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.

Existing Urban Design Districts

Certificate of Appropriateness

Before applying for a building permit, you must acquire a Certificate of Appropriateness. Alterations to the exterior of every building within the Urban Design District must be reviewed by the Urban Design Commission. Such alterations include, but are not limited to: Construction of a new structure; Expansion of an existing structure; Construction of a surface parking lot The installation and alteration of permanent signs, banners, window signs, and temporary signs; Installation or alteration of awnings or canopies The installation or alteration of sidewalk areas, including the installation of trees, planters, and other items affecting the walkway area Lighting fixtures No Certificate of Appropriateness is required for ordinary repairs. In-kind replacement or repair is considered to be ordinary repair and maintenance is reviewed and approved by the Urban Design Commission Staff prior to issuance of the permits in order to determine whether a Certificate of Appropriateness is required.

Application and Review Process

The UDC meets once a month. To have your case placed on the agenda, you must fill out an application form by the fourth Monday of the month. Once Staff has determined that your application is complete, your case will be placed on the next available UDC agenda. If necessary, Staff will schedule a meeting with you to review the design and suggest any necessary modifications. Staff will then mail you a notice of the Hearing, an Agenda, and a copy of the applicable Staff report. If approved, Staff will mail you a decision letter and a copy of the Certificate of Appropriateness following the hearing.

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