Site Plan for Permit in Fort Worth, TX | Fast Drawings

If you need a site plan for a permit in Fort Worth, TX, the drawing should clearly show where your proposed project will sit in relation to property lines, existing buildings, setbacks, easements, streets, driveways and other site features.

Home additions, detached garages, storage buildings, carports, pools, raised decks and many other residential improvements require permits in Fort Worth. A complete site plan helps City reviewers understand the property and confirm whether the proposed work meets applicable zoning, access and development requirements.

What Is a Site Plan for a Fort Worth Permit?

A site plan is a scaled overhead drawing showing the layout of a property. It identifies the legal lot, existing improvements and proposed construction.

The City of Fort Worth identifies important site-plan elements such as:

• Property boundaries
• Existing and proposed structures
• Exact structure dimensions
• Setbacks and distances to property lines
• Recorded easements
• Driveways and vehicle-circulation areas
• Roadways and street names
• Alleys and sidewalks when applicable
• Parking areas where required
• Topographic, utility or civil information when required

Fort Worth explains that different City departments may use the site plan to review issues such as zoning, parking, access, utilities and fire access. Complete measurements can help prevent avoidable permit-processing delays.^[1]

For a broader Texas overview, read our guide explaining
how to get a plot plan in Texas for a building permit.

Fort Worth Residential Permit Document Checklist

A site plan is often only one part of the permit package. Before submitting, check the current application packet for your project type.

Depending on the work, Fort Worth may request some or all of the following:

• A completed permit application
• A certified recorded plat
• A survey or scaled site plan
• Existing and proposed floor plans
• Exterior elevation drawings
• Building sections and construction details
• An engineered foundation plan
• Structural engineering
• Mechanical, electrical and plumbing information
• Energy-code documentation
• Lot-drainage or grading information
• Urban Forestry documentation when applicable
• Floodplain or stormwater information when applicable
• Historic or design-district approval when applicable

Fort Worth’s current residential permit page separates the submittal requirements for new construction, additions, remodels, accessory structures and swimming pools. A complete set of plans is generally required for each of these permit categories.^[2]

The City’s new-residence and addition requirements specifically call for a certified plat and a survey or site plan showing lot lines, easements, front, side and rear setbacks, a north arrow and a drawing scale.^[3]

You can also compare your drawing against our
site plan checklist for permit approval
before submitting it.

When Might a Fort Worth Homeowner Need a Site Plan?

A site plan is commonly needed when a project adds a new structure, expands an existing building or changes how the property is used or accessed.

Projects that may require a site plan include:

• A new house
• A home addition
• A detached or attached garage
• A storage building or shed
• A carport
• A swimming pool or spa
• A deck or raised platform
• A patio cover, pergola or gazebo
• An outdoor fireplace
• A retaining wall
• A driveway approach or sidewalk change
• Another residential accessory structure

Fort Worth states that all additions and detached garages require building permits. Accessory structures such as storage buildings, pools and gazebos also require permits. Every carport requires a permit, and platforms, walks or decks more than six inches above grade require a building permit.^[4]

If your project is a pool, shed or fence, our
Texas plot plan guide for pools, sheds and fences
provides additional project-specific information.

What Should a Fort Worth Residential Site Plan Show?

The exact contents depend on the property and project, but a clear residential plan should normally address the following items.

Property Boundaries

The drawing should show the complete property outline and available lot dimensions. The boundaries establish the area in which the existing and proposed improvements are located.

A drafted site plan may be based on:

• A recorded plat
• An existing boundary survey
• Previous approved plans
• Property records
• Aerial imagery
• Customer-provided measurements
• Contractor or manufacturer drawings

However, a remotely drafted site plan does not independently locate, certify or redefine a legal property boundary.

Fort Worth recommends checking the documents received when the property was purchased because they may contain an existing survey or site plan. If reliable information is unavailable, the City suggests considering a licensed surveyor to obtain new property measurements.^[1]

Existing Buildings and Site Features

Show the relevant existing improvements on the property, including:

• The main dwelling
• Garages and carports
• Storage buildings and sheds
• Decks and raised platforms
• Patios, pergolas and covered areas
• Swimming pools and pool equipment
• Driveways and paved areas
• Walkways and sidewalks
• Retaining walls
• Fences and gates when relevant

Showing the current property layout helps reviewers understand how the new project will fit on the lot and whether existing structures affect setbacks, access, parking or buildable space.

Proposed Construction

The proposed work should be clearly labeled and visually different from the existing improvements.

The plan should generally show:

• The proposed structure’s width and length
• Its location within the lot
• Distances to the front, side and rear boundaries
• Distance to the existing house and other structures
• Whether the project is attached or detached
• New paving, driveways or access areas
• Structures or surfaces proposed for removal

Fort Worth’s site-plan guidance calls for existing and proposed structures to be shown with exact dimensions, together with lot dimensions and distances from the property lines to the project.^[1]

Setback Dimensions

A setback is the required distance between a building or structure and a property line, roadway, easement or another regulated feature.

Fort Worth does not use one residential setback for every property. The required yards can depend on:

• The zoning district
• The proposed use
• The structure type
• The building height and size
• Whether the structure contains habitable space
• The lot size and configuration
• Corner-lot conditions
• Adjacent zoning districts
• Historic or design overlays
• Recorded easements

The City advises owners to find the property’s zoning district and overlay districts on the official zoning map. The applicable district regulations can then be reviewed for required yards, lot size, permitted uses and other development standards.^[5]

Fort Worth’s site-plan review guidance also warns applicants to show the entire lot and provide dimensions from the proposed structure to the property lines. Incomplete or unclear information can lead to project holds and delays.^[6]

For a general explanation of how setbacks work, read
Property Setbacks Explained for Homeowners.

Recorded Easements

Utility, drainage, access and other recorded easements should be shown when they affect the lot.

A proposed building may not be allowed inside an easement even when it satisfies the ordinary zoning setback. Review the recorded plat, legal documents and any available survey before choosing the final project location.

Known easements may include:

• Utility easements
• Drainage easements
• Sanitary-sewer easements
• Access easements
• Rights of way
• Rights of carriageway

Driveways, Streets, Sidewalks and Alleys

The site plan should identify the adjoining street and show relevant driveways, alleys, sidewalks, curb connections and parking areas.

This information is especially important for:

• Detached garages
• Carports
• Driveway widening
• Corner lots
• Properties with alley access
• Projects that remove or change parking
• Projects affecting the driveway approach or sidewalk

Fort Worth distinguishes between driveway flatwork inside private property and work affecting the driveway approach or sidewalk in the public parkway. New or repaired driveway approaches and sidewalks require parkway permits obtained by a bonded contractor.^[4]

North Arrow and Drawing Scale

A north arrow orients the site. A written and graphic scale helps reviewers understand how the drawing relates to the actual property.

Fort Worth’s residential submittal requirements call for the site plan or survey to show lot lines, easements, front, side and rear setbacks, a north arrow and a scale.^[3]

Site Plan Requirements for Common Fort Worth Projects

Home Additions

All home additions require a building permit in Fort Worth. The site plan should show:

• The complete existing dwelling
• The proposed addition
• Property boundaries
• Applicable front, side and rear setbacks
• Distances from the addition to the lot boundaries
• Existing accessory structures
• Easements and drainage conditions
• Structures or walls proposed for demolition

The full permit package may also require floor plans, exterior elevations, structural information, mechanical, electrical and plumbing plans, energy documentation and foundation engineering.

Fort Worth states that additions over 500 square feet, special foundation designs and post-tension foundation plans require plans sealed by an engineer.^[3]

Detached Garages and Storage Buildings

All detached garages and storage buildings require building permits in Fort Worth. The allowed location, height, size and setbacks depend on the property’s zoning, lot size and whether the structure includes habitable space.^[4]

A useful garage or shed site plan should show:

• The proposed footprint
• Overall structure dimensions
• Rear and side setback dimensions
• Distance to the dwelling
• Distance to other accessory structures
• Driveway or alley access
• Relevant utility and drainage easements
• Any additional concrete or paving

Carports

Fort Worth requires a building permit for every carport, including fabric carports. A carport proposed in the front yard requires a special exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.^[4]

The site plan should clearly show:

• Carport length and width
• Supporting-post locations when available
• Connection to the existing dwelling, if attached
• Relationship to the driveway
• Distances to property lines
• Distance to existing structures
• Any proposed front-yard location

Decks, Platforms and Patio Covers

Platforms, walks and decks more than six inches above grade require a building permit in Fort Worth. Location requirements can vary according to the zoning classification.^[4]

A deck or patio-cover site plan may need to show:

• The proposed footprint
• Distance to property lines
• Connection to the house
• Stairs and landings
• Roof projections and gutters
• Supporting posts or columns
• Nearby easements
• Existing retaining walls
• Distance to pools or other structures

Swimming Pools and Spas

Swimming pools are residential accessory structures and require permits in Fort Worth. The complete package may include a site plan, structural plans, barrier information, equipment locations and electrical or plumbing documentation.

The site plan should normally show:

• The pool or spa outline
• Distances to property lines
• Distance to the house and other buildings
• Pool equipment and equipment pad
• Decking and paved areas
• Barrier and gate locations
• Known utility and drainage easements
• Overhead or underground utilities when applicable

Retaining Walls

Fort Worth requires a building permit for retaining walls more than four feet tall, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.^[4]

A retaining-wall site plan may need to show:

• The proposed wall location
• Wall length and maximum height
• Distances to boundaries and structures
• Existing and proposed ground levels
• Drainage behind the wall
• Nearby fences
• Utility and drainage easements

Driveways and Parking Modifications

Show the existing and proposed driveway, parking surface, garage or carport connection, sidewalk, street and alley access.

Work affecting a driveway approach, curb connection or sidewalk may require a separate parkway permit. Driveway work inside the private property does not necessarily use the same approval pathway.

Site Plan or Boundary Survey?

A drafted site plan and a licensed boundary survey serve different purposes.

A drafted site plan organizes available property records and project information into a clear drawing for planning or permit use. It does not independently establish legal property corners or certify the location of a boundary.

A licensed land surveyor may be needed when:

• No reliable recorded plat or survey is available
• The property corners cannot be located
• The proposed work is very close to a boundary
• Existing records are incomplete or inconsistent
• There is a boundary disagreement
• Accurate topographic information is required
• The City requests a current certified survey
• Legal boundary certification is required

Fort Worth’s site-plan review guidance states that permit applications for new structures, additions, pools, fences and accessory structures may require an official signed plat or legal deed showing property lines, setbacks and easements.^[6]

Ordering a drafted site plan does not replace a licensed survey when a survey is legally or technically required.

Floodplain and Drainage Conditions

Some Fort Worth properties are affected by mapped floodplains, locally identified flood-risk areas, drainage channels or other stormwater conditions.

Development in a regulated floodplain may require additional review and a floodplain development permit. New buildings and substantial improvements within identified Special Flood Hazard Areas may also require elevation documentation.

The City uses FEMA Elevation Certificates to document whether qualifying buildings are properly elevated. If the necessary certificate is not already on file, a licensed surveyor or engineer may need to prepare it.^[7]

A basic residential site plan can show the general layout, but it does not replace:

• A topographic survey
• An Elevation Certificate
• A drainage study
• A civil grading design
• Floodplain engineering
• Signed and sealed stormwater plans

Investigate drainage and flood conditions early when the property is close to a creek, drainage channel, mapped floodplain or low-lying area.

Grading, Lot Drainage and Tree Requirements

Projects involving substantial excavation, fill, clearing or changes to surface drainage may require more than a basic building site plan.

Fort Worth administers a separate grading-permit process for qualifying land-disturbance work. Depending on the property and project, the review may involve drainage studies, floodplain approval, civil plans, stormwater requirements and Urban Forestry review.^[8]

New residence and addition packages also include lot-drainage requirements that should be coordinated with the site plan and foundation design.

Urban Forestry requirements can apply to new construction, grading, clearing, paving and other land-development work. The City’s current residential permit table identifies an Urban Forestry Permit for applicable projects where common ownership equals one acre or more. Infill and other tree requirements may still affect smaller residential lots.^[9]

When trees affect the proposed project, additional information may be required showing:

• Existing tree locations
• Protected trees
• Tree-protection areas
• Limits of clearing
• Areas of paving or fill
• Trees proposed for removal
• Replacement planting

Historic Properties and Design Districts

Additional review may be required when a property is located in a historic, cultural, form-based or urban-design district.

Fort Worth states that exterior alterations, additions, accessory structures, new construction and demolition affecting historic properties require a Certificate of Appropriateness before the related building permit is obtained.^[10]

The zoning and overlay maps should be reviewed before finalizing the project. A structure that meets ordinary residential setback rules may still need to comply with separate design, preservation or streetscape standards.

How Fort Worth Permit Documents Are Submitted

Fort Worth accepts residential permit applications through its online permitting system. Applicants can submit applications, upload documents, pay fees, review comments and upload corrected plan sets electronically.

The City’s online submission guidance explains that revised plans submitted in response to review comments should be uploaded as a complete corrected plan set in the appropriate format.^[11]

Before starting the application, collect:

• The complete property address
• The project description
• The correct application packet
• The site plan and other required drawings
• Project square footage
• Estimated construction value
• Contractor or homestead-permit information
• Contact information for the person responding to review comments

Fort Worth provides separate printable packets and checklists for new construction, additions, remodels, residential accessory structures and swimming pools.^[2]

How the USA Site Plans Process Works

Many straightforward residential site plans can be prepared remotely using available records and information supplied by the owner, contractor or designer.

1. Place your order. Use the online order page and select the appropriate site-plan option.
2. Provide the property address. We review available property, mapping and aerial information.
3. Describe the project. Explain what is being built and provide the proposed dimensions.
4. Mark the proposed location. Send measurements, photographs, a hand sketch, contractor plans or a marked aerial image.
5. Upload an existing survey or plat. Reliable source documents can improve the accuracy and detail of the drawing.
6. Review your completed plan. Check the property information, dimensions and project location before submitting it.
7. Request any needed edits. Free revisions are included when permit reviewers request reasonable site-plan corrections.

The accuracy of a remotely prepared site plan depends on the accuracy of the records, measurements, surveys, sketches and project information supplied.

What Should You Send With Your Order?

Helpful information includes:

• The complete property address
• A description of the proposed project
• The proposed width and length
• The preferred location on the property
• Distances from the proposed work to nearby lot lines
• Photographs of the project area
• A hand-drawn sketch or marked aerial image
• Contractor or manufacturer drawings
• An existing survey or recorded plat
• Known easements
• Any grading or drainage information
• Any correction comments already received from Fort Worth

Tips for a Smoother Fort Worth Permit Review

• Confirm that the property is inside Fort Worth’s permitting jurisdiction.
• Check the zoning district and every applicable overlay.
• Use the current application packet for your project type.
• Show the entire lot rather than only the immediate project area.
• Clearly distinguish existing, proposed and demolition work.
• Provide dimensions for the proposed structure.
• Show the shortest distances to all relevant property lines.
• Review the recorded plat and easements before choosing the project location.
• Confirm whether a current boundary survey is needed.
• Investigate floodplain, grading, drainage and tree conditions early.
• Make sure the site plan agrees with the floor plans and engineering.
• Upload a complete corrected plan set when responding to reviewer comments.

For additional guidance, see
what reviewers check first on a site plan
and
how to get your site plan approved faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Fort Worth site plan be prepared without visiting the property?

For many straightforward residential projects, yes. A plan can often be prepared using a recorded plat, existing survey, property records, aerial imagery, photographs and measurements supplied by the customer.

A field survey may be needed when reliable boundary information is unavailable, accurate elevations are required or the City asks for certified measurements.

Does every Fort Worth permit require a site plan?

No. The required documents depend on the project. Interior cosmetic work does not usually need the same site information as an addition, garage, storage building, carport, pool or raised deck.

Will a drafted site plan guarantee permit approval?

No. Approval is controlled by the City of Fort Worth and any other reviewing authorities. Reviewers may request corrections, a certified plat, boundary survey, engineering, grading information, drainage plans, tree documentation, floodplain information or other supporting documents.

Can the plan show a garage, addition, pool, shed or carport?

Yes. The proposed footprint can be added when you provide reliable dimensions, location information and distances from the nearby property lines.

Can a drafted plan establish my legal property line?

No. A drafted site plan uses available property information but does not establish or legally certify a boundary. Hire a licensed land surveyor when legal boundary certification is required.

How do I find the setback for my Fort Worth property?

Start by checking the official zoning map for the property’s zoning district and overlays. Then review the applicable district regulations and supplemental-use standards. Confirm the final requirements with Fort Worth Development Services before construction.

Can an existing survey be used for the site plan?

Often, yes. A clear existing survey can provide valuable boundary, easement and structure information. It should first be checked to make sure it still matches the current property.

What happens if the site plan does not match the floor plan?

The reviewer may request corrected documents. The proposed dimensions, building position and project description should remain consistent across the site plan, floor plan, elevations and engineering sheets.

Do I need engineering with the site plan?

That depends on the project. Foundations, additions, retaining walls, pools and structural building work may require plans prepared or sealed by a qualified engineer. The site plan shows location; it does not replace structural design.

Can a basic residential plan be used for a commercial development?

A basic site plan may assist with early planning, but commercial and complex developments commonly require surveying, engineering, utilities, drainage, fire access, parking, landscaping and signed or sealed professional drawings.

Official Fort Worth Resources

1. 
   City of Fort Worth: Site Plans
   
2. 
   City of Fort Worth: Residential Building Permits
   
3. 
   City of Fort Worth: New Residence and Addition Submittal Requirements
   
4. 
   City of Fort Worth: Residential Permitting Information
   
5. 
   City of Fort Worth: Zoning Ordinance and Map Guidance
   
6. 
   City of Fort Worth: Site Plan Review
   
7. 
   City of Fort Worth: Floodplain and Stormwater Review
   
8. 
   City of Fort Worth: Grading Permit Process
   
9. 
   City of Fort Worth: Urban Forestry
   
10. 
    City of Fort Worth: Historic Preservation
    
11. 
    City of Fort Worth: Online Document Submittal Guide
    

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, zoning or permitting advice. Requirements vary according to the property, zoning district, overlay, project type, easements, floodplain conditions and current City of Fort Worth rules. A drafted site plan does not replace a licensed boundary survey or professional engineering when either is required. Confirm current requirements with Fort Worth Development Services before submitting an application.