Development Regulations and Engineering Standards

Development Regulations Manual and Engineering Standards Manual

NOTE: Tarrant County does not have the authority under state law to implement or enforce zoning, so our department does not issue zoning verification letters. If you need written confirmation that there is no zoning in the unincorporated areas, please refer to the Guidelines for Development letter above.

Development in unincorporated Tarrant County is subject to the Tarrant County Development Regulations Manual and the Engineering Standards Manual. These manuals contain, but are not limited to, the following information.

· Platting procedures

· Subdivision requirements

· Minimum roadway sections and construction standards

· Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SW3P)

· Drainage requirements

· Construction and Maintenance Bonds

· Other applicable regulations affecting development in unincorporated Tarrant County

All plats for property located in the unincorporated area of Tarrant County and outside of a municipality’s Extra-territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) require the completion of a Plat Application. Once the Plat Application is deemed complete, the Tarrant County Transportation Services Department will review the plat and provide comments related to any revisions that may be required before the plat can be approved. The plats and all required documents as stated in the Development Regulations Manual should be delivered to the Transportation Services Department at 100 E. Weatherford St. Suite 401, Fort Worth, Texas 76196. Plats for property located within a municipality’s ETJ require approval by the respective municipality before they can be approved by Tarrant County. Please contact the respective municipality regarding their submittal process.

Please note that Tarrant County does NOT issue building permits or certificates of occupancies. We encourage all home buyers to obtain an inspection report to ensure state codes and regulations have been met. A permit for a septic system may be required and can be obtained through the Tarrant County Public Health Department at 817-321-4969.

The Development Regulations Manual and the Engineering Standards Manual are administered through Court Order No. 141911. Our inspectors enforce the regulations and assist citizens of Tarrant County through engagement with developers, engineers, contractors, utility companies and various municipalities. A hard copy of these regulations may be obtained by contact Transportation Services at 817-884-1250.

If you are interested in developing in unincorporated Tarrant County, we strongly encourage you to contact our Development Coordinator, Nicole Benoit, at 817-212-7202.