Fort Worth City Zoning Code

   The height, area and setback requirements in the various districts in Chapter 4 shall be subject to the following exceptions and regulations.

   (a)   Except for multifamily developments in §§ 4.710, 4.711, and 4.712, the height of a building in the “A” through “F” districts, and “I” district, may be increased when the front, side and rear yard dimensions are each increased above the minimum requirements by one foot for each foot such building exceeds the height limit of the district in which it is located.

   (b)    Except for multifa mily dwelli ngs develo ped in accord ance with §§ 4.710, 4.711, and 4.712, the height of a buildin g shall be the vertical distance measured from the curb level to the highest point of the roof surface, if a flat roof; to the deck line of a mansard roof; and to the mean height level between eaves and ridge for a gable, hip or gambrel roof; provided, however, that where buildings are set back from the street line, the height of the building may be measured from the average elevation of the finished grade along the front of the building.

   Building Height

   (c)   Height in multifamily residential developments constructed in accordance with §§ 4.710, 4.711, and 4.712 shall be measured from the top of the finished slab to top of the highest wall top plate.

   (d)   Except for multifamily dwellings developed in accordance with §§ 4.710, 4.711, and 4.712 on through lots 150 feet or less in depth, the height of a building may be measured from the curb level on either street. On through lots more than 150 feet in depth the height regulations and basis of height measurements for the street permitting the greater height shall apply to a depth of not more than 150 feet from that street.

   (e)   Elevator penthouses or bulkheads; mechanical equipment rooms; cooling towers; tanks; enclosed stairwells; and ornamental cupolas and domes; signs and spires may be erected on buildings to any height not prohibited by any other law, code or regulation.

   (f)   Nothing in this ordinance shall interfere with limitation on height of structures included in the airport zoning regulations in §§ 3-260 et seq. of the city code.

(Ord. 13896, passed 10-12-1999; Ord. 16330, § 12, passed 3-8-2005; Ord. 27545-03-2025, § 2, passed 3-11-2025, eff. 5-30-2025)

   (a)   Yards to remain unobstructed. Every part of a required yard shall be open from its lowest point to the sky unobstructed, except that:

      (1)   Ordinary sills, belt courses, cornices, chimneys, bay windows, buttresses and ornamental features may project not more than six inches into a required yard;

      (2)   Eaves may project not more than 36 inches into a required yard;

      (3)   A terrace garage in any residential district may be located in a front or side yard, provided that it is completely recessed into the terrace, and that the height of the terrace is sufficient to cover and conceal the structure from above, and further provided that the doors when open, shall not project beyond the property line, and that the structure shall be set back at least five feet from any property line; and

      (4)   The front yard setback shall be measured from the front property line to the main wall of the structure. An open porch or patio that has a vertical roof support may not be set closer than 15 feet from the front property line on a local street and ten feet on a limited local street.

   (b)   Multifamily/nonresidential districts adjacent to residential districts.

      (1)   For corner lots in multifamily and nonresidential districts that abut the front yard of a lot with residential zoning, the exterior minimum side yard requirements shall be the same as the front yard requirements of the adjacent residential lot.

      (2)   Structures are not permitted to be located in this yard area, nor can such area be used for signage, garbage collection, loading and/or parking of vehicles, any type of storage, or any nonresidential activity.

      (3)   This required yard area shall not be graveled or hard-surfaced, but shall be maintained as open green space, save and except for necessary driveways.

   (c)   Multifamily/nonresidential districts across the street from residential districts.

      (1)   Zero lot line/cluster (“R1”) and townhouse/cluster (“R2”) districts. For zero lot line/cluster (“R1”) and townhouse/cluster (“R2”) districts that fronts a public or private street classified as a residential or collector street and that are across the street from a one-family residential or a multifamily district, the front, side and rear setback requirements shall be the same as the setback requirements for the residential or multifamily district.

      (2)   Nonresidential districts. Property located in “FR” through “K” districts that fronts a public or private street classified as a residential or collector street and that is across the street from a one-family residential or a multifamily district, the front, side and rear setback requirements shall be the same as the setback requirements for the residential or multifamily district.

      (3)   Setback requirement. The setback requirement shall apply to the entire front, side or rear yard and shall not be limited to the portion of the property that is directly across the street from a residential district. The setback requirement shall extend through the entire block face.

   (d)   Front yard setbacks.

      (1)   The front yard setback in residential districts shall be the greatest of:

         a.   The platted building line;

         b.   The setback for the applicable zoning district; or

         c.   The setback of the nearest building on either side that is the closest to the street, up to a maximum setback of 50 feet, provided that said setback is not the result of a variance granted by the board of adjustment. This requirement is applicable only if homes have been constructed on at least 40% of the lots within the blockface. This requirement does not apply to properties within a cul-de-sac.

      (2)   Where 60% of the existing block face has been built such that the setbacks of existing structures are less than the minimum required setback, an infill structure may be constructed consistent with the setback of the nearest building on either side that is closest to the street, regardless of whether said setback is the result of a variance granted by the board of adjustment.

   (e)   Through lots. If the rear frontage of a through lot is on an arterial or wider street, the rear yard setback standards for the applicable district apply. If the rear frontage of a through lot is located on a local or collector street, the front yard setback standards of the applicable district shall apply.

   (f)   Projected front yard setbacks.

      (1)   Corner lot.

         a.   Where a corner lot abuts on the side of a lot facing the other intersecting street, there shall be a side yard on the corner lot equal to the front yard required on the lot adjacent to the rear of the corner lot or separated only by an alley.

         b.   Where a corner lot abuts the rear of a lot with a greater side yard setback, there shall be a side yard on the corner lot equal to the side yard required on the lot that abuts to the rear of the corner lot or separated only by an alley.

   Picture 6.3 Projected Front Yard Setback, Corner Lot

      (2)   Interior lot. Where an interior lot abuts another zoning district, there shall be a projected front yard equal to the most restrictive front yard required on any lot in the same block face.

   Picture 6.4 Projected Front Yard Setback, Interior Lot

   (g)   Rear yard exception adjacent to railway. No rear yard shall be required in the “ER” to “K” districts inclusive on any lot used for business or industrial purposes, the rear line of which adjoins a railway right-of-way or which has a rear railway track connection.

   (h)   Yards and official line for future rights-of-way. Where an official line has been established for future widening or opening of a street upon which a lot abuts, then the width of a yard shall be measured from such official line to the nearest line of the building. No commercial or industrial building shall be located closer than 30 feet to the centerline of the street.

   (i)   Historic overlay district setbacks. Where the historic district has been built such that the setbacks of existing structures are less than the minimum required setback, an infill structure may be constructed consistent with the setbacks established in the historic district, regardless of whether said setback is the result of a variance granted by the board of adjustment.

(Ord. 13896, passed 10-12-1999; Ord. 15816, § 3, passed 1-6-2004; Ord. 15826, §§ 2, 3, passed 1-13-2004; Ord. 15926, § 1, passed 3-23-2004; Ord. 16393, § 1, passed 4-19-2005; Ord. 16651-10-2005, § 1, passed 10-11-2005; Ord. 16924, § 5, passed 5-2-2006; Ord. 18902-11-2009, §§ 1, 2, passed 11-3-2009; Ord. 20984-10-2013, § 1, passed 10-7-2013; eff. 11-5-2013; Ord. 26599-11-2023, § 1, passed 11-14-2023, eff. 1-9-2024)

   (a)   Generally. The regulations in this article shall apply to required parking spaces and non-required parking spaces with the exception of public parks. Nothing in this article shall require additional parking spaces to be furnished for an existing building that is repaired, altered, maintained or modernized, where no structural alterations have been made and the size of the building is not increased.

   (b)   Enlargement or change in use.

      (1)   For existing buildings that are enlarged, additional parking spaces shall be required for the enlarged portion only.

      (2)   Parking spaces furnished for a building constructed prior to March 1, 1953, that are in excess of the requirements for the building under the provisions of Ord. 3041, may be counted toward the additional spaces required for a change in use, expansion of an existing use or a new building on the premises.

      (3)   When the occupancy of any building is changed to another use, parking shall be provided to meet the requirements of this article for the new use.

      (4)   Nothing in this article shall require the furnishing of additional parking spaces for existing buildings which are not enlarged or changed to a new use.

   (c)   Plan required. Where off-street parking is required, except for one-, two-, three- or four-family dwellings, a plan approved by the city traffic engineer, showing the location and arrangement of spaces, shall be furnished to the planning and development department, accompanied by sufficient proof of ownership, lease or other arrangement as will show that the spaces contemplated will be permanent. Any future changes in parking arrangements must be approved by the planning and development department.

   (d)   District “H” exempt from parking requirements. No off-street parking shall be required for development in the “H” district.

(Ord. 13896, passed 10-12-1999; Ord. 17522, §§ 5, 6, passed 4-24-2007; Ord. 18208-07-2008A, § 1, passed 7-29-2008)

   (a)   Calculation of parking.

      (1)   Where permanent seating is not provided in any public assembly area, the occupant load shall be computed in accordance with the

appropriate section of the building code in effect at time of occupancy, except as otherwise specifically provided in this ordinance.

      (2)   All parking requirements applying to a stated unit of measurement shall be understood to include a parking space for each unit or fraction thereof.

   (b)   Required off-street parking.

      (1)   Minimum parking requirements. The following table establishes the minimum parking requirements for uses located in residential zoned property or within 250 feet of one- or two-family zoned property. This regulation shall not include properties adjacent to one- or two-family districts that are used as utilities, waterways, railroad right-of-way or other nonresidential public use. When a property

zoned and used for one- or two-family residential purposes is located within 250 feet but is separated by one of the above uses, parking is not required only if access is not possible to the residential area. For all other uses, no minimum parking spaces shall be required.

      (2)   Maximum parking requirements. The maximum number of parking spaces shall not exceed 125% of the minimum parking requirement for all uses listed in the table set out below. Parking in excess of the maximum shall be allowed by meeting the requirement of one tree above the minimum required under Chapter 6, Article 3, for every additional ten parking spaces beginning with the first additional parking space and for each ten spaces thereafter.

 

(Ord. 13896, passed 10-12-1999; Ord. 14331, § 7, passed 9-5-2000; Ord. 15911, § 2, passed 3-11-2004; Ord. 16086, § 1, passed 8-17-2004; Ord. 17024, § 1, passed 6-20-2006; Ord. 18129, § 1, passed 6-3-2008; Ord. 20453-10-2012, § 1, passed 10-9-2012; Ord. 20510-12-2012, § 2, passed 12-4-2012, eff. 12-11-2012; Ord. 20666-03-2013, § 2, passed 3-19-2013, eff. 4-9-2013; Ord. 22255-06-2016, § 1, passed 6-7-2016; Ord. 23930-11-2019, § 1, passed 11-12-2019; Ord. 27545-03-2025, § 3, passed 3-11-2025, eff. 5-30-2025)

   (a)   Space size. The following minimum standards shall apply to the width and length of parking spaces.

 

 

   (b)   Angle parking size. The standards for the minimum width of parking spaces plus the aisle are shown in the following table. These standards apply to a single row of head-in parking or two rows of head-in parking sharing an aisle. See the illustrations below.

 

 

   Parking Lot Layout Dimensions

   (c)   Driveways.

      (1)   When driveways are less than 20 feet in width, marked separate entrances and exits shall be provided so that traffic shall flow in one direction only.

      (2)   Entrances and exits to an alley may be provided if prior approval is obtained in writing from the transportation and public works department.

      (3)   The location of ingress and egress driveways shall be subject to approval of the city traffic engineer under curb cut or laid down curb permit procedures.

      (4)   Except for multifamily residential developments developed in accordance to §§ 4.710, 4.711, 4.712, driveways designated as fire lanes shall meet the standards of the fire code.

   (d)   Maneuvering space.

      (1)   Maneuvering space shall be located completely off the right-of-way of a public street, place or court, except for on-street parking approved by the traffic engineer.

      (2)   Parking areas that would require the use of public right-of-way for maneuvering shall not be acceptable as required off-street parking spaces other than for one- and two-family dwellings, except for on-street parking approved by the traffic engineer.

      (3)   Parking parallel to the curb on a public street shall not be substituted for off-street parking requirements, except as provided for in an “MU-1” or “MU-2” mixed-use district.

   (e)   Parking surface.

      (1)   Minimum required parking spaces must be hard-surfaced and dust free, except in instances where the adjacent street is unpaved, in which case the drives and parking spaces shall be hard-surfaced within one year after all adjacent streets are paved. Fire lanes and ADA spaces may not be constructed with porous surfaces.

      (2)   [Reserved.]

      (3)   [Reserved.]

      (4)   a.   Hard surface parking is not required for:

            1.   Non-passenger vehicles and tractor trailers for industrial uses; and

            2.   Motor vehicle inventory for sale.

         b.   All parking must be, at a minimum, on a compacted gravel base.

      (5)   Minimum required parking spaces must be hard-surfaced and dust free, except in instances where the adjacent street is unpaved, in which case the drives and parking spaces shall be hard-surfaced within one year after all adjacent streets are paved. Fire lanes and ADA spaces may not be constructed with porous surfaces.

      (6)   All driveways must be hard-surfaced and dust free. Driveways for one- and two-family uses may, at a minimum, consist of compacted gravel base. Any base product must be contained within a border and maintained, including circular and ribbon drives.

      (7)   No parking for one- and two-family uses shall be permitted within the front yard, as measured between the front property line and the closest location on the structure, other than as provided on the driveway. Driveway coverage, including ribbon drives, shall not exceed 50% of the front yard, and any additional parking on the property shall be provided on the driveway. Circular drives shall not exceed 65% maximum coverage. Parking pads are permitted if they are attached to the primary driveway and constructed of the same material, and shall be included in the calculation of driveway coverage.

   (f)   Off-site auxiliary parking. If sufficient parking is not available on the premises, a private parking lot may be provided within 500 feet, either on property zoned for that purpose or on approval as a special exception by the board of adjustment subject to the following conditions.

      (1)   The parking must be subject to the front yard setback requirements of the district in which it is located.

      (2)   The parking area must be hard surfaced and dust free (except as provided in subsection (e) above).

      (3)   A six-foot screen fence and bufferyard must be provided on all sides adjacent to a residential district in accordance with § 6.300.

      (4)   Area lights must be directed away from adjacent properties.

      (5)   The lot, if adjacent to a residential district, must be chained and locked at night.

   (g)   Accessible parking.

      (1)   Number of spaces required. When parking lots or garage facilities are provided, either in accordance with parking requirements or voluntarily, accessible parking spaces shall be provided according to the table below, except for the following uses.

         a.   For general and long term hospitals, nursing and care homes, and philanthropic medical care uses, any of which specializes in the treatment of persons with mobility impairments, 20% of the parking spaces provided shall be accessible.

         b.   For offices, professional and commercial uses, eleemosynary institutions and doctors’ clinics, any of which provides outpatient medical care, 10% of the parking spaces provided shall be accessible.

         c.   For multifamily dwellings and apartment hotels containing accessible or adaptable dwelling units as specified by the building code, 2% of the parking spaces shall be accessible. Where parking for such uses is provided within or beneath a building, accessible parking spaces shall also be provided within or beneath the building.

 

      (2)   Variances. The board of adjustment’s authority is limited to considering variances from the number of accessible parking spaces and van accessible parking spaces required. Accessible parking spaces, van accessible parking spaces and passenger loading zones shall be located and installed as specified in the building code. Variances, as to these items, must be addressed through the process described in the building code.

      (3)   Restriping parking areas. When parking areas are restriped, the provisions of this subsection (g)(3) shall apply. When restriping is done voluntarily to existing parking for the purpose of installing accessible spaces, city staff may allow a reduction in the number of parking spaces required by this section in accordance with the table below when necessary to provide the accessible spaces. Plans for the restriping must be submitted to the planning and development department for review and approval before work begins.

 

 

(Ord. 13896, passed 10-12-1999; Ord. 15827, § 1, passed 1-13-2004; Ord. 15924, §§ 1, 2, passed 3-23-2004; Ord. 17522, §§ 5, 6, passed 4-24-2007; Ord. 18208-07-2008A, § 2, passed 7-29-2008; Ord. 18208-07-2008B, § 1, passed 7-29-2008; Ord. 27545-03-2025, § 6, passed 3-11-2025, eff. 5-30-2025)

   (a)   Applicability. All buildings (except one-family, two-family, three-family or four-family dwellings) hereafter erected, reconstructed or enlarged so as to require additional parking spaces, except in district “H,” shall have adequate permanent off-street facilities providing for the loading and unloading of merchandise and goods within or adjacent to the building, in such a manner as not to obstruct the freedom of traffic movement on the public rights-of-way.

   (b)   Loading facility design standards.

      (1)   The minimum distance from the loading dock to the right-of-way line shall be 60 feet. Such space shall be submitted on a plan and approved by the director of traffic engineering and the planning and development department.

      (2)   The minimum distance above may be reduced by the approval of the director of traffic engineering and the planning and development department under unusual circumstances.

      (3)   Loading space shall be in addition to all required vehicular parking.

      (4)   All loading facilities shall be screened in accordance with § 6.301(d).

(Ord. 13896, passed 10-12-1999; Ord. 17522, § 5, passed 4-24-2007)

   (a)   Locations.

      (1)   Bicycle parking shall be located as close as or closer than the nearest car parking space to the building entrance, other than those spaces for persons with disabilities.

      (2)   Bicycle parking facilities shall not interfere with accessible paths of travel or accessible parking as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.

      (3)   A minimum of four feet from the required rack dimension shall be provided for pedestrian clearance when a rack is placed within a sidewalk or pedestrian right-of-way.

      (4)   Bicycle racks shall be located in highly visible and well-lit areas to minimize theft and vandalism.

      (5)   When automobile parking spaces are provided in a structured parking garage, all required bicycle spaces shall be located inside the garage on the ground level. Alternative layout and design of racks to maximize space may be administratively approved by the zoning administrator.

      (6)   Bicycle racks shall be protected by a physical barrier to prevent parked bicycles from damage by motor vehicles; such barriers include but are not limited to curbs, bollards, curb stops and similar objects.

      (7)   Alternative locations. In the event that compliance may not be feasible because of demonstrable hardship, the zoning administrator may approve an alternative locationsubject to the following conditions:

         a.   Alternative locations shall be well lit and secure.

         b.   All bicycle parking spaces shall be located within a 100 foot diameter of the primary building entrance.

         c.   Bicycle racks may be placed in the public right-of-way provided that the building owner obtains an encroachment permit for the installation of racks in the public right-of-way.

   (b)   Layout and design.

      (1)   Bicycle rack design. Structures that require a user-supplied locking device shall be designed in conformance with the following:

         a.   Each bike rack shall be designed to accommodate two bike parking spaces using the allowed bike rack designs depicted below.

         b.   Racks shall be designed to accommodate “U”-shaped locking devises and to supports the bicycle horizontally in two places.

         c.   The racks shall be constructed of durable materials to withstand permanent exposure to the elements such as powder-coated metal or stainless steel.

         d.   All bicycle parking spaces must be hard-surfaced and dust free and consist of at minimum a compact gravel base.

         e.   A wave or loop style bicycle rack may be used in public and private K-12 schools provided the installation provides a minimum of three feet pedestrian clearance on all sides.

      (2)   Bicycle parking space size, access aisles and vertical clearance.

         a.   Racks shall provide clearance from other objects by using layout dimensions of at least four feet wide by six feet long as depicted below.

         b.   A property requiring a change of use permit may provide a reduced three feet wide by six feet long clearance from other objects.

      (3)   Signage. In cases where bicycle parking spaces are not visible from the primary street, signage shall be used to direct cyclists safely to bicycle parking areas. (Manual for Uniform Traffic Devices sign D4-3)

      (4)   Securely anchored. All bicycle racks and lockers shall be securely anchored to the ground using a concrete footing and tamper-proof spike anchors.

   (c)   Bicycle parking requirement. The number of bicycle parking racks shall be based on the required automobile parking spaces and shall be provided in accordance with the following with fractional requirements for bike parking over one-half to be rounded up:

 

      (1)   The following uses are exempt from this section: accessory uses; agricultural; industrial uses; lodging; one to four-family dwelling units; temporary uses; utilities; vehicle sales and service and multi-family (4+ dwelling units) outside of Mixed-Use, Urban Residential and Design Districts, Urban Residential, Urban Villages and Mixed-Use Zoning districts (from 4.800).

      (2)   Bicycle parking for health care facilities shall be calculated using required employee automobile parking.

      (3)   Land uses not exempted from this requirement which have no minimum parking requirement shall provide bicycle racks based on actual automobile parking spaces provided.

      (4)   Bicycle parking shall not count toward the tree requirement for exceeding maximum allowable parking.

      (5)   The number of required and provided automobile parking spaces and bicycle parking racks should be shown in a chart format on the building permit site plan. A reduction in the minimum required automobile parking is allowed equal to the percentage of bicycle spaces provided, with a five percent maximum reduction.

      (6)   In all cases where bicycle parking is required, no fewer than two spaces (one rack) shall be required.

      (7)   Bicycle parking is not required in the Central Business (“H”) District if the property falls within 500 feet of an existing bicycle rack.

(Ord. 19428-11-2010, § 1, passed 11-9-2010; Ord. 21358-08-2014, §§ 1—3, passed 8-5-2014, eff. 8-12-2014)

   (a)   When required. A bufferyard consisting of an open space of grass and other landscaping and a masonry wall or wood fence in combination with design features that screen or block vision, noise pollutants and other negative by-products shall be provided and maintained along the entire length of the boundary line between any one- or two-family district, and adjacent nonresidential districts. A bufferyard shall be required even when an alley is located between a nonresidential district and an adjacent one- or two-family district. Temporary buildings, utility facilities and additions to primary structures placed on the site that are less than 30% and under 3,000 square feet are exempted from the bufferyard requirements of this subsection (a). References in this section adjacent to one- or two-family districts shall not include uses described in subsection (k)(4) below.

   (b)   Restrictions of the use of bufferyard and/or building setback areas. These areas are intended to serve as a buffer between potentially incompatible uses. Structures are not permitted to be located in these areas, nor can such areas be used for signs, dumpsters or other garbage containers, any type of storage or any nonresidential activity. Passenger car parking, automobile and truck access and loading or unloading of goods during the daylight hours shall be permitted within the building setback areas exclusive of the landscaped areas.

   (c)   Area requirements.

      (1)   Except as noted in subsection (c)(3) below, when a nonresidential use is initially established, a residential use is converted to a nonresidential use, or the zoning district classification of property is changed to a less restrictive nonresidential district after April 12, 1988, then in each instance where the nonresidential use is located on a lot or premises adjacent to a one- or two-family district, a bufferyard and supplemental building setback shall be provided and maintained by the owner and/or occupant of the nonresidential use in accordance with the following standards.

 

      (2)   When there is an expansion of any parking area or the square footage of a nonresidential use that is located on a lot or a premises that is adjacent to a one- or two-family district, then the development shall be subject to the supplemental bufferyard and building setback requirements, as set forth in this section.

      (3)   When the zoning district classification of vacant property is initially established as a nonresidential use or changed to a less restrictive nonresidential district, the required screen fence and bufferyard shall not be required until such time as the property is actually used as a nonresidential use.

   (d)   Screening requirements. The owner and/or occupant of the use shall also erect and maintain a solid masonry wall, wood fence, or combination thereof, to a height that is a minimum of six feet above the grade of adjacent property along the entire adjacent property line except for minimum required front yards and visibility triangles. For construction standards, see § 5.305(c). Temporary buildings, utility facilities and additions to primary structures placed on the site that are less than 30% and under 3,000 square feet are excepted from the screening requirements of this subsection (d); however dumpsters, loading docks and ground level mechanical equipment shall be screened with a six-foot screening fence. For construction standards, see § 5.305(c).

   (e)   Irrigation requirements. All bufferyards required under this section must be irrigated by an underground automatic irrigation system. Provided, however, that, when the total area of the bufferyard is less than 1,000 square feet, an irrigation system shall not be required if there is a working water faucet located no more than 100 feet from every part of the bufferyard.

   (f)   Landscaping requirements. The bufferyard shall be sodded with turf grass or ground cover that will provide the appearance of a finished planting. Minimum landscaping and buffering must be provided as outlined in subsection (g) below. The landscaping in the bufferyard shall be protected from vehicular encroachment by curbs, railroad ties, concrete retainers or other permanent barriers.

   (g)   Point system requirements. Bufferyards must earn a minimum of 25 points that are awarded for providing and maintaining specific landscaping and design features. The points are accumulated as follows:

 

   (h)   Permit requirements. In order to determine compliance with this section, an application for a building permit for property that abuts a one- or two-family district shall include a landscaping plan with a planting schedule and a written statement indicating the options that were selected in order to meet the minimum “point” requirements.

   (i)   Installation and maintenance. The owner and/or occupant shall be jointly and severally liable for installing and maintaining all masonry walls, fences and landscaping in a healthy, neat, orderly and physically sound condition and replacing it when deemed necessary by the planning and development department.

   (j)   Bonus provisions. The minimum building setback in rear yards can be reduced by five feet in “ER,” “E,” and “O-M” districts and ten feet in all other commercial and industrial districts provided that a minimum ten-foot landscaped front yard is provided on the site in accordance with the standards specified in subsections (e) and (f) above.

   (k)   The below additional standards apply in "I" light industrial, "J" medium industrial and "K" heavy industrial when adjacent to one-family or two-family districts as measured at the property line. The standards shall not apply when the industrial districts and one- and two-family districts are separated by a street.

      (1)   Within the required 50 foot supplemental setback and in addition to the required screening fence or wall, a 20 foot landscaped bufferyard shall be installed along the length of the boundary of the one- or two-family district to include minimum 2½ caliper trees and shrubs in order to provide a vegetated screen. Medium trees shall be planted every 15 feet on center or large trees planted every 30 feet on center. Shrubs that are indicated to grow to a minimum of eight feet tall shall be planted in between the trees. Activity within this supplemental setback shall comply with § 6.300(b). The 20 foot bufferyard will not apply to properties less than 500 feet in depth as measured perpendicular to the primary public street.

      (2)   If visible from one- or two-family districts, storage and dumpsters shall be screened from view from the residential property by an eight foot screening masonry wall surrounding the storage area. If a building is between the storage or dumpster area and the one- or two-family district boundary, and the area is not viewable from adjacent the residential uses, no screening wall is required.

      (3)   Exterior portions and/or facades of buildings must use colors consisting of neutral earth tone; trim and may be a different neutral earth tone color.

      (4)   Exterior entrances shall consist of storefront glass, canopies and masonry articulation or similar architectural features.

      (5)   Any outdoor lighting within 150 feet of a one- or two-family district shall not create any ambient light that trespasses onto adjacent residential uses and shall be zero foot candles on the side adjacent to a residential property with appropriate cutoffs installed. Lighting in this area shall not exceed 20 feet in height including attached wall fixtures.

      (6)   No illuminated signage shall face the one- or two-family district.

      (1)   Remodeling work that does not increase the existing floor area or the restoration of a building that has been involuntarily damaged or destroyed shall be exempt from the supplemental bufferyard and building setback requirements.

      (2)   When a legal use exists on property and subsequent to establishing such legal use, adjacent property or property across an alley is rezoned to a one- or two-family district, the construction of new buildings and the addition, remodeling, alteration or total restoration due to involuntary destruction of existing buildings on the property are exempt from the requirements of a bufferyard, screening fence and supplemental building setback.

      (3)   When a residence is converted to a nonresidential use or when an existing nonresidential use expands the building square footage and/or parking area, then the minimum required bufferyard points shall be reduced to 15 points. If a masonry wall is used to satisfy the minimum point requirements, there shall be no bufferyard width requirement.

      (4)   Nothing herein shall require a bufferyard to be placed on a nonresidential use site where such nonresidential use site is immediately adjacent to a waterway, railroad right-of-way, power transmission or other easement where such right-of-way or easements are at least 50 feet in width, or public street right-of-way at least 300 feet in width.

      (5)   Any area located within an airport operating area, defined as those areas associated with aircraft movement, shall be exempt from the supplemental bufferyard and supplemental building setback requirements.

(Ord. 13896, passed 10-12-1999; Ord. 14556, § 8, passed 3-20-2001; Ord. 14713, § 3, passed 7-17-2001; Ord. 15828, § 1, passed 1-13-2004; Ord. 16184, § 1, passed 10-19-2004; Ord. 16521, § 8, passed 7-19-2005; Ord. 17522, § 5, passed 4-24-2007; Ord. 20453-10-2012, § 2, passed 10-9-2012; Ord. 22810-08-2017, § 6, passed 8-1-2017, eff. 9-7-2017; Ord. 23587-03-2019, § 2, passed 3-5-2019)

   (a)   Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to preserve the existing and natural environment, conserve water, moderate air temperatures, reduce pollution and filtration of stormwater best practices whenever possible and to provide landscape amenities, setbacks and screening with Texas native and adaptive plants. This section is also intended to promote a positive urban image by promoting quality development, enhancing property values, providing landscape improvements in all parts of the city, and promoting orderly growth and aesthetic quality in the city.

   (b)   Delineation of artificial lot. If a developer wishes to develop a portion of a one acre or larger tract, the developer may request that the development services director delineate the portion of the tract to be developed as an artificial lot, for purposes of calculating landscape requirements for the development. Artificial lots may be delineated in any type of development, including schools and places of worship. All artificial lots shall meet the following requirements:

      (1)   Contain the entire area on which the development is to occur, including all paved areas;

      (2)   Contain a land area of less than 50% of the entire tract, or, if the proposed artificial lot contains more than 50% of the entire tract, the director must determine that a substantial amount of the tract is not affected by the proposed development; and

      (3)   Be delineated on the landscape plan as required in subsection (c) below.

   (c)   Submittal of landscape. A landscape plan shall be submitted to the development services director together with the application for a building permit. The following information shall be shown on the required landscape plan:

      (1)   Calculation of net site area showing all existing and proposed structures, parking and access, other paved areas and all required bufferyard areas pursuant to this section;

      (2)   Calculation of required landscape area;

      (3)   Location and dimensions of areas to be landscaped and total amount of landscape area;

      (4)   Location, number and planting size of all shrubs and groundcover including both required and actual materials provided;

      (5)   Location and coverage of required irrigation system; and

      (6)   Delineation of artificial lot, if applicable, including depiction of all proposed and existing structures, access drives, appurtenant parking and other paved areas proposed for the expansion or new construction.

   (d)   Screening for commercial and institutional uses. Screening for commercial/institutional uses shall include screening of loading docks, truck berths, refuse handling facilities (including refuse disposal and recycling) and ground level mechanical equipment visible from public right-of-way and is required per the following.

      (1)   Loading docks and truck berths.

         a.   Opaque walls, wooden screening fences, landscaped berms or landscape areas all of which must be a minimum of eight feet in height and must screen loading dock areas from view from the public street right-of-way with the greatest pavement width parallel to the trailer berths. Screening shall be of sufficient length to screen the maximum size trailer which can be accommodated on-site and shall be parallel to trailer berths.

         b.   Example: Docks and berths that accommodate a 50-foot trailer shall be screened with a 50-foot wall parallel to the berth.

      (2)   Refuse handling facilities and mechanical equipment. Opaque walls or wooden screening fences of not less than the height of the facilities or equipment to be screened are required to screen the view from any public street right-of-way. Permanent walls are required on three sides with an opaque gate allowed on the fourth side.

   Frontage on One Street

   Facing Alley

   Facing Street

   Frontage on Two Streets of Equal Width

   Frontage on Major and Minor Streets

   (e)   No paving of parkway allowed. After October 1, 1998, no portion of a parkway shall be paved, except for sidewalks or driveways permitted by transportation and public works department.

   (f)   Applicability of landscape requirements. These landscape requirements shall be applicable to the following construction, subject to the exemptions in subsection (g) below:

      (1)   Construction of new structures for which a building permit is required for any commercial/institutional and industrial uses;

      (2)   Expansions of structures used for commercial/institutional and industrial uses that increase the footprint of existing structures by at least 30%, and that add at least 3,000 square feet to existing structures. Expansions that do not meet both the 30% and the 3,000 square foot criteria are not subject to these landscape requirements; and

      (3)   Construction of manufactured home parks and recreational vehicle parks for which a permit is required pursuant to § 13-2 of the city code and private recreation facilities located in manufactured home subdivisions.

   (g)   Exemptions from landscape requirements. The following are not subject to these landscape requirements:

      (1)   Structures that do not create or expand building square footage and temporary structures such as job shacks associated with construction activities;

      (2)   Construction or expansion of one-family and two-family dwellings;

      (3)   Construction or expansion of multifamily and mixed use developmentsin §§ 4.710, 4.711, and 4.712;

      (4)   Change in use of an existing structure, unless the structure is expanded in accordance with subsection (f)(2) above;

      (5)   Construction or expansion of structures in the “H” central business district bounded by Henderson Street on the west, Vickery Boulevard on the south, I-35 on the east and Bluff Street on the north, except for the area between Henderson Street and the extension of Grove Street, where the northern boundary shall extend to the center of the Trinity River; provided, however, the project may be subject to the Downtown Urban Design Standards adopted in accordance with § 4.402;

      (6)   Temporary buildings in place for a maximum of five years and erected as accessory buildings for elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education; and

      (7)   Any area located within an airport operating area, defined as those areas associated with aircraft movement.

   (h)   Landscape area required. Construction projects subject to this section shall provide landscape areas calculated as follows.

      (1)   Commercial and institutional uses.

         a.   A minimum of 10% of net site area shall be landscaped by using one of the following methods:

            1.   One shrub, a minimum of five gallons in size, for every 50 square feet, or fraction thereof, of required landscape; or

            2.   For every 75 square feet, or fraction thereof, of required landscape area, a cluster of native shrubs and or grasses, consisting of a minimum of five plants, three gallon in size and grouped with similar watering requirements from the approved native plant list found in Table A. below. Plants may not exceed four feet in height in the required front yard. Existing natural vegetation shall be preserved when possible.

 

         b.   All landscaped areas shall:

            1.   Be located outside the perimeter of the footprint of a building or structure;

            2.   Protected by wheel stops, curbs or other physical barriers where adjacent to vehicle use areas; and

            3.   Be covered with grass, organic mulch or low maintenance groundcover.

         c.   A minimum of 75% of all required landscape area shall be located in the front yard between the building line and the front property line. For lots with multiple street frontages, a minimum of 75% of all required landscape shall be located in the yard adjacent to the street with the greatest pavement width. The planning and development director may approve a 5% modification to the percentage requirement. When an artificial lot or a building expansion is separated from property adjacent to a street frontage, the required landscape areas may be located anywhere on the subject to the perimeter footprint of a building or structure.

         d.   Landscaped bioretention areas are encouraged for natural drainage channels to reduce runoff and increase infiltration of water into the soil.

         e.   The minimum percentage of the landscape area required in the front yard between the building line and the front property line may be reduced to 50% provided that native/adapted plants are used in conjunction with stormwater quality facilities as approved by the department of transportation and public works and as provided in the Stormwater Quality Manual.

      (2)   Industrial uses and manufactured home uses.

         a.   A minimum of 4% net site area, or, at the option of the developer, a landscape area of at least 30 feet in depth along the length of the property line frontage on all public right-of-way adjacent to the property shall be landscaped by using one of the following methods:

            1.   For every 50 square feet, or fraction thereof, of required landscape area, one shrub a minimum of five gallons is required; or

            2.   For every 75 square feet, or fraction thereof, of required landscape area, a cluster of native shrubs and or grasses, consisting of a minimum of five plants, three gallon in size and grouped with similar watering requirements, from the approved native plant list found in Appendix F. Landscaping, of the city’s Stormwater Manual. Plants may not exceed four feet in height in the required front yard. Existing natural vegetation shall be preserved when possible.

         b.   All landscaped areas shall:

            1.   Be located outside the perimeter of the footprint of a building or structure;

            2.   Protected by wheel stops, curbs or other physical barriers where adjacent to vehicle use areas; and

            3.   Be covered with grass, organic mulch or low maintenance ground cover.

         c.   A minimum of 75% of all required landscape area shall be located in the front yard between the building line and the front property line. For lots with multiple street frontages, a minimum of 75% of all required landscape shall be located in the yard adjacent to the street with the greatest pavement width. The development services director may approve a 5% modification to the percentage requirement. When an artificial lot or a building expansion is separated from property adjacent to a street frontage, the required landscape areas may be located anywhere on the subject to the perimeter footprint of a building or structure.

         d.   Landscaped bioretention areas are encouraged for natural drainage channels to reduce runoff and increase infiltration of water into the soil.

         e.   The minimum percentage of the landscape area required in the front yard between the building line and the front property line may be reduced to 50% provided that native/adapted plants are used in conjunction with stormwater quality facilities as approved by the department of transportation and public works and as provided in the stormwater quality manual.

   (i)   Irrigation.

      (1)   A permanently installed irrigation system shall be installed to provide total water coverage to all plant materials installed.

      (2)   A temporary irrigation system shall be installed for new native plantings for up to one year in order to establish root systems.

      (3)   A drip irrigation system as required by the city’s water department (Water Conservation Manual, § 35-162 of the city code) shall be installed for native and adaptive plant material in new commercial and industrial planting beds less than five feet in width.

   (j)   Modification of landscape requirements. The development services director or a designee may approve minor variations in the location of required landscape materials due to unusual topographic constraints, sight restrictions, siting requirements, preservation of existing stands of native trees or similar conditions, or in order to maintain consistency of established front yard setbacks. These minor changes may vary the location of required landscape materials, but may not reduce the amount of required landscape area or the required amount of landscape materials. The landscape plan shall be submitted and shall specify the modifications requested and present a justification for such modifications.

   (k)   Installation and maintenance.

      (1)   All landscape materials shall be installed within 90 days after issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Such 90-day period may be extended for an additional 90 days by the development services director. Upon completion of installation of all plant materials, the owner or agent shall notify the planning and development department of completion of installation and shall request inspection. Verification by the planning and development department of installation in compliance with this section shall be required.

      (2)   The owner shall maintain all landscape materials in good condition in accordance with the terms of this section.

   (l)   Variances by board of adjustment.

      (1)   As provided by state law, the board of adjustment may grant variances to the provisions of this section only if the variance is not contrary to the public interest and, due to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the section would result in unnecessary hardship, and so that the spirit of the section is observed and substantial justice is done. As provided by state law, a “hardship” does not include financial hardship resulting from compliance with the landscape provisions.

      (2)   The city manager or a designee shall report monthly to the city council any variances granted to this section.

(Ord. 13896, passed 10-12-1999; Ord. 13931, § 2, passed 9-8-1999; Ord. 14557, § 2, passed 3-20-2001; Ord. 14894, § 4, passed 12-11-2001; Ord. 14987, § 2, passed 2-19-2002; Ord. 15850, § 1, passed 1-27-2004; Ord. 16184, § 2, passed 10-19-2004; Ord. 16270, § 1, passed 1-18-2005; Ord. 17228, § 1, passed 10-3-2006; Ord. 17367, §§ 1—3, passed 1-9-2007; Ord. 17522, §§ 5, 6, passed 4-24-2007; Ord. 18615-05-2009, § 2, passed 5-12-2009; Ord. 18746-08-2009, §§ 1, 2, passed 8-4-2009; Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 22, passed 2-4-2020; Ord. 27545-03-2025, § 4, passed 3-11-2025, eff. 5-30-2025)

      (1)   Any person, firm or corporation who intentionally or knowingly violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to comply with or who resists the enforcement of any provision of this ordinance may be issued a citation and upon conviction thereof may be fined in an amount not to exceed $2,000.00. In cases of offenses involving the illegal removal of trees or noncompliance with an approved permit or urban forestry plan, the removal of each tree constitutes a separate offense. In cases of continuing violation, each separate day that a violation continues constitutes a separate offense.

      (2)   Any person, firm or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to comply with or who resists the enforcement of any provision of this ordinance may be subject to a civil penalty in accordance with § 2-322 of the city code for the removal of trees. The civil penalty authorized by this subsection may be imposed by the director in addition to the misdemeanor penalty in paragraph (1) of this subsection. The imposition of a civil penalty may be appealed to the city council. Any appeal must be made in writing and must be filed with the director within ten calendar days following the date of the initial written decision of the director. The director shall refer the appeal to the city council and the decision of the city council shall be final. The appellant shall bear the burden of proof to show why, by preponderance of the evidence, the civil penalty should not be assessed. The imposition of a civil penalty under this section suspends all permits or permit applications issued to or for the benefit of the property and all work under any such permits until the civil penalty is fully paid.

      (3)   Where illegal tree removal has occurred and the physical evidence has been removed from the site, the civil penalty will be assessed based on calculations using any remaining physical evidence, photos and documents available to the city, calculated in accordance with § 2-322 of the city code for significant trees removed or damaged.

      (4)   a.   The owner of a single lot within a one-family or two-family residentially zoned district who removes or causes to be removed trees without first obtaining the required permit may be issued an after-the-fact permit. An after-the-fact permit shall be issued if:

            1.   The applicant can demonstrate that the criteria for removal in the after-the-fact application would meet the regulations in effect at the time the tree was removed: and

            2.   The applicant has paid the fee for an after-the-fact permit which shall be double the fee for an urban forestry permit.

         b.   A citation may be issued in accordance with subsection (b)(1) for the removal or damage of each tree and any other violation of this section.

         c.   If the applicant cannot demonstrate that the criteria for removal in the after-the-fact application would have met the current regulations, then an after-the-fact permit shall not be issued and the person shall be in violation of this subsection, and the person shall be subject to both criminal and civil penalties.

         d.   A second after-the-fact permit shall not be issued if:

            1.   The person who committed the violation has previously been issued an after-the-fact permit: or

            2.   An after-the fact permit was previously issued for the same property within the previous five years of the date of the second violation.

      (1)   Removal of any trees of six inches or greater in diameter;

      (2)   Construction of new structures for which a building permit is required;

      (3)   Expansion of structures used for commercial/institutional and industrial uses that increase the footprint of existing structures by at least 30% or add at least 3,000 square feet to existing structures;

      (4)   Clearing of all or a portion of property, including grading or construction of a parking lot;

      (5)   Subdivision of land greater than one acre for the construction of one- or two-family dwellings, including contiguous lots with the same owner that total more than one acre;

      (6)   Construction of manufactured home parks and recreational vehicle parks for which a permit is required and private recreation facilities located in manufactured housing subdivisions;

      (7)   Mixed use ("MU") zoned properties. These properties must provide, through either preservation or planting, 50% canopy coverage of required open space;

      (8)   New agricultural development that requires tree removal; and

      (9)   Public projects that will physically change the surface or will include removal of trees six inches or greater.

      (1)   Structures that do not create or expand building square footage or temporary structures such as job shacks associated with construction activities, when no trees greater than six inches are removed;

      (2)   Any single residential lot with a one- or two-family dwelling that is one acre or less in size;

      (3)   Change in use of an existing structure, unless the structure is expanded in accordance with subsection (d)(3) above;

      (4)   Any area within a design overlay district or form-based code unless the standards do not address urban forestry;

      (5)   Construction or expansion of structures in the "H" central business district;

      (6)   Any area located within an airport operating area as defined by § 3-1 of the city code;

      (7)   Panther Island and work associated with the Trinity River Vision Project, including but not limited to, valley storage projects;

      (8)   Any tree that is deemed to be in unsafe condition, or is injurious to common good, or to electrical, gas or water utilities, or sewer pipes, pavement or improvements, or is infested and dangerous to other trees or conflicts with other ordinances or regulations as determined by the urban forestry administrator; and

      (9)   Gas well sites and natural gas pipeline compressor stations, except as outlined in Chapter 15, gas drilling of the city code.

         a.   All or a part of the urban forestry regulations may deprive the applicant of economically viable use of the property;

         b.   The proposed design has minimized the loss of trees and canopy to the extent possible;

         c.   The relief requested will not injure the existing or permitted use of adjacent conforming property, will not make the property substantially different from properties within the same zoning category, has no adverse effects on adjacent properties, and would not result in an adverse effect on traffic circulation, drainage or utilities; and

         d.   That tree preservation or mitigation unduly burdens the development of the property due to a unique physical circumstance son the property or by reducing the developable portion of the property to 25% of the property.

         a.   An increase in building height for properties zoned C, CR, CF, E, and ER, up to a maximum of 14 additional feet above the height allowed in the applicable zoning district for the property, subject to compliance with all requirements for building setbacks and bufferyards adjacent to applicable residential districts; and

         b.   Up to a 50% reduction to the required front, rear or side yard setbacks.

      (3)   In instances where relief is granted, all requirements for tree preservation and canopy in the urban forestry ordinance must be complied with.

      (4)   The director, and the director's designee, may decline to grant relief pursuant to this subsection.

         b.   The protective measures in subsection (g)(1)(a) must occur on all trees located within 50 feet of development activities.

         c.   The protective measures in subsection (g)(1)(a) are required within the critical root zone radius from the trunk at one foot per inch diameter measured at DBH.

         d.   The following activities within the critical root zone are prohibited:

            1.   No material intended for use in construction or waste material accumulated due to excavation or demolition shall be placed within the limits of the critical root zone of any preserved tree;

            2.   No equipment shall be cleaned or other liquids deposited or allowed to flow overland with the limits of the critical root zone of a preserved tree. This includes, without limitations, paint, oil, solvents, asphalt, concrete, mortar or similar materials;

            3.   No signs, wires or other attachments, other than those of a protective nature, shall be attached to any preserved tree;

            4.   No vehicular and/or construction equipment traffic or parking shall take place within the limits of the critical root zone of any preserved tree other than on existing street pavement;

            5.   No heavy equipment, including, but not limited to, trucks, tractors, trailers, bulldozers, bobcat tractors, trenchers, compressors and hoists shall be allowed inside the critical root zone of any preserved tree on any construction site without the specific approval of the urban forestry administrator;

            6.   No grade change within the critical root zone of any preserved tree without submission of a certified arborist/forester report dealing with protections and the report acceptance by the urban forestry administrator; or

            7.   No filling activity in the critical root zone of any preserved tree may occur as a permanent condition which may damage the tree. Tree wells may be used to ensure that the root zone is protected.

         e.   Replacement of any preserved tree which dies within five years due to construction or development activities will be the responsibility of the property owner. Replacement will be new trees with a minimum of three inches each in diameter and equal to five times the lost canopy. Tree replacement will be guaranteed for an additional period of two years.

         a.   Trees planted to provide canopy coverage shall be a minimum of two and one-half to three inches each in diameter and each tree planted will be credited canopy coverage at normal maturity as follows, with canopy coverage credit being reduced at the discretion of the City if not meeting the minimum spacing requirements:

         b.   Tree planting requirements: Table B is a list of protected species for the Fort Worth area. Trees other than those listed in Table B will be considered by the urban forestry administrator and granted on a case-by-case basis. The approval of additional species will be judged on adaptability, long-term health and growth characteristics of the tree type.

         c.   The minimum size of tree planted will be two and one-half to three inches in diameter. The caliper measurement of the trunk shall be taken at a point six inches above the ground if the resulting measurement is no more than four inches in diameter. If the resulting measurement is more than four inches, the measurement of the caliper shall be taken at 12 inches above the ground. If the tree is multi-trunk, the main stem will be given full credit for its diameter and all other stems will receive one-half credit. The total of all must be three inches or greater.

         d.   All newly planted trees that die within two years of the date of project completion must be replaced by the current property owner. Any replacement tree that dies within two years of the date the replacement tree is planted must be replaced by the current property owner. The requirement to replace the trees shall run with the land.

         e.   A minimum of 16 square feet of permeable surfaces must be provided for all tree plantings.

         f.   Expansion of structures used for commercial/institutional and industrial uses: Tree plantings to achieve canopy coverage will be based only on the square footage of the expansion footprint rather than the entire site to ensure at least minimal tree replacement. Only tree removal permits for trees greater than six inches in diameter are required for expansions under 3,000 square feet.

      (5)   A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until the requirements of subsection (j) below are met.

         a.   Minimum retained or planted canopy coverage shall be 40%;

         b.   Canopy for new subdivisions: the 40% canopy coverage requirement for one- and two- family residential land uses will be reduced to 25% if:

            1.   One tree per residential lot is planted on all lots up to 5,000 square feet in area;

            2.   One additional tree for each additional 5,000 square feet of lot area, or fraction thereof is planted, up to a maximum of nine trees per residential lot; and

            3.   The remaining portion of the 25% canopy coverage may be provided in public rights- of-way, parks, homeowner's association lots or boundary street parkways.

         c.   Phased development of residential subdivisions: residential subdivisions that are to be developed in phases must provide a plan that complies with the retention requirements at full buildout as approved on the preliminary plat. If a final plat requests credit for trees in undeveloped phases or units that are planned for future development, it will be necessary for all subsequent plats to identify trees for retention or provide mitigation as needed to obtain the required canopy coverage percentage. Updated plans must be provided to urban forestry as the subdivision is developed.

         d.   Canopy for existing platted residential lots over one acre:

            1.   Retained canopy coverage of 25%; and

            2.   Overall canopy coverage of 40%.

         a.   Minimum canopy coverage shall be 40%;

         b.   The canopy coverage shall be achieved through preservation of existing trees or tree planting within the parking field and drives;

         c.   No requirement for one- and two-family residential uses; and

         d.   1.   Credit shall be given for preserved or planted trees located outside the subject property within the parkway of adjacent streets.

            2.   Trees planted to provide canopy coverage shall be a minimum of three inches each in diameter and will be credited its canopy coverage at normal maturity as follows with canopy coverage credit being reduced at the discretion of the City if not meeting the minimum spacing requirements:

         a.   Minimum retained and planted canopy coverage shall be 30%; and

         b.   Public projects may elect to mitigate required canopy coverage through payment into the tree fund at a rate of $600 per required tree. No mitigation or payment in to the tree fund shall be required if the public project does not prevent the surface from being restored to its original condition or where the public project will not require tree removal.

         a.   Minimum canopy retention shall be 25%.

         b.   New agriculture development will require documentation of the existing canopy coverage and a detailed tree survey of the property prior to clearing or grading of the property. The tree survey will include the location, size and species of tree. At the time of development a payment of $200 per diameter inch will be required for up to 25% of the removed trees over six inches in diameter. The canopy coverage and total diameter inch total will run with the land provided approved documentation is recorded in the applicable county deed records.

      (1)   Contain the entire area on which the development is to occur, including all paved areas;

      (2)   Contain a land area of less than 50% of the entire tract, or, if the proposed artificial lot contains more than 50% of the entire tract, the Director, or the director's designee, must determine that a substantial amount of the tract is not affected by the proposed development; and

      (3)   Be delineated on the urban forestry plan as provided in subsection (j) below.

         a.   Tree removal permit is required:

            1.   Prior to the removal of a single tree. No permit shall be issued if the remaining canopy coverage is less than the 25% minimum retention; or

            2.   For the removal of any tree six inches or greater in diameter.

         b.   Urban forestry permit is required:

            1.   For the removal of more than one tree;

            2.   For construction of new structures on properties where a building permit is required, unless exempted under subsection (e) above.

         c.   An urban forestry plan is required to be submitted with the urban forestry permit.

         d.   An approved urban forestry permit will run with the land. If the project scope or configuration changes prior to any disturbance of the land, the approved urban forestry permit is invalid and the owner/developer shall apply for a new permit.

         e.   An urban forestry permit shall expire on the fifth anniversary of the date the permit was issued if no progress has been made toward implementation of the urban forestry plan.

         a.   Submission of an urban forestry plan is required for the issuance of an urban forestry permit and is required before or at the time of application for building permit. At the time of submission of the urban forestry plan, the applicant shall elect a method of preservation of existing canopy under subsection (j)(4) below.

         b.   If no trees exist on the site, the applicant shall document the existing conditions and comply with urban forestry plan application requirements below.

            1.   The first submittal shall include two copies of a scaled diagram of the subject property in which development, disruption or tree removal is proposed. The scaled diagram may be an engineered drawing, survey, air photo or other illustration. Part One will reflect the existing conditions by including the following information:

               i.    Boundaries of the property and its calculated area, i.e., acres, square feet;

               ii.    Location map showing the proximity of the property to the nearest streets;

               iii.    Outline of the existing tree canopy area on the property and the calculated area (square feet or acres) of existing canopy coverage, differentiating between the canopy of protected and unprotected tree species using Tables A and B in subsection (n) of this Section. Properties with no existing protected canopy shall indicate such conditions;

               iv.    Scaled existing or proposed utilities regulated by the public utility commission and/or Texas railroad commission. Indicate the calculated area (square footage or acres) for these rights-of-ways or easements;

               v.    Location of each significant tree as defined in § 9.101, its species and canopy area; and

               vi.    Tables C, D, E and F in subsection (n) below.

            2.   Upon completion and approval of Part One documentation, tree removals will be granted if a minimum of 50% of the existing protected tree canopy is retained. The documentation of pre-development canopy coverage shall be maintained with the property until development occurs. The required retention indicated in Part One documentation will be achieved within the area remaining after the initial clearing.

            3.   Part One documentation shall expire on the second anniversary of the date of approval if no progress has been made toward completion of a Part Two submission. If tree removals occur after approval of Part One documentation, but the Part One documentation subsequently expires, the new Part One application shall be based on the conditions on the property when the original Part One application was submitted to the City.

            1.   Scaled site plan depicting the location of proposed structures, parking areas, drives, amenities, construction material storage areas, and other construction impacts;

            2.   Tree canopy areas that are desired to be removed;

            3.   Location and description of trees (large, medium or small canopy crown) that will be planted from Table B to reach the minimum canopy as stated in subsection (h) above; and

            4.   Tables G and H in subsection (n) below.

         a.   Existing canopy coverage of protected species shall be retained as follows:

            1.   A minimum of 25% of the tree canopy of protected trees listed in Table B of subsection (n) on the property being developed must be retained;

            2.   A minimum of 50% of the tree canopy of post oaks and blackjack oaks on the property must be retained and shall be credited towards the 25% minimum tree canopy required for protected trees set forth in subsection (j)(4)(l); and

            3.   In addition to the requirements in subsections (j)(4)(l) and (j)(4)(2), significant trees must be preserved as outlined in subsection (j)(5) below.

         b.   If only unprotected tree species exist on the property being developed, no preservation requirement will apply, but the applicant shall provide additional documentation to verify the existing conditions, including but not limited to, photographs or a report by an arborist. The property may be inspected to verify the existing conditions.

         c.   An onsite tree survey noting the location, size and species, and canopy coverage of each protected tree with a diameter of six inches or greater will be required. This survey shall be completed and signed/sealed by one of the following: Texas licensed landscape architect, certified arborist, Texas licensed landscape contractor or Texas certified nurseryman.

         a.   Significant protected trees listed in subsection (n), Table B, that are 24 inches in diameter (75.36 inches in circumference) and post oaks and blackjack oaks that are 18 inches in diameter (56.55 inches in circumference) can only be removed by permit issued by the urban forestry administrator. Preservation of a significant tree will be credited to the required preserved canopy cover one and one-half times the actual canopy size.

         b.   Significant trees may be removed if one of the following conditions is met:

            1.   An area one and one-half times the area of the canopy of the tree identified for removal is retained on the same site or offsite when designated as part of the associated urban forestry permit. If a significant post oak or blackjack oak is being removed, the retained canopy must be a post oak or blackjack oak. For any other significant protected tree, the retained canopy may be any protected species. The retained canopy shall be in addition to the required tree canopy coverage on the site/tract;

            2.   Planting of new trees from the protected tree list (see Table B of subsection (n) below) at five times greater in canopy area than the removed specific tree canopy. The additional planting of five to one (5 to 1) will be in excess of the required tree coverage on the site or offsite when designated as part of the associated urban forestry permit;

            3.   Payment into the tree fund in accordance with Section 2-322 of the City Code for the mitigation fee for removal of significant trees; or

            4.   The Urban Design Commission approves a plan that mitigates the removal of significant trees.

            1.   An increase in the total canopy;

            2.   Adjustments in the type of tree to be planted, considering that trees from the protected tree list in Table B must be replaced with trees from the protected tree list in Table B; or

            3.   Any adjustments in planting location required due to site specific issues including traffic circulation, safety, drainage or utilities, given that the adjustments include only the relocation of trees of the same type and size as provided on the approved urban forestry plan. These adjustments cannot include the removal or transplantation of a tree not considered in the approved urban forestry plan.

         b.   Amendments that do not meet any of the conditions in subsection (j)(6)a. of this section must be submitted to and approved by the urban design commission before construction begins.

         a.   The agreement is intended to facilitate the development of large tract developments, other than single-family or two-family developments, under common ownership which would meet or exceed an overall canopy coverage of 30% for all properties included in the agreement. The intent of a development agreement is to allow areas with more extensive canopy to remain and contribute to the 30% overall coverage while allowing the canopy in other development areas to be reduced. Individual properties that are subject to the agreement are required to maintain canopy coverage requirements for different land use types as outlined in subsection (k)(l)(c). below.

         b.   The original application for an agreement shall include an initial spreadsheet of minimum canopies and acreages, the form of which is provided in Table I of subsection (n) below. Thereafter, Table J of subsection (n) below shall be completed with the provided canopies and acreages included at the time of each subsequent submittal as property/tracts are being developed. These updates shall be provided at the time of submittal of each individual Part One document. No approval shall be granted nor tree removals to be completed without the submission of the Table J form as set forth in subsection (n) below.

         c.   The agreement must be presented to the city council for approval prior to its execution. Any amendments may be approved administratively if the regulations of this subsection (k) are satisfied. The initial submission for approval of an agreement shall include:

            1.   A map all of the properties to be included in the agreement, identified by land use and acreage;

            2.   Individual maps of each land use-type (commercial, industrial, etc.); and

            3.   Table I of subsection (n) below.

         a.   Minimum acreage allowed shall be 1,000 acres with all of the acres to be located within the same watershed. Applicant shall provide an exhibit depicting all of the property/tracts and acreages that will be subject to the agreement;

         b.   The property/tracts subject to the agreement shall be separated by land use type, but shall not include single-family or two-family development. Applicant will provide exhibits for each land use type for the initial submittal and will update for subsequent submittals. Canopy requirements will be tracked by land use type;

         c.   The minimum canopy coverage for each tract described in an agreement shall be:

 

 

         d.   All of the acreage to be included in an agreement shall be under common ownership at the time of the agreement, under a currently approved overall Part One, or part of an approved concept plan or preliminary plat. A list shall be provided of any separate corporations to be included in an agreement documenting that all are part of the same parent company. The list shall be provided with the initial overall Part One submission and shall provide the filing number associated with the articles of incorporation filed with the Texas Secretary of State.

         e.   The overall Part One permit shall not expire for a period of 15 years and may be renewed for additional ten-year periods. Renewals will be approved administratively if the permit remains under the same terms and conditions of the original agreement approved by the city council or with amendments approved administratively. Progress shall be defined as the platting, permitting or vertical construction on the properties. The expiration period in subsection (j)(3)a.3. above shall apply to the individual Part One submissions. Individual Part One permits shall be defined as property/tracts that are submitted for approval after the date of execution of the agreement.

         f.   The agreement shall run with the land and properties which are included in the original agreement and subsequently sold shall remain under the terms of the agreement regardless of future ownership. The agreement shall be recorded in the real property records in the county which the property subject to the agreement is located. Recordation shall be the responsibility of the applicant, including the cost of recording fees. Within 14 days after execution and recordation, a copy of the recorded documentation shall be provided to the city. The Part One permit shall not be issued until the recorded copy is received.

         g.   Future acquired properties by the original applicant of the agreement may be included in the agreement after a recalculation of the canopy coverage and approval by staff if the conditions of this section are met. Acquired properties not included in the agreement shall be subject to the regulations of this section. Additional properties may not be included into the agreement within three years of the end of the initial term of the agreement. No properties shall be allowed to be added to the agreement during any renewal terms.

      (1)   If the urban forestry administrator, or other city official, refuses to accept or issue an urban forestry plan/permit, or if the applicant disagrees with the decision of city staff, the applicant may request an appeal of the decision to the urban design commission within ten days after the decision of city staff. The appeal shall be in writing and shall be transmitted to the executive secretary of the urban design commission within ten days after receipt of notification that the urban forestry administrator will not accept the urban forestry plan/permit.

      (2)   The urban design commission shall consider the appeal within 30 days after the appeal is received by the board's executive secretary or as soon thereafter as reasonably practical, unless the applicant requests a later hearing in writing. The urban design commission shall not release the applicant from the requirements of this ordinance, unless the applicant first presents credible evidence from which the urban design commission can reasonably conclude application of this ordinance to the applicant would be likely to deprive the applicant of rights protected by law.

      (3)   The urban design commission may take the following actions on an appeal:

         a.   Deny the appeal, in which case the urban forestry plan/permit shall not be accepted or granted;

         b.   Grant the appeal and direct the urban forestry administrator to accept and approve the urban forestry plan/permit; or

         c.   Grant the appeal subject to such provisions, conditions or limitations as deemed appropriate by the urban design commission.

      (4)   In no event shall acceptance of an application guarantee that the city will issue the urban forestry plan/permit, unless the permit application is in compliance with all applicable codes, laws and regulations.

      (5)   Appeals of the urban design commission will be heard in accordance with Section 2.102(g) of the Zoning Ordinance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Ord. 18615-05-2009, § 3, passed 5-12-2009; Ord. 24030-02-2020, § 22, passed 2-4-2020; Ord. 24838-05-2021, § 1, passed 5-11-2021, eff. 5-27- 2021; Ord. 27615-04-2025, § 1, passed 4-22-2025, eff. 5-9-2025)

   (a)   This article is enacted to provide uniform standards for the location, spacing, height, lighting and other regulation of signs within the City of Fort Worth. The purpose of this article is to protect the health, safety, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of the general public from injury which may be caused by the unregulated construction of signs.

   (b)   It is the intent of these regulations to achieve the following:

      (1)   Enhance the economic value of the landscape by avoiding visual clutter which is potentially harmful to property values and business opportunities:

      (2)   Promote the safety of persons and property by providing that signs do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, weather or decay;

      (3)   Protect the safety and efficiency of the city’s transportation network by reducing the confusion or distraction to motorists and enhancing motorists’ ability to see pedestrians, obstacles, other vehicles and traffic signs;

      (4)   Enhance the impression of the city which is conveyed to tourists and visitors;

      (5)   Protect adjacent and nearby properties from the impact of lighting, size, height and location of signs;

      (6)   Preserve, protect and enhance areas of historical, architectural, scenic and aesthetic value, regardless of whether they be cultural, natural or human-made; and

      (7)   Encourage the removal of off-premises signs from designated scenic, cultural, architectural or historic districts or corridors.

(Ord. 17872-11-2007, § 1, passed 11-6-2007; Ord. 18745-08-2009, § 1, passed 8-4-2009)

   This article is adopted with specific reference to the regulations contained in the Fort Worth sign code, Chapter 29, city code, and shall be enforced in conjunction with such code.

(Ord. 17872-11-2007, § 1, passed 11-6-2007; Ord. 18745-08-2009, § 2, passed 8-4-2009)

   (a)   Scenic preservation areas established. The following scenic preservation areas are hereby established based on their scenic, cultural, architectural or historic character. Generalized maps of these areas appear in Appendix B. For official maps of the districts, please contact the planning and development department. (See §§ 2.102 and 6.413(b).)

      (1)   Fort Worth stockyards national register historic district;

      (2)   Central business district scenic preservation area;

      (3)   Cultural district scenic preservation area;

      (4)   Medical district scenic preservation area;

      (5)   Fairmount/Southside historic district;

      (6)   Elizabeth Boulevard national register historic district;

      (7)   Circle Park conservation district;

      (8)   Grand Avenue national register historic district;

      (9)   Masonic widows orphans home historic district; and

      (10)   Kenwood Court historic district.

   (b)   Scenic preservation area boundaries. All scenic preservation area boundary lines shall be measured to the centerlines of all public or railroad rights-of-way bordering the areas.

   (c)   Scenic preservation corridors established. In addition to the areas established above, the following scenic preservation corridors are designated based on their scenic, cultural, architectural or historic character. (See Chapter 3, Article 5 and § 6.413(b)).

      (1)   Arterial scenic corridors. Arterial scenic corridors shall be measured 200 feet from each side of the public right-of-way of the following roadways:

         a.   North Main Street from the historic stockyards to downtown;

         b.   Lancaster Avenue from Camp Bowie Boulevard to South Beach Street;

         c.   University Drive/North Side Drive/Oakhurst Scenic Drive from Granbury Road to Belknap Street;

         d.   Camp Bowie Boulevard from University Drive to I-30 (West Freeway);

         e.   Hemphill Street from Allen Avenue south to Felix Street;

         f.   Jacksboro Highway from Lake Worth (100-year floodplain, 600 feet elevation above sea level) to the southerly end of Nine Mile Bridge Road and from 500 feet north of the Municipal Golf Course to North Side Drive;

         g.   Randol Mill Road/1st Street from Haltom Road east to Bridgewood Drive and from 0.25 miles east of Loop 820 East to John T. White Road;

         h.   East Berry Street from Mitchell Boulevard to Old Mansfield Highway;

         i.   South Hulen Street from Vickery Boulevard south to Loop 820 South;

         j.   Bryant Irvin Road from Vickery Boulevard south to Oakmont Boulevard;

         k.   Angle Avenue/Marine Creek Parkway from Loop 820 West (Jim Wright Freeway) to Northwest 28th Street;

         l.   Evans Avenue from Terrell Avenue to East Berry Street;

         m.   Horne Street from I-30 to Vickery Boulevard;

         n.   Amanda Avenue from Ramey Street to East Rosedale Street;

         o.   South Riverside Drive from I-30 (East Freeway) to Wichita Street;

         p.   4th Street from Downtown to South Riverside Drive;

         q.   East and West Rosedale from University Drive to Loop 820 East;

         r.   Seminary Drive from I-35W (South Freeway) to Wichita Street;

         s.   Vickery Boulevard from I-35W (South Freeway) to South Ayers Avenue;

         t.   White Settlement Road from University Drive to the city limits of Westworth Village; and

         u.   Trinity Railway Express corridor from the east Fort Worth city limit line west to Downtown.

      (2)   Freeway scenic corridors. Freeway scenic preservation corridors shall be measured 660 feet from each side of the public right-of-way of the following roadways:

         a.   I-35W (North Freeway) from 28th Street exit south to the centerline of the Trinity River;

         b.   I-30 (East Freeway) from Downtown east to Loop 820 East;

         c.   U.S. Hwy. 287 (Martin Luther King Freeway) from downtown southeast to Village Creek Road;

         d.   Loop 820 West (Jim Wright Freeway) from .25 miles north to .25 miles south of Lake Worth (100-year floodplain, 600 feet elevation above sea level);

         e.   Loop 820 East from .25 miles north of the first bridge abutment north of Mosier Lake to the southerly boundary of the 100-year floodplain of the West Fork of the Trinity River (approximately 150 feet); and

         f.   S.H. 121 (Chisholm Trail Parkway) from I-30 downtown to the southerly boundary of the city limits.

      (3)   Future scenic corridors. It is the intent of this section that in the event Jacksboro Highway (U.S. Hwy. 199) is widened, the width of the scenic corridor along Jacksboro Highway shall be increased to 660 feet wide from each side of the final alignment of the public right-of-way, after notice and hearing in accordance with § 2.102.

   (d)   Scenic preservation corridor boundaries. When a corridor designated under this section ends at an intersection with a right-of-way that is not designated as part of a corridor, the corridor shall terminate at the centerline of the non-designated right-of-way.

(Ord. 17872-11-2007, § 1, passed 11-6-2007; Ord. 21271-06-2014, § 1, passed 6-3-2014)

   The following signs are exempted from the requirements of this article and may be erected or constructed without a permit:

   (a)   Signs on vehicles or trailers, provided, however, signs on vehicles or trailers that are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying the sign are prohibited pursuant to § 6.405;

   (b)   Temporary signs, as follows:

      (1)   Temporary decorative flags; and

      (2)   Temporary signs erected in accordance with temporary banner policy administered by the transportation and public works department for signs in the public right-of-way, large banner policy administered by the park and recreation department for signs on park property, policy governing erection of banners on Main Street, and other temporary banner policies administered by city departments or their designees.

      (3)   a.   One temporary sign is permitted per business during its business hours subject to the following conditions:

            1.   The sign shall be displayed on private property within ten feet of the front door of the business or tenant space;

            2.   The sign shall not exceed eight square feet;

            3.   The sign shall not exceed 42 inches in height;

            4.   The sign shall be constructed of rigid weather resistant materials, and be kept in good condition;

            5.   The sign shall not be illuminated;

            6.   The sign shall not contain any moving elements;

            7.   The sign may not be located in the public open space easement (P.O.S.E.); and

            8.   The sign shall not impede, obstruct or interfere with the flow of pedestrian traffic on a sidewalk or access to entrance of a business.

         b.   Provided however, a temporary sign may be displayed in the public right-of-way without the necessity of obtaining city council approval under the following conditions:

            1.   There is not adequate space on the private property to place the sign;

            2.   The front door of the business is less than ten feet from the sidewalk edge or the curb, whichever is the closest to the business; and

            3.   The sign meets all of the criteria listed in subsection (b)(3)a.2. through (b)(3)a.8. above.

   (c)   Warning, security and directional signs for parking or vehicle access;

   (d)   Government signs, flags, insignia, legal notices or informational, directional or traffic signs;

   (e)   Political signs referring to the candidates or issues involved in a public election, subject to the following conditions:

      (1)   The sign is located on private real property with the consent of the property owner;

      (2)   The sign does not exceed eight feet in height;

      (3)   The sign may not have an effective area greater than 36 square feet;

      (4)   The sign shall not be illuminated; and

      (5)   The sign shall not contain any moving elements.

   (f)   Signs in windows subject to the following:

      (1)   Window signs may occupy a maximum of 25% of the window area on each building facade. However, signs exceeding 10% of the window area shall be included in the calculation of the maximum square footage of on-premise signage allowed as described in § 6.408(f);

      (2)   Window signs shall be limited to the first floor of a multi-story building; and

      (3)   Window area shall be calculated as described in § 6.406(c).

   (g)   Other than electrical, all signs not visible from off the property;

   (h)   Nameplate and street address signs not exceeding one square foot in area;

   (i)   One non-illuminated real estate sign, temporary in nature, advertising the sale or lease of real property on which the sign is located or announcing contemplated improvements of real property on which the sign is located; provided, however, that said sign shall not exceed eight square feet in area in any one- or two-family dwelling district or 60 square feet in area and eight feet in height in any other district; provided, further, however, on corner lots and through lots, one such sign, shall be allowed for each street on which the lot has frontage. The sign shall be removed within 30 days after the sale or occupancy of the property;

   (j)   One non-illuminated estate or garage sale sign, not to exceed two square feet in area, temporary in nature, advertising the sale of items on property for which a garage sale permit has been obtained. The sign shall be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends;

   (k)   One construction sign, not exceeding four square feet in area in any one- or two-family dwelling district or 40 square feet in area and 12 feet in height in any other district, denoting the owner, architect, financial institution, general contractor, subcontractor or any statement pertaining to the project on the real property on which the sign is located; provided, however, on corner lots and through lots, one such sign shall be allowed for each street on which the lot has frontage. The sign shall be removed within 30 days after completion of the project;

   (l)   “No Dumping,” “No Trespassing,” and “No Solicitation” signs;

   (m)   Noncommercial residential signs. In addition to the other noncommercial signs permitted by this article, a maximum of four signs not exceeding a total of 16 square feet in area may be erected on any lot used for residential purposes and may contain noncommercial copy. No one sign shall exceed eight square feet in area;

   (n)   Signs depicting or relating to a national, local or religious holiday or season if installed maintained or displayed for not more than 45 consecutive days;

   (o)   Signs designed and used in conjunction with aircraft;

   (p)   Signs of not more than two square feet with a ground clearance of not more than four feet within 20 feet of a driveway or other ingress/egress to private property which restricts parking on said property. Corners of this type of sign shall be mitered or rounded corner signs; and

   (q)   Signs erected by a public utility or transportation organization operating pursuant to a franchise agreement with the city, where such signs are erected or displayed for the purpose of public instruction, traffic control and similar uses incidental to the public interest.

(Ord. 17872-11-2007, § 1, passed 11-6-2007; Ord. 18745-08-2009, § 3, passed 8-4-2009; Ord. 19227-07-2010, §§ 1, 2, passed 7-13-2010)

   (a)   All temporary signs not previously exempted under § 6.403, including inflatable or balloon signs, portable signs on trailers and banners shall require a permit. Temporary signs are permitted only in the “CF” community facilities and “ER” neighborhood commercial restricted or less restrictive districts. Temporary signs must meet all requirements of the sign code (Chapter 29 of the city code), including permitting requirements:

      (1)   Signs, with the exception of inflatable or balloon signs, shall be a maximum size of 60 square feet;

      (2)   Only one such sign shall be allowed per business, not to exceed two signs per platted lot. On lots with more than 300 feet of street frontage, one sign shall be allowed per business, not to exceed three signs;

      (3)   No temporary signs shall be located within 100 feet of another temporary sign;

      (4)   One temporary portable sign or banner shall be permitted for a period of 30 consecutive days, provided only one sign or banner shall be permitted during the 30-day period and there must be at least 30 days between the display of each sign or banner; and

      (5)   Inflatable or balloons shall be allowed. Only 60 square feet of advertised message area shall be allowed on an inflatable or balloon regardless of the size of the inflatable or balloon. Only one inflatable or balloon sign shall be permitted for a period of 30 consecutive days, provided only one inflatable or balloon sign shall be permitted during the 30-day period and there must be at least 30 days between the display of each inflatable or balloon sign.

   (b)   For new residential developments, temporary subdivision signs shall be permissible, for the marketing of the residential subdivision, subject to the following provisions:

      (1)   Signs shall be a maximum size of 64 square feet with no more than two support posts;

      (2)   Sign shall be no taller than 20 feet; and

      (3)   Only one sign shall be located at an entrance to the subdivision, with a maximum of two signs allowed per residential subdivision.

(Ord. 17872-11-2007, § 1, passed 11-6-2007; Ord. 18078-05-2008, § 1, passed 5-6-2008; Ord. 18745-08-2009, § 4, passed 8-4-2009)

   The following signs are expressly prohibited within the City of Fort Worth:

   (a)   Off-premise signs, unless provisions for such signs are contained within these regulations;

   (b)   Signs erected in violation of city building, electrical or sign codes or other applicable local regulations;

   (c)   Signs erected in violation of federal or state law;

   (d)   Pole signs;

   (e)   Portable signs, except those allowed under §§ 6.403 and 6.404;

   (f)   Animated signs, flashing signs, running message, twinkle or running light signs, and revolving signs or any other sign that moves. Electronic changeable copy signs may be permitted by special exception from the board of adjustment in accordance with § 6.411 below;

   (g)   Signs illuminated to such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair vision. Lighting shall be shielded upward to prevent beams or rays from being directed at any portion of a traveled roadway or an occupied residential area. Nothing herein shall be construed to permit the lighting of signs near airports which would conflict with any regulations adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration in the furtherance of air safety. This requirement shall not apply to internally lit signs with a lighting intensity of less than 150-foot lamberts;

   (h)   Signs erected in or projecting into the public right-of-way unless an encroachment agreement is executed in accordance with the requirements of the sign code (Chapter 29 of the city code) and any other ordinances regulating encroachments;

   (i)   Signs on vehicles or trailers that are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying the sign. It shall be prima facie evidence that the primary purpose of a vehicle or trailer is to display a sign if the vehicle or trailer is parked on a site for a continuous period exceeding 72 hours;

   (j)   “V” type signs with a face that protrudes from the opposite face at an interior angle greater than 25 degrees. This restriction shall not be construed to prevent oval, cylindrical or box type signs; and

   (k)   Signs with sign structure larger than is reasonably necessary to support the sign.

(Ord. 17872-11-2007, § 1, passed 11-6-2007; Ord. 19227-07-2010, § 3, passed 7-13-2010)

   (a)   Measurement of detached signs. The sign area for a detached on-premises sign shall be the area included within vertical and horizontal line projections of the furthermost points of any logos, letters or other symbols, composed of the total area of the message, and any border, trim or surface upon which the message is displayed. One sign area will be calculated for a detached sign no matter how the message is displayed. The sign structure shall not be included in the sign area unless there is a sign displayed thereon.

   Box Sign

   Cylinder Sign

   Multi-Panel Flat Sign

   Multi-Surface Sign

   (b)   Measurement of attached signs. The sign area for an attached on-premise sign shall be the area included within the vertical and horizontal line projection of any logos, letters or other symbols intended to be read together, composed of the total area of the message and any border, trim or surface upon which the message is displayed. There may be several sign areas on the wall of a building depending upon how a sign is displayed.

   Single Panel Sign

   Multiple Panel Sign