Single-Family Residential Zoning Districts in Fort Worth
The City of Fort Worth permits single-family residential homes in a wide range of districts, primarily across all designated "Residential" districts (A-2.5A through UR) and the Agricultural (AG) district. Minimum lot size requirements for these dwellings vary significantly based on the specific character of the district, ranging from 2.5 acres in the "A-2.5A" district to 2,500 square feet for attached units in the "B" and "AR" districts [Section 4.100].
Primary One-Family Residential Districts
The City of Fort Worth establishes several "A" series districts specifically for one-family detached dwellings. These districts represent a hierarchy from most restrictive (A-2.5A) to least restrictive (A-5) [Section 4.101].
Technical Standards for Standard One-Family Districts
The following table outlines the dimensional requirements for detached single-family homes in the primary residential zones of Fort Worth [Sections 4.700 - 4.705]:
| District Name | District Symbol | Min. Lot Area | Min. Lot Width | Max. Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Family | A-2.5A | 2.5 Acres | 150 ft. | 35 ft. |
| One-Family | A-43 | 1 Acre | 125 ft. | 35 ft. |
| One-Family | A-21 | 0.5 Acre | 85 ft. | 35 ft. |
| One-Family | A-10 | 10,000 sq. ft. | 60 ft. | 35 ft. |
| One-Family | A-7.5 | 7,500 sq. ft. | 55 ft. | 35 ft. |
| One-Family | A-5 | 5,000 sq. ft. | 50 ft. | 35 ft. |
Small Lot and High-Density Residential Districts
Fort Worth provides specific districts for smaller lot sizes or alternative housing configurations like zero-lot-line and cluster developments.
- One-Family Restricted (AR): Designed for detached one-family units on smaller lot areas (minimum 3,500 sq. ft.) often utilizing zero-lot-line configurations [Section 4.706].
- Two-Family (B): While intended for up to two units, this district permits single-family detached, detached zero-lot-line, and attached zero-lot-line units [Section 4.707].
- Zero Lot Line/Cluster (R1): Allows for one-family and two-family homes on unique patterned lots clustered around common access roads or cul-de-sacs [Section 4.708].
- Townhouse/Cluster (R2): Primarily for row houses and townhouses but follows the one-family and two-family standards defined in the "R1" district [Section 4.709].
Technical Standards for Small Lot Districts
The requirements below apply to one-family structures in high-density or special-pattern residential zones [Sections 4.706 - 4.708]:
| District Name | Min. Lot Area | Min. Lot Width | Front Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Family Restricted (AR) | 3,500 sq. ft. | 35 ft. | 20 ft. |
| Two-Family (B) - Detached | 5,000 sq. ft. | 50 ft. | 20 ft. |
| Two-Family (B) - Attached | 2,500 sq. ft. | 25 ft. | 20 ft. |
| Zero Lot Line (R1) | 2,500 sq. ft. | 25 ft. | 0 ft. (18' for garage) |
Single-Family Homes in Non-Residential and Multifamily Districts
In certain circumstances, the City of Fort Worth allows single-family residences in districts typically reserved for higher density or agricultural uses.
Agricultural (AG) District
In the Fort Worth Agricultural district, one-family dwellings are permitted if they are clearly incidental to the operation of a farm, ranch, or nursery. On tracts of land containing less than ten acres in separate ownership, the district is limited to one principal dwelling [Section 4.200].
Multifamily Districts (CR, C, and D)
One-family and two-family residential developments are permitted in the Low Density ("CR"), Medium Density ("C"), and High Density ("D") multifamily districts. These developments are generally required to follow the property development standards of the standard one-family districts (A-5 through R2) [Sections 4.710 - 4.712].
Urban Residential (UR) District
The Urban Residential district allows "Single-family detached" dwellings as a specific building type. This district emphasizes a pedestrian-oriented form where the building is placed very close to the front property line (0 to 20 feet maximum) [Section 4.713].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
Single-family residential units in Fort Worth must adhere to specific off-street parking ratios based on the use and the district [Section 6.201].
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residential: One-family up to four-family | 1 to 4 spaces per dwelling unit (varies by district) |
| Bed and Breakfast Home | 2 spaces for owner/operator + 1 per guest room |
| Community Home | 1 space per bedroom (max) |
Sections Cited
- § 4.100 Districts Established
- § 4.101 District Hierarchy
- § 4.200 Agricultural District ("AG")
- § 4.603 Residential District Use Table
- § 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
- § 4.706 One-Family Restricted ("AR") 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
- § 6.201 Off-Street Parking Requirements