Zoning Regulations for the A-43 One-family District in Fort Worth
The A-43 One-family district in the City of Fort Worth is designed for rural-style residential development requiring a minimum lot area of one acre (43,560 square feet). This district allows for detached single-family dwellings and various community-based uses, such as places of worship and parks, while maintaining a maximum building height of 35 feet and a maximum lot coverage of 30% [Section 4.701].
Purpose and Intent
The City of Fort Worth established the A-43 One-family district to provide a residential zone characterized by large, one-acre lots. This designation is intended for rural-style development or to maintain compatible lot sizes in specific areas of the City of Fort Worth to ensure compatibility with adjacent land uses and promote general welfare [Section 4.701].
Allowed Residential and Institutional Uses
In the City of Fort Worth, uses in the A-43 One-family district are primarily governed by the Residential District Use Table. Uses marked with a "P" are permitted by right, while those with an asterisk (*) are subject to supplemental standards found in Chapter 5 of the City of Fort Worth zoning ordinance [Section 4.601].
Permitted by Right (P)
- One-family detached dwellings [Section 4.603]
- Schools, elementary or secondary (public or private) [Section 4.603]
- Museums, libraries, or fine arts centers (government operated or controlled) [Section 4.603]
- Places of worship [Section 4.603]
- Public parks or playgrounds [Section 4.603]
- Private parks, golf courses, and country clubs [Section 4.603]
- Model homes [Section 4.603]
- Terrace garages (within required yard setbacks) [Section 4.603]
Permitted with Supplemental Standards (P*)
Many uses are allowed in the A-43 One-family district provided they meet specific criteria detailed in the City of Fort Worth supplemental use standards [Section 5.100].
- Industrialized Housing: Must meet value parity with surrounding homes and specific construction standards [Section 5.116.B].
- Boarding Home Facilities: Limited to a maximum of six residents in one-family districts [Section 5.153].
- Community Homes: Must comply with state licensing and spacing requirements [Section 5.110].
- Home Occupations: Allowed as an incidental use; activities must not be visible from the street [Section 5.116.A].
- Large Animals: Requires a minimum of 10,000 square feet of pasture land per animal [Section 5.307].
- Gas Drilling and Production: Subject to City of Fort Worth code Chapter 15 [Section 4.603].
- Temporary Uses: Includes fresh market mobile vendors, garage sales, and transient vendors [Section 4.603].
Special Exception and Conditional Uses
Certain activities in the A-43 One-family district require additional levels of review by the City of Fort Worth.
- Special Exception (SE): Stealth telecommunications towers and private carports/porte cocheres located in a front yard require approval from the Board of Adjustment [Section 4.603].
- Conditional Use Permit (CUP): Bed and breakfast homes may be permitted in the A-43 One-family district following a public hearing and city council action [Section 4.603].
Prohibited Uses
The A-43 One-family district prohibits higher-density residential forms and intensive commercial activities to preserve its rural character. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:
- Two-family dwellings, duplexes, and multi-family apartments [Section 4.603].
- Zero lot line or cluster housing [Section 4.603].
- HUD-code manufactured housing and mobile homes [Section 4.603].
- Halfway houses and shelters [Section 4.603].
- Commercial day care centers (child or adult) [Section 4.603].
- Hospices and medical facilities [Section 4.603].
- Short-term home rentals [Section 4.603].
- Retail sales and service (except where specifically allowed as temporary or home-based) [Section 4.603].
A-43 District Development Standards
All construction within the A-43 One-family district in the City of Fort Worth must adhere to the following dimensional requirements:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 1 acre (43,560 square feet) |
| Minimum Lot Width | 125 feet at building line |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 30% |
| Minimum Front Yard Setback | 35 feet |
| Minimum Rear Yard Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Side Yard Setback | 25 feet |
| Minimum Corner Lot Setback | 35 feet (adjacent to street) |
| Maximum Building Height | 35 feet |
[Section 4.701]
Sections Cited
- Section 4.601 Key to Table Designations
- Section 4.603 Residential District Use Table
- Section 4.701 One-Family ("A-43") District
- Section 5.100 Supplemental Use Standards: General
- Section 5.110 Community Home
- Section 5.116.A Home Occupations
- Section 5.116.B Industrialized Housing
- Section 5.153 Boarding Home Facilities
- Section 5.307 Large Animals