Patio Permit in Fort Worth, Texas
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
A flat, at-grade patio slab generally falls inside the exemption for platforms and walks not more than 6 inches above grade. A raised patio deck more than 6 inches above grade needs a permit, and a patio cover or any roofed patio structure needs a building permit as an accessory structure.
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
Fort Worth does not publish a patio-specific permit page, so the answer comes from two adopted rules. The Building Administrative Code exempts platforms, walks, and decks not more than 6 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below, which is what an at-grade patio slab is. A patio cover is a different animal: the Fort Worth Residential Code adds Section R332, which defines a patio cover as a one-story structure not exceeding 12 feet in height that may be detached from or attached to a dwelling and used only for recreational, outdoor living purposes and not as a carport, garage, storage room, or habitable room, and the city's residential permitting page states that all accessory structures require a building permit.
Typical threshold: height of the patio platform or walk above grade; a patio cover is a separate accessory structure regardless of the slab height.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
When a permit is usually needed
A flat, at-grade patio slab generally falls inside the exemption for platforms and walks not more than 6 inches above grade. A raised patio deck more than 6 inches above grade needs a permit, and a patio cover or any roofed patio structure needs a building permit as an accessory structure.
What a patio permit costs in Fort Worth
How Fort Worth compares in Texas
That is the strictest patio permit threshold among the Texas jurisdictions we have verified: Arlington and El Paso allow up to 30.
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington | It depends | height of an uncovered patio above grade at any point |
| Corpus Christi | It depends | Every attached patio cover or carport needs a permit regardless of size; a detached patio cover or carport needs one once it is larger than 200 square feet. |
| Dallas | It depends | detached patio covers of 200 sq ft or less on single-family or duplex premises are exempt; attached patio covers and those over 200 sq ft require a permit |
| El Paso | It depends | Concrete work more than 30 inches above grade, or concrete that will support a structure, requires a permit; a detached patio cover is permitted under the city's porches and canopies entry. |
| Fort Worththis page | It depends | height of the patio platform or walk above grade; a patio cover is a separate accessory structure regardless of the slab height |
| Houston | It depends | patio covers and enclosed patios require a permit; unroofed ground-level concrete slabs generally do not; impervious cover limits may trigger additional review |
| Lubbock | It depends | A patio cover or other patio structure attached to the residence is an addition and is permitted regardless of square footage. |
Closest patio permit thresholds outside Texas
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest Fort Worth's 6 inches above grade.
- Aurora, Colorado, height above grade of an uncovered concrete patio at which a permit is required
How to apply in Fort Worth
Applying for a patio permit means submitting a site plan and framing plans for a roofed patio cover, since a cover is treated as its own permitted structure regardless of size. A plain concrete or paver patio slab at or near grade is, by contrast, often exempt from that same building permit requirement.
What most patio permit applications include:
- Filing a permit application with the local building department, which only the property owner or an authorized agent may sign, since a patio cover is treated as its own permitted structure regardless of size (IRC R105.1).
- A scaled site plan showing the new patio cover's size and location relative to the house and other existing structures, with dimensioned distances to all property lines so required setbacks can be verified before the permit is approved (IRC R106.2).
- Construction documents such as a framing plan and elevation, showing rafter or beam sizes and spacing, the distance between supporting posts, and the method of attachment to the house, drawn with enough clarity for the building official to confirm the work will conform to the code (IRC R106.1).
- For the roof structure itself, plans showing compliance with the patio cover appendix's structural limits, such as adequate footing sizes for the applied post loads, since a shallow slab on grade may substitute for a deeper footing only in limited cases up to about 750 pounds of load per post (IRC Appendix AH, Section AH105.2).
- By contrast, an at grade concrete or paver patio that is not attached to the dwelling and stays within the code's small flatwork thresholds, similar to a sidewalk, driveway, or low deck under 200 square feet and 30 inches high, commonly needs no building permit at all, so none of the plan review steps above apply (IRC R105.2).
General submittal guidance from 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), Sections R105 and R106, with Appendix AH Patio Covers (named Appendix H in the 2012, 2015, and 2018 editions). Source. City of Fort Worth Development Services Department sets the exact checklist for Fort Worth.
Where to apply in Fort Worth:
City of Fort Worth Development Services Department
- New City Hall, 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76102
- Phone: 817-392-2222
- Email: DevCustomerService@fortworthtexas.gov
Inspections and closing out your permit
A permitted patio cover follows the same footing, frame, and final inspection sequence used for any small accessory structure, since the posts and roof framing have to be checked before they are covered and again once the work is done. An at grade patio slab that qualifies as exempt flatwork usually needs no building inspection at all, because inspections only attach to work that required a permit in the first place.
- A footing inspection once the excavation, forms, and any reinforcing steel are in place but before concrete is poured, confirming the posts supporting a patio cover will bear on adequate footings (IRC R109.1.1).
- A frame inspection after the rafters, beams, posts, and any required rough in work are in place but before the roof sheathing or covering material conceals them, since a solid patio cover roof cannot be signed off once it is covered without this check (IRC R109.1.4).
- A final inspection once all permitted work, including roofing and post anchorage, is complete, which the code requires before the structure may be used (IRC R109.1.6).
- An at grade concrete or paver patio that qualifies as exempt flatwork under the permit rules is not subject to any of these inspection stages, since the inspection sequence only attaches to work that required a permit in the first place (IRC R105.2).
- Each inspection has to be requested by the permit holder rather than happening automatically, and the approved plans and permit card need to be on site and available when the inspector arrives (IRC R109.3).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Fort Worth permit portal or by phone at 817-392-2222.
Inspection sequence from 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), Section R109 (Inspections). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Patio Permit checklist for Fort Worth
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: height of the patio platform or walk above grade; a patio cover is a separate accessory structure regardless of the slab height. Usually needed: A flat, at-grade patio slab generally falls inside the exemption for platforms and walks not more than 6 inches above grade. A raised patio deck more than 6 inches above grade needs a permit, and a patio cover or any roofed patio structure needs a building permit as an accessory structure.
- Budget the fee. No patio-specific line item is published. A patio cover is a Group U accessory structure billed on new square footage under Table 1-C-4 ($96.84 for 0 to 175 square feet, or $58.10 where the accessory-to-existing-R-3 footnote applies), and patio work done as part of a remodel is billed under Table 1-A-1 by number of trades, minimum $112.50 for 1 trade. Add the $31.50 permit application fee and the $16.87 technology fee. Per Ordinance No. 27191-09-2024, effective October 1, 2024. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. Applying for a patio permit means submitting a site plan and framing plans for a roofed patio cover, since a cover is treated as its own permitted structure regardless of size. A plain concrete or paver patio slab at or near grade is, by contrast, often exempt from that same building permit requirement. Start at the Fort Worth permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. City of Fort Worth Development Services Department. Phone: 817-392-2222. Address: New City Hall, 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76102.
- Plan for inspections. A permitted patio cover follows the same footing, frame, and final inspection sequence used for any small accessory structure, since the posts and roof framing have to be checked before they are covered and again once the work is done. An at grade patio slab that qualifies as exempt flatwork usually needs no building inspection at all, because inspections only attach to work that required a permit in the first place.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a patio permit in Fort Worth?
- Fort Worth does not publish a patio-specific permit page, so the answer comes from two adopted rules. The Building Administrative Code exempts platforms, walks, and decks not more than 6 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below, which is what an at-grade patio slab is. A patio cover is a different animal: the Fort Worth Residential Code adds Section R332, which defines a patio cover as a one-story structure not exceeding 12 feet in height that may be detached from or attached to a dwelling and used only for recreational, outdoor living purposes and not as a carport, garage, storage room, or habitable room, and the city's residential permitting page states that all accessory structures require a building permit. Height of the patio platform or walk above grade; a patio cover is a separate accessory structure regardless of the slab height. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a patio permit cost in Fort Worth?
- No patio-specific line item is published. A patio cover is a Group U accessory structure billed on new square footage under Table 1-C-4 ($96.84 for 0 to 175 square feet, or $58.10 where the accessory-to-existing-R-3 footnote applies), and patio work done as part of a remodel is billed under Table 1-A-1 by number of trades, minimum $112.50 for 1 trade. Add the $31.50 permit application fee and the $16.87 technology fee. Per Ordinance No. 27191-09-2024, effective October 1, 2024. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- How long does a patio permit take in Fort Worth?
- In Fort Worth, a patio permit typically takes 7 business days for first review comments on a residential building permit. Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.
- Where do you apply for a patio permit in Fort Worth?
- You can apply through the Fort Worth permit portal or contact the City of Fort Worth Development Services Department directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a patio permit themselves in Fort Worth?
- Under Texas law (Tex. Occupations Code 1305.003(a)(6), 1301.051; Tex. Local Government Code 233.157(c)): Texas licenses individual construction trades rather than general contractors, so no state statute requires a license to act as your own general contractor on your own house. For electrical work, the state licensing law does not apply to work performed in or on a dwelling by a person who owns and resides in it, but only where no municipal ordinance specifically regulates that work, so city electrical licensing and permit rules still control inside city limits (Occupations Code 1305.003(a)(6)). For plumbing, a property owner does not need a state license to perform plumbing in the owner's homestead (Occupations Code 1301.051). In opt-in counties' unincorporated areas, an individual who builds their own house or acts as their own contractor is exempt from the Class C misdemeanor penalty for inspection notice failures if they intend to use the home as their primary residence (Local Government Code 233.157(c)). None of these exemptions waive local permit or inspection requirements where they apply. Confirm how Fort Worth applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Fort Worth
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | It depends | height of the platform, walk or deck above grade, and whether it sits over a basement or story below | No deck-specific line item is published. |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Billed per item on the Schedule of Electrical Fees, Table 1-J: services and subpanels 60... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | height of a solid fence, with open wire fences without slats exempt up to 8 feet | The Development Fee Schedule publishes no residential fence line item. |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Billed per unit on the Schedule of Mechanical Fees, Table 1-H: forced air heating... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Billed per fixture on the Schedule of Plumbing Fees, Table 1-I: first fixture or... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | capacity of a prefabricated pool accessory to a single-family dwelling and installed entirely above ground | The Schedule of Electrical Fees, Table 1-J, carries a flat "Swimming pools: $53.79" line. |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | whether any decking, sheathing, lathing boards, rafters, or ridge boards are replaced | A reroof that needs a permit is residential remodel work billed under Table 1-A-1 by... |
| Shed Permit | Permit required | Not specified | A shed is a Group U accessory structure billed on new square footage under Table 1-C-4:... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | The Schedule of Mechanical Fees, Table 1-H, carries a "Solar energy system: $59.18"... |
Patio Permit in other Texas localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Fort Worth documents; the office above sets the local rules.
Verified by a person against the sources above on , not confirmed with City of Fort Worth Development Services Department. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare
Patio Permit across Texas