Worth, open porches or patios with vertical roof supports must be set back at least 15 feet from the front property line. On limited local streets, this setback is reduced to 10 feet [Section 6.101].
Terrace Garages: A terrace garage may be located in a front or side yard if it is completely recessed into the terrace and the doors do not project beyond the property line [Section 6.101].

Accessory Structure Setbacks

In the AR: One-family restricted district, accessory buildings (such as sheds or private workshops) must follow specific location rules:

Location: They must be located behind the rear wall of the primary residence and at least 75 feet from the front property line [Section 5.301].
Standard Setbacks: They must comply with the side and rear setbacks of the primary structure (5 feet for the rear) [Section 5.301].
Height Adjustments: If an accessory structure exceeds 10 feet in height, it must be set back an additional two feet from the side and rear requirements for every one foot of height over 10 feet [Section 5.301].

Fencing and Walls

Fences within the AR: One-family restricted district of Fort Worth are regulated based on their location within the required yards:

Front Yards: Fences may be up to 4 feet tall if they are an open design (e.g., wrought iron or picket) and do not exceed 50% density. Solid fences are generally prohibited in the required front yard [Section 5.305].
Side and Rear Yards: Fences located behind the front building setback line may reach a maximum height of 8 feet [Section 5.305].

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