Urban Design Districts and Overlays

test-urban-design-districts-and-overlays-pic.png

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. These districts are administered by the Urban Design Commission and Development Services staff. 

Certificates of Appropriateness

Before applying for a building permit, you must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness. Most projects within Urban Design Districts must be reviewed by the Urban Design Staff or Commission. Such projects 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
  • Installation or alteration of sidewalk areas, including the installation of trees, planters, and other items affecting the walkway area Lighting fixtures 

Apply Online

Application and Review Process

The Urban Design Commission (UDC) meets once a month. To have your case placed on the agenda, you must fill out an application online 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. Prior to the meeting staff will send the following:

  • Notice of the hearing
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Staff report on the case

If approved staff will send the following:

  • Letter detailing the Commission's decision
  • Certificate of Appropriateness

Apply Online

Meeting Dates and Application Deadlines

Application Deadline Meeting Date
January 2, 2024 January 18, 2024
January 29, 2024 February 15, 2024
February 26, 2024 March 21, 2024
April 1, 2024 April 18, 2024
April 29, 2024 May 16, 2024
May 28, 2024 June 20, 2024
July 1, 2024 July 18, 2024
July 29, 2024 August 15, 2024
August 26, 2024 September 19, 2024
September 30, 2024 October 17, 2024
October 28, 2024 November 21, 2024
December 2, 2024 December 19, 2024

 

Applications must be verified as complete by staff in order to be eligible for the upcoming commission.

Urban Design Commission

The Urban Design Commission is comprised of 11 members appointed by City Council. Commission appointees are professionals in the fields of architecture, landscape design, real estate, and urban planning. The UDC presides over Urban Forestry, Mixed-Use zones, and Urban Design Districts.