Make Sure Your Carport Meets City Requirements
The Fort Worth City Council has approved a grandfather clause regarding existing carports, providing owners a window of time to obtain a permit and make illegal carports legal.
Beginning Sept. 1, 2004, both the Code Compliance Department and the Development Department Inspection Division will issue notices and citations for any carports that do not have a permit.
Why do I need a permit?
Once a permit is obtained, your existing side or rear yard carport may remain regardless if it violates setbacks, placement and/or size.
However, should the carport be destroyed or removed, any new construction would have to follow current ordinance requirements.
The city encourages owners to know the latest requirements to avoid citations and expensive fines.
All Carports Constructed before January 18, 2003
·Owners must obtain a building permit by September 1, 2004, in order for the carport to be considered legal. After the September deadline, owners will be given a double penalty fee for building a structure without a building permit.
·Owners will not be required to go before the Board of Adjustment for violating any rear and side yard setback requirements
All Front Yard Carports
·Owners must go before the Board of Adjustment and request a special exception for existing and proposed front yard carports.
The special exception fee for existing front yard carports will be waived if the application is received before September 1, 2004. The special exception fee for proposed front yard carports is $150.
Reminder
All carports are subject to the city's building code requirements and may be inspected regardless of when the carport was constructed.
Residents should bring their carport plans to the Development Department to determine if the carport meets fire, building code and property-line setback requirements for the particular zoning district in which it will be built.
If you have questions or for more information about amendments to the revised carport ordinance call 817-392-2414 or 817-392-8029.