Shed Permit in Fort Worth, TX
Permit Summary
Do You Need a Shed Permit?
Exemptions
Fort Worth states that all storage buildings and all accessory structures require a building permit, so there is no general size-based building-permit exemption for a residential shed. The residential code's fire-separation exception for certain one-story detached storage sheds of 200 square feet or less does not remove the building-permit requirement.
Attached Shed Rules
An accessory structure connected to the primary structure only by a breezeway, covered walkway or other connector whose roofline is not part of the primary structure is not considered an extension of the primary structure under Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance § 5.301. Other attached configurations remain subject to residential building and zoning review; attachment does not create a shed permit exemption.
Shed Use Rules
Residential accessory uses include storage buildings and private workshops when they are incidental to the principal residential use. A non-habitable shed is limited to one story, although it may have an attic or loft if that space is not heated or air-conditioned. A habitable accessory building must meet the code for habitable structures and, in one-family districts, may be used only as an accessory dwelling unit rather than as a separate independent residence.
Zoning & Placement Rules
Zoning Rules
Zoning compliance is part of the accessory-structure review. A shed must be accessory to a primary use, may not be placed on a lot without a primary use, may not cross platted lot lines where the primary use does not also cross, and may not be in a required, established or projected front yard. An accessory structure also may not exceed the square footage of the primary structure. If the project cannot meet applicable zoning standards, Board of Adjustment relief may be required.
Setback Rules
Accessory buildings must meet the side and rear setbacks applicable to the primary residential structure in the property's zoning district. In addition, a non-habitable shed must be behind the rear wall of the primary residential structure that is furthest from the street or at least 75 feet from the front property line, whichever is less restrictive. For each foot of height above 10 feet, the shed must be set back an additional 2 feet from the district's rear and side setback requirements, up to the 12-foot maximum height. Corner-lot and district-specific setbacks can differ.
Maximum Height Rules
A non-habitable residential accessory structure is limited to 10 feet in height. It may be increased to a maximum of 12 feet if it is set back an additional 2 feet from the required rear and side setbacks for every foot of height above 10 feet. It also may not exceed the height of the primary structure and is limited to one story, with an unconditioned attic or loft allowed.
Lot Coverage Rules
The total area covered by all rooftops may not exceed the maximum lot-coverage percentage of the applicable residential zoning district. In addition, the cumulative maximum floor area for non-habitable accessory structures other than private garages, carports and portes cocheres is 120 square feet on lots under 5,000 square feet; 200 square feet on lots from 5,000 to 9,999 square feet; 400 square feet on lots from 10,000 to 43,559 square feet; and 2% of lot area on lots of 43,560 square feet or more. Attic or loft area is excluded from this accessory-area calculation.
Special Area Rules
Site-specific approvals can apply. For property in a Fort Worth historic district or with a historic designation, a Certificate of Appropriateness is required before the building permit for exterior work including accessory structures. New structures or exterior alterations in an urban design district also require a Certificate of Appropriateness. The residential accessory-structure submittal table also lists an Urban Forestry permit when common ownership equals 1 acre or more.
Construction Requirements
Foundation Rules
Fort Worth's residential accessory-building guidance states that accessory buildings must be anchored or placed on a foundation meeting City minimum standards. Skirting is required when the structural elements do not contact the ground. Foundation and anchoring details must also comply with the adopted residential/building code and approved plans.
Fire Separation Rules
Fort Worth's residential-code amendment to IRC R302.1 generally applies exterior-wall fire-separation rules to dwellings and accessory buildings. One-story detached tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures of 200 square feet or less do not have to provide wall protection based on their location on the lot, but projections may not extend over the lot line. Storage sheds within 2 feet of a lot line may have roof-eave projections of no more than 4 inches, and projections may not extend over the lot line.
Permit & Review Path
Permit / Review Path
Apply online through Fort Worth's Accela Citizen Access system using the Residential Accessory New permit path for a new shed. Submit the accessory-structure plans, plat and site plan for residential building and zoning review. Fort Worth publishes 7 business days as the standard for first review comments on a complete residential building permit application. Sheds also qualify for the City's Walk-In Permit Assistance Team. If zoning relief is needed, the Board of Adjustment process is separate from the standard building-permit review.
Trade Permits & Professional Design
Trade Permit Rules
The building permit does not replace permits for regulated trade work. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical or gas work included with the shed may require separate trade permits and inspections. Fort Worth zoning also requires accessory structures connected to water, electric or gas utilities to receive service from the meters serving the primary structure.
Professional Design Rules
A registered design professional is not universally required for every shed. Fort Worth's Building Administrative Code requires construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional when Texas law requires it, and the Building Official may require plans, calculations or specifications prepared by a Texas-licensed architect or engineer even when state law would not otherwise require one. The application must still include construction documents sufficient to show code compliance.
What You Need Before Applying
Requirements
Obtain the residential accessory building permit before constructing the shed. The shed must be accessory to a primary residential use on the lot and comply with applicable zoning limits for placement, size, height, setbacks and lot coverage, as well as the residential/building code. The permit applicant must be a registered building contractor or qualify for Fort Worth's owner-occupied homestead permit pathway.
Required Documents
For an accessory-structure application, Fort Worth lists an application, accessory-structure checklist/requirements, a complete set of plans, a certified copy of the plat and a site plan. The current accessory-building packet calls for plans that show the structure's location, dimensions and construction. If the proposed shed encroaches into a utility easement, approval statements from the affected utility companies are required. An Urban Forestry permit is listed when common ownership equals 1 acre or more.