Curb Obstruction & Encroachment Complaints - Fort Worth

Transportation Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Fort Worth, Texas property owners and managers can report curb obstructions and encroachments that block sidewalks, gutters, or the public right-of-way. This guide explains the typical municipal routes for filing a complaint, how enforcement works, what permits may apply, and practical steps to resolve conflicts involving fences, landscaping, driveways, or private fixtures placed in the public way.

Penalties & Enforcement

Primary legal authority for obstructions and encroachments is contained in the City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances and related right-of-way rules; specific penalty figures are not specified on the cited page.code[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; the municipal code provides enforcement authority but dollar amounts or per-day rates are not shown on the general code page cited.[1]
  • Escalation: the code allows notices, orders to abate, and continuing violations procedures; specific first/repeat ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement may include removal orders, liens for abatement costs, and referral to municipal court or civil actions as authorized by the code.
  • Enforcers: Code Compliance and Transportation or Right-of-Way staff investigate complaints and issue orders; file a report via the city complaint or permit channels referenced below.right-of-way permit info[2]
  • Appeals: the code and municipal procedures specify appeal or review routes to administrative officials or municipal court; time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited general code page.[1]
Start by documenting the obstruction with dated photos and location details.

Applications & Forms

Work that places items in the public right-of-way typically requires a right-of-way or encroachment permit; the city publishes permit guidance and application steps on its Transportation/Permits pages.permit page[2]

  • Permit name: Right-of-Way/Encroachment Permit (official application details and any fee schedule are on the city permit pages cited; exact form number or published flat fee is not specified on the cited permit page).[2]
  • Deadlines: emergency removals are immediate; permit approval timelines depend on application complexity and are not listed as fixed days on the cited page.[2]
  • Fees: fee amounts, if any, are published with the permit application when required; if no fee appears on the permit guidance, it is not specified on the cited page.[2]

Common Violations & Typical Outcomes

  • Items blocking sidewalk or accessible ramps (plantings, storage): ordered removed; possible abatement and cost recovery.
  • Unpermitted driveway work or curb cuts extending into the right-of-way: required removal or permit and mitigation.
  • Permanent fixtures (fences, retaining walls) built partially on public right-of-way: may require encroachment permit or removal.
Permits are generally required before placing permanent structures in the public right-of-way.

FAQ

How do I report a curb obstruction in Fort Worth?
Contact Code Compliance or file a right-of-way complaint through the Transportation/Permits portal; include photos, address, and a description of the obstruction.
Will the city remove the obstruction for me?
The city can order removal or abate hazards; owners may be charged for abatement costs and possible fines according to municipal enforcement procedures.
Can I get a permit for a fence or landscaping that touches the curb?
Yes—permanent encroachments usually require a right-of-way or encroachment permit; consult the Transportation permits page for application steps.

How-To

  1. Document the issue: take dated photos from multiple angles and note the exact address or nearest intersection.
  2. Contact Code Compliance or Transportation staff to report the obstruction and ask about permit status.
  3. If applicable, prepare and submit a right-of-way or encroachment permit application with drawings and proof of ownership.
  4. Comply with any removal or mitigation order; if you disagree, follow the appeal steps in the municipal notice or consult municipal court.
  5. Pay any assessed abatement costs or fines as directed by the enforcement notice to avoid liens or additional penalties.

Key Takeaways

  • Always document obstructions and act quickly to request review or a permit.
  • Most permanent work in the right-of-way requires a permit; check the city permit page before you build.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Fort Worth Code of Ordinances - municipal code and chapters related to streets, sidewalks, and public places
  2. [2] City of Fort Worth Transportation - Right-of-Way and permit information

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