← Fort Worth permit guide
Deck Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX
Based on City of Fort Worth published sources. Confirm with Development Services before you build.
Do you need a permit?
Usually yes. Fort Worth exempts only platforms, walks and decks no more than 6 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below. Most raised decks need a building permit.
What to know
- Decks attached to the house are treated like other additions — the city states that all additions require building permits.
- Zoning controls where a deck may sit (setbacks, front-yard limits) based on your property's zoning district.
- Electrical work on the deck (lighting, outlets, hot tub circuits) needs its own permit.
Typical documents
- Recorded plat for the property
- Survey or site plan with setbacks, lot lines, easements, north arrow and scale
- Construction drawings showing size, framing, footings and how the deck is attached/anchored
Who can apply & how
- Permits must be pulled by a registered building contractor, or by the owner under a homestead permit (the home must be owned and occupied as your primary residence, shown by an appraisal district homestead exemption).
- All residential permits can be applied for online through the city's Permit Assist tool, which feeds into the Accela permit portal.
- Fort Worth adopted the 2021 ICC codes (effective April 1, 2022), with local amendments.
Practical tips
- Check for utility easements before placing footings.
- Guards are required by the residential code where the walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade.
Contact & sources
City of Fort Worth Development Services · 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76102 · (817) 392-2222
- City of Fort Worth – Residential Permitting →
- City of Fort Worth – Submittal Requirements for New Residential Accessories (PDF) →
- Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance §5.301 – Accessory Uses on Residential Lots →
- City of Fort Worth – Permits (Permit Assist & Accela) →
Only applies inside Fort Worth city limits. Neighboring cities and unincorporated Tarrant County have their own rules.
