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Does the city of Fort Worth require permits to build carports?

By Ryan Thorpe
YES

Fort Worth requires permits for permanent structures — including carports — besides “cosmetic” remodels.

To obtain a permit for a carport, the city of Fort Worth requires the following items:

  • Application
  • Checklist and requirements
  • Complete set of plans
  • Certified copy of a plat
  • Site plan
  • Urban forestry permit if common ownership equals one acre or more

However, carports have different requirements if it is in the back or side of a building versus the front. 

Back- and side-facing carports only require a building permit. 

All front-yard carports require a special exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The board is responsible for hearing and deciding appeals to zoning ordinances. 

Applicants to the Zoning Board of Adjustment are required to present their own supporting information to the board.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Residential Permit Expectations Residential Permitting
Permits for Required Structures The Nuts and Bolts of Residential Permits
Residential Permit Requirements Residential Building Permit
Zoning Board of Adjustments Zoning Variances
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