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Fort Worth
Texas is shaking up Fort Worth's housing rules, meaning your neighborhood could look different soon! New state laws are forcing the city to update its zoning and building regulations, so expect changes in how homes are designed and where they can go.
At a glance
Stable — consistent level of discussion. 2 mentions in the last 30 days, 8 the 60 before, 13 the 90 before that.
Parking deficits can limit the viability of small businesses or require costly off-site agreements.
Residents who value walkable neighborhoods.
Small business owners who may struggle to meet rigid parking standards.
The commission debated whether strict parking requirements are appropriate for neighborhood-scale restaurants, with some commissioners arguing for flexibility in walkable areas.
A house located in the Ryan Place neighborhood listed for sale on Nov. 27, 2024. (Camilo Diaz | Fort Worth Report) " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/House_CamiloDiaz-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" /...
Residents are concerned that new commercial and industrial projects, like car washes and warehouses, are being placed too close to homes, causing noise and traffic issues.
A South Carolina developer proposes a trade school at the former site of a northwest Fort Worth church. (Eric E. Garcia | Fort Worth Report) " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/47730.jpeg?fit=780%2C585&...
House Bill 2844, which became law on July 1, would require the Department of State Health Services to issue a statewide permit for all licensed mobile food vendors.
The board discussed how strict size limits on backyard structures can be difficult for homeowners, especially when they are trying to accommodate family needs.
The 21st Century Road to Housing Act will speed up building homes, easier use of housing vouchers, and help for underserved communities and veterans.
electric scooters Original caption: A person pushes past a row of electric scooters outside of the Disney Concert Hall Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) " data-image-caption="A person pushes past a row of electric ...
The city is deciding how to spend $10 million on housing. The goal is to balance single-family homeownership with multi-family rentals while making sure the money helps people across the whole city.
The city requires specific parking counts based on bedroom totals. Homeowners adding bedrooms must ensure they have enough off-street parking, which can be difficult on older lots.
The developer is scaling back a project from townhomes to single-family homes. This means less traffic and fewer neighbors than originally planned for that specific section.
The commission reviewed several new home construction projects in historic districts. The goal is to ensure new houses look like they belong in the neighborhood while still allowing for modern construction.
New state laws are changing how Fort Worth handles density and housing. The city is working to balance these state requirements with local neighborhood protections.
Cowan Place, pictured on Oct. 9, 2025, is a Fort Worth Housing Solutions property that provides affordable housing opportunities in the Stop Six neighborhood. (Maria Crane | Fort Worth Report/CatchLight Local/Report for America) "...
A new “build-to-rent” townhome development may be coming to southeast Arlington, next door to a gas well site. Here’s what we know
27 homes are proposed for the “Matthew Meadows Estates.” The zoning change amendment will be considered at a public hearing May 14.
There are parcels of vacant land near busy train stop.
Plans include new countertops, flooring, appliances, a clubhouse, and landscaping.
A developer sought a waiver to build townhomes on a street with a narrower cross-section than typically required, arguing it's consistent with existing development in the area and necessary to make the lot developable.
The city is looking to fund new affordable housing projects by issuing bonds. This could mean more housing options for low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
A property owner is seeking a variance for a narrower lot width than required by zoning. This is due to a neighbor's encroachment, which complicates development and requires a replat. The issue highlights challenges with property boundaries and development on existing lots.
A developer wanted to place some required parking for a duplex in front of the building, which goes against zoning rules. This issue highlights the tension between development needs and parking regulations, especially in denser areas.
The commission approved two new residential construction projects with conditions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining neighborhood character through specific design elements like window styles, porch proportions, and garage placement.
Multiple applications involve rezoning between residential and neighborhood commercial designations. This reflects ongoing shifts in land use and the demand for local services versus residential preservation.
A $10 million proposition is dedicated to affordable housing. Residents have raised concerns about the potential for fraud and lack of accountability in how these funds will be managed.
A variance request to allow alcohol sales within 300 feet of a church was denied, upholding existing zoning regulations.
City Council denies auto shop proposed between north Fort Worth neighborhoods Fort Worth Report
A $10 million proposition is dedicated to affordable housing. The city is exploring various policy-designated areas for investment, but specific locations have not yet been designated.
A new proposition dedicates $10 million to affordable housing, aiming to create homeownership and rental opportunities for low-to-moderate income households. This marks a new focus for the city's bond funding.
A developer is seeking variances for lot width, lot area, and front yard setback to build a new home on a small lot. This case was continued from a previous meeting.
A developer needed a waiver to plat lots that fronted on two streets, which is not standard practice. The commission approved this to allow for flexibility in development.
The commission is reviewing proposed changes to the "O-1" Floodplain District, which could alter the purpose and the types of activities allowed in these sensitive areas.
The city is considering how to zone medical marijuana dispensaries and related facilities. Staff recommends treating dispensaries like pharmacies in commercial areas, but wants to restrict cultivation and processing to industrial zones. This aims to address potential neighborhood concerns and provide clearer regulations.
Several zoning cases were discussed, continued, approved, or denied. A key denial involved an auto repair shop near a floodplain, citing environmental concerns.
Proposed text amendments to the floodplain zoning classification were presented for discussion. These changes aim to update regulations related to flood-prone areas.
A social work student inquired about the city's plans to address rising rent costs and systemic causes of homelessness, and to create more affordable housing options.
The board reviewed a request to allow an existing carport to remain within the front yard setback. This type of request often arises when homes lack garages and residents seek protection for their vehicles.
A debate arose over the fairness of vacating public right-of-way for one property owner's expansion when a neighboring property owner also has frontage and development potential. This highlights concerns about equitable distribution of city resources and land.
Several other zoning changes were approved, including a rezoning for a wedding venue and RV parking, a corporate office, and a retail/hydraulic shop, reflecting diverse development needs across the city.
The commission reviewed and approved one new residence while denying another in historic districts. Decisions focused on ensuring new construction aligns with the existing context, scale, and architectural style of the surrounding historic neighborhoods.
The audit found the city has processes for tree mitigation fees but noted a manual system in the Parks Department with less accountability. Recommendations include automating the process and clarifying fee assessment rules.
The council reviewed recommendations for supporting affordable housing projects through tax credit applications, a process that requires adherence to city policy.
The commission approved significant changes to the infill development ordinance. These amendments aim to provide more flexibility and streamline processes for development within the city's existing urban areas, impacting how new construction integrates with established neighborhoods.
Fort Worth City Council approves adding distances between liquor, smoke, credit access businesses Community Impact | News
The HFC will purchase six vacant lots from tax foreclosure to be used for future single-family housing development, aiming to increase the city's housing stock.
A new ordinance aims to regulate the distance between liquor stores in certain areas, sparking debate about business impact versus community protection.
The city is finalizing its 2026 bond program, increasing its capacity to $845 million. A significant portion, $10 million, is now earmarked for affordable housing, with a broader definition including various homeownership and rental opportunities. The council debated the allocation of funds between public art and essential infrastructure like sidewalks.
A developer wants to build a house on a lot that doesn't meet the minimum width and size requirements, and also needs a variance for the front yard setback. The case was continued to allow the applicant to gather more information.
A conditional use permit was approved for a semi-truck driving school in a mixed-use area, despite resident concerns about noise, traffic, and the appropriateness of such a facility in a residential neighborhood.
Council members are discussing increasing the bond allocation for affordable housing and broadening the definition of eligible projects to include multi-family developments and various forms of homeownership, not just single-family homes. This aims to address a perceived housing crisis in the city.
A homeowner sought to keep a wide driveway that violated historic district rules. The commission's decision reinforces the importance of these guidelines for maintaining neighborhood aesthetics and historic character.
Electric bikes, scooters are prolific in Fort Worth. Many riders are breaking law Fort Worth Star-Telegram
The council considered property tax exemption requests for existing affordable housing properties but recommended against approval due to current tax shortfalls.
Fort Worth faces major changes to zoning, housing design rules due to new Texas laws Fort Worth Report
Neighbors cited noise and traffic concerns as reasons for opposition.
Residents expressed concerns about traffic and tree removal.
The amendment aimed to control the density of certain businesses, but concerns were raised about its impact on existing businesses and equity.
Prevents potential environmental impact from an auto repair shop near the Trinity River.
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