Fort Worth Building Permits Guide 2025

Planning to build a shed, workshop or outbuilding on your Fort Worth property? Understanding the city's building permit requirements can save you headaches, fines and potential demolition orders down the road.

This guide covers everything Fort Worth homeowners need to know about building permits for accessory structures. We'll explain when you need a permit, how to apply, what it costs and the common mistakes that trip people up. This is what we've learned from hundreds of permit applications across Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Building Permit Requirements for Sheds

The City of Fort Worth Development Services Department regulates all construction within city limits. For accessory structures like sheds, barns and outbuildings, here's what triggers a permit requirement:

When You Need a Fort Worth Building Permit

• Size over 120 square feet - Any accessory structure larger than 120 sq ft requires a permit
• Height over 15 feet - Structures taller than 15 feet need permits regardless of footprint
• Electrical work - Adding electrical service to any structure requires an electrical permit
• Plumbing - Structures with water or sewer connections need plumbing permits
• Concrete foundations - Permanent foundations may trigger additional requirements

Fort Worth Accessory Building Exemptions

You typically don't need a building permit for:

• Sheds under 120 square feet with no electrical or plumbing
• Prefab storage buildings under 120 sq ft
• Temporary structures not on permanent foundations

Important: Even exempt structures must follow setback requirements. You cannot place a shed in the front yard, within easements or too close to property lines - permit or not.

Fort Worth Setback Requirements for Sheds

Every accessory structure in Fort Worth must meet minimum setback distances from property lines. These apply whether you need a permit or not:

Corner lots have trickier requirements. The street-facing side yard is treated differently than an interior side yard. We see homeowners get caught by this regularly - they assume the 5-foot rule applies to all sides.

Also check your property survey for easements. Utility easements, drainage easements and access easements are common in Fort Worth subdivisions. Building in an easement means the city or utility company can require you to remove the structure.

How to Apply for a Fort Worth Building Permit

Fort Worth offers both online and in-person permit applications. Here's the process:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

For accessory structure permits, you'll typically need:

• Site plan - Shows your property, existing structures and proposed shed location with dimensions and setback distances
• Building plans - Floor plan showing dimensions, door and window locations
• Elevation drawings - Shows height and exterior appearance
• Property survey - May be required to verify property lines and easements

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Online: Fort Worth's permits portal allows electronic submission for most residential permits. You can upload documents, pay fees and track status online.

In Person: Visit the Development Services office at 200 Texas Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Step 3: Pay Permit Fees

Fort Worth permit fees for accessory structures typically run:

• $75-100 for basic storage sheds
• $100-150 for larger structures or those requiring plan review
• Additional fees for electrical permits, plumbing permits or expedited review

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Simple accessory structure permits are often approved within 1-3 business days. Projects requiring plan review may take 2-4 weeks.

Step 5: Schedule Inspections

Once construction is complete, you'll need to schedule a final inspection. Fort Worth inspectors verify the structure matches approved plans and meets code requirements.

Fort Worth Neighborhoods with Additional Requirements

Many Fort Worth neighborhoods have homeowner associations with rules beyond city code. HOA requirements often include:

• Architectural review - HOA must approve design, colors and materials before construction
• Stricter setbacks - Some HOAs require 10+ feet from property lines
• Size limits - Maximum shed sizes smaller than city allows
• Style requirements - Must match house exterior, specific roof styles, etc.
• Pre-approval required - Can't start until HOA signs off

We work in HOA communities throughout Fort Worth including Alliance, Fossil Creek, Heritage, Ridglea, Tanglewood and dozens more. Always check your HOA covenants before planning any outbuilding.

Fort Worth vs. Tarrant County Permits

If your property is outside Fort Worth city limits but within Tarrant County, different rules apply. Unincorporated Tarrant County has more relaxed requirements:

• Generally no permit required for accessory structures under 200 sq ft
• Less stringent setback requirements in some areas
• No city inspections for most residential sheds

However, if you're within an ETJ (Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction) of Fort Worth or another city, you may still need permits. Check your property's jurisdiction before assuming county rules apply.

We build sheds throughout Tarrant County and can help you understand which rules apply to your specific property. See our Fort Worth shed building services for more details.

Common Fort Worth Permit Mistakes to Avoid

After handling hundreds of permit applications in Fort Worth, we see the same mistakes repeatedly:

1. Building Without a Permit When Required

Fort Worth code enforcement does investigate unpermitted structures. Consequences include:

• Stop-work orders
• Fines and penalties
• Required demolition in worst cases
• Problems when selling your home (unpermitted structures show on inspections)

2. Ignoring Easements

Building in a utility easement is a costly mistake. The utility company can require removal at your expense - and they will.

3. Forgetting HOA Approval

City permit in hand doesn't mean your HOA can't require changes or removal. Get HOA approval first.

4. Incorrect Setback Measurements

Measuring from the fence instead of the actual property line is a common error. Fences aren't always on property lines.

5. Skipping the Survey

If you're not 100% certain of your property lines and easements, get a survey. It's cheaper than moving a shed after construction.

Fort Worth Permit Timeline: What to Expect

Here's a realistic timeline for permitted shed construction in Fort Worth:

Contact Fort Worth Development Services

For specific questions about your property or project, contact Fort Worth directly:

• Address: 200 Texas Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
• Phone: (817) 392-2222
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Online: Fort Worth Development Services Portal

Ready to Build? We Handle the Permits

Understanding Fort Worth building permits is one thing. Dealing with the paperwork, site plans and inspections is another.

When you choose SE Yard Solutions for your Fort Worth shed project, we manage the entire permit process. We prepare the drawings, submit the applications, pay the fees and coordinate inspections. You get a fully permitted, code-compliant shed without the hassle.

We've built hundreds of permitted sheds across Fort Worth - from small garden sheds in Ridglea to large workshop buildings in Alliance. Check out our guide to choosing the right shed location to start planning your project.