← Fort Worth permit guide
Shed 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?
Yes. The City of Fort Worth states that all storage sheds require a building permit, regardless of size.
What to know
- Zoning sets the location, maximum height and square footage for sheds, depending on lot size (Zoning Ordinance §5.301).
- Metal sheds and sheds built over an existing foundation require engineering.
- Adding electricity or plumbing requires separate trade permits.
- A shed with habitable space requires mechanical, electrical and plumbing plans.
Typical documents
- Recorded plat (Tarrant County or Fort Worth plat directory)
- Survey or site plan showing setbacks, lot lines and easements
- Drawing of shed size and anchoring
- Engineering if metal or on an existing slab
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
- Prefabricated sheds still need a permit.
- Keep the shed out of easements and required setbacks.
Contact & sources
City of Fort Worth Development Services · 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76102 · (817) 392-2222
- City of Fort Worth – Residential Building Permits brochure (PDF) →
- 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.
