Development

The Development Division regulates the platting and subdivision of land within Tarrant County's jurisdictions, in this case the unincorporated areas. Our staff is dedicated to assisting constituents and developers on their projects in a courteous and timely manner. Making sure all local and county regulations are followed.

Development in the unincorporated areas of Tarrant County presents unique opportunities and responsibilities for landowners, developers, and builders. Unlike incorporated municipalities, unincorporated Tarrant County does not enforce zoning regulations, but it does maintain a robust framework of development standards to ensure public safety, infrastructure integrity, and environmental stewardship.

For a quick overview, please refer to Guidelines for Development.

Tarrant County development is governed by two primary documents:

• The Development Regulations Manual
• The Engineering Standards Manual

These manuals outline requirements for subdivision design, roadway construction, drainage, stormwater management, and utility coordination. Both manuals should serves as guidelines for any development in the unincorporated. This includes, but is not limited to, the Platting Process.

Before development can proceed, landowners must submit a Plat Application to the Tarrant County Transportation Department. Plats must comply with subdivision regulations and are required for any division of land into two or more parts. If the property lies within a city's Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), the plat must first be approved by that municipality before County review.

Construction in unincorporated Tarrant County follows specific permitting and inspection requirements. While residential building permits are not required, homes built for resale must post a notice and be inspected. Additional permits are needed for floodplain development and stormwater control on sites over one acre, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

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.