Development Services

Inspection Phone Scheduling System Maintenance

Our inspection phone scheduling system, Selectron IVR Service, will be unavailable throughout the entire day on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The system will resume normal operations on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Inspections can still be scheduled through the Call Center at 817-392-2222 or via our online permitting system, Accela.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

New Credit/Debt Card Fees

Starting Oct 1, 2025, customers who choose to pay by Credit Card or Debit Card will incur a service fee of 2.5%.

There is no fee to pay by check, ACH, cash, or money order.

DSD Values 2024

The Development Services Department works together to build thriving neighborhoods and an equitable community by helping people make sound decisions to create safe, orderly, and sustainable development.

They collaborate with development & community stakeholders to guide growth through innovative, inclusive, and accountable relationships, all the while providing an exemplary customer experience. The department's charge encompasses all phases of planning, development coordination, development engineering, building permits, and inspections.

CFW Permit Assist Tool-Now Integrated with Accela

**NEW** You can now access both self-service programs, Permit Assist and Accela , with a single log-in by clicking Sign In on the Permit Assist page.

Moreover, any information you enter into Permit Assist will automatically fill in Accela when you are ready to apply for your permit.**NEW**

Click on an image below to see what permits are needed for your project, an estimated cost for those permits, and if the project is allowed (according to the zoning district).

Residential Permit Guide

Scope your residential project, see which permits you need and what they will cost.

Commercial Permit Guide

Scope your commercial project, see which permits you need and what they will cost.

Zoning Check Summary

Learn where your business is allowed

Contract Management Office

Contract Management Office is responsible for the oversight and integrity of the contracting process for development projects.

Development Process Charts

These flow charts help illustrate the development process and offer a more in-depth look at how each individual process works.

Development Resources

A toolbox of resources to navigate the development process, such as applications, forms, guides, how-to videos, and more.

Expedited Plan Review (X Team)

The X Team offers an expedited plan review for a building permit, either commercial or residential, on projects of any size.

Guide to Starting a Business

Residents can use this helpful step-by-step instruction guide to get their small business started in Fort Worth.

Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation conserves the historic, architectural, and aesthetic character and heritage of Fort Worth, and helps to provide a sense of place and continuity for future generations.

Infrastructure Division

Our specialized teams collaborate to ensure efficient development and quality infrastructure for Fort Worth, from permit approvals to expert reviews.

Inspections

An inspection by a City building official is required for all construction work that requires a permit.

New Land Use Laws Affecting Fort Worth

The Texas 89th Legislature passed new land use laws that affect housing, business development, and city planning for roads, utilities, and green spaces.

Ordinances & Construction Codes

Local governments establish ordinances and building codes to protect occupants’ safety and build safer establishments.

Permits

Permits are how the City regulates construction. There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction. Learn more here.

Platting Information

Platting map of a piece of land identifying the location and boundaries of street rights-of-way, individual lots or parcels, and other site information.

Pre-Development Information

Pre-Development Conferences (PDC) provide information on City development policies, procedures, and site-specific issues for applicants.

Urban Design Districts and Overlays

Throughout the City of Fort Worth, there are various design districts in which design is regulated through standards and guidelines. Urban Design districts play a crucial role in the economic and physical revitalization of private and public spaces throughout Fort Worth.

Urban Forestry Management

Protects healthy and significant trees and ensures the planting of trees with land development to achieve the city’s goal of 30 percent overall canopy cover.

Walk-In Permit Assistance Team

Certain small building projects and occupancy permits can be processed on the same day as the application, with the express assistance of the Walk-In Permit Team. This is a free service.

Zoning

Before developing land in the city, it must be zoned and platted. Zoning is the practice of protecting existing property and promoting orderly growth by grouping compatible developments together.

Department Leadership

D.J. Harrell

Director of Development Services

D.J. Harrell is the Director of Development Services for the City of Fort Worth. His primary responsibilities include the administration of municipal planning, development facilitation, public infrastructure design review, and building standards for the city. He is known for his ability to develop and integrate teams to align around shared visions and goals, while promoting an inclusive culture.