Chapter 2 Review Bodies

2.100 Zoning Commission

  1. Creation and Appointment
    There is hereby created a Zoning Commission of the City, to be composed of nine qualified electors of the City. It is the declared policy that the City Council will consider for appointment to the Zoning Commission as members only those persons who have demonstrated their civic interest, general knowledge of the community, intelligent judgment, understanding of zoning and planning and availability to prepare for and attend meetings and who, by reason of diversity of their individual occupations, constitute a commission which is broadly representative of the community.
  2. Terms of Office
    The members of the Zoning Commission shall be identified by place numbers one through nine.  The odd-numbered places shall expire October 1 of each odd-numbered year and the even-numbered places shall expire October 1 of each even-numbered year. Zoning Commission members may be appointed to succeed themselves. Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms but no member shall be appointed for a term in excess of two years.
  3. Organization
    The Zoning Commission shall hold an organizational meeting in November of each year and shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its members before proceeding to any other matters of business.  The Planning and Development Director, or a designated representative, shall be the secretary of the Zoning Commission.  The Zoning Commission shall meet regularly and shall designate the time and place of its meetings. The Zoning Commission shall adopt its own rules of procedure and keep a record of its proceedings in accordance with the state statutes, this Ordinance and the City Charter.  Newly appointed members shall be installed at the first regular meeting after their appointment.
  4. Meetings and Quorum
    Six members of the Zoning Commission shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business. The members of the Zoning Commission shall regularly attend meetings and public hearings of the Zoning Commission and shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement for authorized expenses attendant to the performance of their duties. 
  5. Decision by Zoning Commission
    A motion to recommend approval of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance shall require five favorable votes of the members present.  When fewer than nine members are present for the vote and the vote of an absent member or members added to the number voting for the application would equal five, consideration of the application shall be continued to the next meeting.  No application shall be continued under this rule beyond the next regular meeting.  Failure to secure five concurring votes to recommend approval at the next regular meeting shall constitute a recommendation of denial.
  6. Staff Responsibilities
    The Planning Director and any designated representatives shall be the regular technical advisors to the Zoning Commission. When the Zoning Commission deems it necessary to obtain information from other City departments, it shall transmit such request through the Planning and Development Director.
  7. Attendance Reports
    Each month a report shall be submitted to the City Council showing the cumulative attendance of each member of the Zoning Commission, with notation of members who have been absent from three consecutive meetings.
  8. Powers and Duties
    The Zoning Commission is hereby charged with the duty and invested with the authority to:
    1. Inspect the property and premises where required in the discharge of its responsibilities under the laws of the state and of the City;
    2. Advise the City Council relating to the creation and amendment of these zoning regulations and districts as the Zoning Commission may deem beneficial and in the best interests of the City; it shall consult with the Plan Commission as necessary to ensure proper coordination of zoning with the long-range planning of the City;
    3. Procure information, hold public hearings and make recommendations to the City Council relating to the creation, amendment and implementation of zoning regulations and districts as provided in Chapter 211, Texas Local Government Code, together with all amendments thereto, authorizing cities and incorporated villages to pass regulations and all powers granted under such act are specifically adopted and made a part hereof as contemplated by Section 31A of Chapter XXVII of the Charter of the City;
    4. Ensure that all of its recommendations are in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 211, Texas Local Government Code, and to that end shall refer all proposals for initial zoning classification of newly annexed areas to the Plan Commission and shall not make its final recommendation thereon until the Plan Commission’s recommendation is received, and shall refer such other matters to the Plan Commission as may be necessary to ensure that its recommendations shall be in accordance with such comprehensive plans as the City Council may approve. A copy of the Plan Commission’s recommendation on newly annexed areas shall be forwarded to the City Council as a preliminary report prior to the Zoning Commission’s public hearing.

2.101 Board of Adjustment

  1. Creation and Appointment
    There is hereby created a Board of Adjustment, consisting of eighteen regular members, divided into two panels of nine members each, all of whom shall be qualified electors of the City of Fort Worth.  Members of each panel shall serve as alternates of the other panel as needed.  It is the declared policy that the City Council will consider for appointment to the Board of Adjustment only those persons who have demonstrated their civic interest, general knowledge of the community, independent judgment, understanding of zoning and planning and availability to prepare for and attend meetings.  Preference will be given, where feasible, to appointees who possess knowledge or background in one of the following fields:
    1. Law;
    2. Property development;
    3. Building design; or
    4. Mortgaging and financing.
  2. Terms of Office
    The members of the Board of Adjustment shall be identified by place numbers one through eighteen.  The odd-numbered places shall expire on October 1 of each odd-numbered year and the even-numbered places shall expire on October 1 of each even-numbered year.  Board of Adjustment members may be appointed to succeed themselves.  Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms, but no member shall be appointed for a term in excess of two years.
  3. Organization
    The Board of Adjustment shall hold an organizational meeting in November of each year and shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman for each panel from among its members before proceeding to any other matters of business.  The Planning and Development Director, or a designated representative, shall be the secretary of the Board of Adjustment.  The panels of the Board of Adjustment shall meet regularly and shall designate the time and place of its meetings. The Board of Adjustment shall adopt its own rules of procedure and keep a record of its proceedings in accordance with the state statutes, this Ordinance, and the City Charter.  Newly appointed members shall be installed at the first regular meeting after their appointment.
  4. Meetings and Quorum
    Seven members of each panel of the Board of Adjustment shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.  The members of each panel of the Board of Adjustment shall regularly attend meetings and public hearings of the Board of Adjustment and shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement for authorized expenses attendant to the performance of their duties.
  5. Decision by Board of Adjustment
    The affirmative vote of seven members of each panel of the Board of Adjustment shall be required to reverse or modify any, order, decision or interpretation of this Ordinance. 
  6. Review of Zoning Needs
    The Board of Adjustment shall keep itself informed with respect to requests for variances based on practical difficulty and unnecessary hardship, and shall recommend to the Plan Commission and Zoning Commission when, in its opinion, requests for variances indicate a need for possible general zoning changes through the established legislative procedure.
  7. Staff Responsibility
    The Planning and Development Director and any designated representatives shall be the regular technical advisors to the Board of Adjustment.
  8. Attendance Reports
    Each month a report shall be submitted to the City Council showing the cumulative attendance of each member with a notation of members who have been absent from three consecutive meetings, and a notation of the non-availability of alternate members to attend meetings for which called.
  9. Powers and Duties
    The Board of Adjustment shall have the powers and exercise the duties of a Board of Adjustment in accordance with Sections 211.008 to 211.011, Texas Local Government Code. Board of Adjustment members are representatives of the City and shall have the right of inspection of premises where required in the discharge of their responsibilities under the laws of the State of Texas and the ordinances of the City.  The Board of Adjustment’s jurisdiction shall extend to and include the hearing and deciding of the types of appeals and applications listed below, and to that end shall have the necessary authority to ensure continuing compliance with its decisions.  In addition, the Board of Adjustment shall have the authority to compel the attendance of witnesses necessary to its decision-making.
    1. Interpretation. To render an interpretation of those provisions of the Zoning Ordinance where it is alleged that there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an official in the administration of such provisions (see Chapter 3 ‘Review Procedures’, Article 2).  In reaching its decision, the Board of Adjustment shall establish firm guidelines for future administrative actions on like matters.  (See Chapter 5 ‘Supplemental Use Standards’, Article 2, concerning appeal of denial of application for Specialized Certificate of Occupancy.)
    2. Special Exception. To decide upon applications for special exceptions when the use or development is specifically authorized under the Zoning Ordinance subject to the approval of the Board of Adjustment (see Chapter 3 ‘Review Procedures’, Article 3).  Special exceptions that may be permitted by the Board of Adjustment are specified in the use tables in Chapter 4, Articles 6 and 8.
    3. Split-Zoned Lot. The Board of Adjustment may approve the extension of a use to the lot line or for a distance of not more than 100 feet where the boundary line of a district either divides a lot held in single ownership on October 1, 1940, or divides a lot held in single ownership as of the date of subsequent annexation of said lot.
    4. Variance.  To authorize upon appeal in specific cases such variance from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance as will not be contrary to the public interest (see Chapter 3 ‘Review Procedures’, Article 4). 

2.102 Scenic Preservation and Design Review Commission

  1. Creation and Appointment
    There is hereby created an Urban Design Commission for the purpose of:
    1. Recommending the designation of scenic, cultural, architectural, or historical areas of the City as a Conservation District;
    2. Recommending the designation of Urban Design Districts;
    3. Reviewing and approving stealth communication towers as well as antennas that are surface mounted on enclosed buildings and structures;
    4. Reviewing and recommending to the City Council the approval or modification of proposed design guidelines for Urban Design Districts and Conservation Districts, except those districts where a separate design review board is established by the City Council;
    5. Reviewing and approving projects in Urban Design Districts and Conservation Districts for compliance with design guidelines, except those districts where a separate design review board is established by the City Council; and
    6. Reviewing and approving design standards for other projects as directed by the City Council.
  2. Members
    The Urban Design Commission shall consist of nine qualified electors of the City.   The City Council will consider for appointment to the Commission as members only those persons who have demonstrated their civic interest, general knowledge of the community, independent judgment, and availability to prepare for and attend meetings. At least six of the nine appointees shall be practicing professionals from the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design or planning, real estate or law. Appointees should be acknowledged about fundamental principles of urban design. The members of the Commission shall regularly attend meetings and public hearings of the Commission and shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement for authorized expenses attendant to the performance of their duties.
  3. Terms of Office
    Place numbers one through nine shall identify the nine members of the Urban Design Commission.  The odd-numbered places shall expire on October 1 of each odd-numbered year and even-numbered places shall expire October 1 of each even-numbered year. Members may be appointed to succeed themselves.  Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms but no member shall be appointed for a term in excess of two years.
  4. Quorum
    Six voting members of the Urban Design Commission shall constitute a quorum.  A motion to approve any matter before the Commission shall require the affirmative vote of five voting members of the Commission.
  5. Powers and Duties
    1. Nomination of a Scenic, Cultural, Architectural or Historical Area as a Conservation District Designation
      1. Designation
        The Urban Design Commission may nominate for designation as a Conservation District any area within the city that is a scenic, cultural, architectural, or historical area per the criteria as set out in this section.   Nomination by the Urban Design Commission shall be in the form of a resolution requesting that the Planning and Development Department submit the nomination to the Zoning Commission for consideration.  All properties nominated based on its historical significance shall be submitted to the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission for consideration and recommendation prior to submission to the Zoning Commission.  Applications and the procedure for designation of a scenic, cultural, architectural, or historical area as a Conservation District shall follow the procedures outlined in Chapter 4, Article 4, “Conservation (CD) Overlay District.”   Upon designation of an area as a Conservation District, the designation shall be recorded on the official zoning maps of the City with the suffix “CD” and filed in accordance with the requirements set out in Chapter 4, Article 4, “Conservation (CD) Overlay District.”
      2. Criteria for designation of scenic, cultural, architectural, or historical areas as a Conservation District
        An area must satisfy one or more of the following criteria in order to be nominated for consideration as a Conservation District based on its scenic, cultural, architectural or historical significance:
        1. Character of Fort Worth:  Distinctive in character, interest or value as part of the development, heritage or cultural characteristics of the City of Fort Worth, State of Texas or the United States.
        2. Architectural significance:  Group of buildings, which are examples of a significant architectural style/design or innovation or have been identified as the work of an important architect.
        3. Historic event or person:  The site of a significant historic event or is identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the culture and development of the area.
        4. Character of neighborhood:  The area represents a resource, whether natural or man-made, which greatly contributes to the character or image of a defined neighborhood or community area.
        5. Historical area:  An area that represents a historical significance to the City of Fort Worth.
        6. Views and vistas:  Dramatic views, horizon lines, urban scenes, and vistas.
        7. Gateways:  Is a primary gateway to the city.
        8. Connecting routes:  Routes that connect scenic areas even though the route itself is of marginal value.
        9. Parks:  City, state or federal parks and recreation areas or other areas that are maintained by the city parks and community services department.
        10. Natural features:  Represents an example of a natural feature including:
          1. Streams, lakes and wetlands;
          2. Unusual geological formations;
          3. Recreational areas and floodplains;
          4. Outstanding areas of natural vegetation.
    2. Stealth Telecommunication Tower and Antenna Designs:  The Urban Design Commission shall review and approve, modify, or reject proposed designs for stealth telecommunication towers and all antennas that are surface mounted on stealth telecommunication towers, structures, and enclosed buildings considering the materials, colors, textures, screening and landscaping designs of the equipment structure and any other permitted structures to determine the visibility, aesthetic impact, and compatibility to the surrounding natural or built environments.
    3. Nomination of Urban Design Districts:
      Designation
      1. Designation
        The Urban Design Commission may nominate mixed-use growth centers and urban villages, or sections thereof, as Urban Design Districts.  Nomination by the Scenic Preservation and Design Review Commission shall be in the form of a resolution requesting that the Planning and Development Department submit the nomination to the Zoning Commission for consideration.  Applications and the procedure for designation of an Urban Design District shall follow the procedures outlined in Chapter 3, Article 5, “Text or Map Amendment.”  Upon designation of an area as a Urban Design District, the designation indicating the boundaries of the district shall be adopted as an exhibit to the Zoning Ordinance.
      2. Criteria
        Urban Design Districts, such as the Downtown Urban Design District, shall be unique areas in which mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented development is desirable.  Urban Design Districts are overlay zoning districts within which the UDC, or a district- specific body appointed by the City Council, has design review authority, as described in Section E.4.
    4. Guidelines and Certificate of Appropriateness: In order to enhance the character of the districts, encourage economic development and protect property values, the Urban Design Commission shall :
      1. Review and recommend to the City Council the approval or modification of proposed design guidelines for designated Urban Design Districts and Conservation Districts; and
      2. Review and approve, modify, or reject a Certificate of Appropriateness for new construction and renovations for compliance with the adopted design guidelines for designated Urban Design Districts and Conservation Districts that do not have a City Council approved design review board.
    5. Design Standards Directed by City Council:  In order to protect and enhance the character of the districts, encourage economic development and protect property values, the Urban Design Commission shall review and approve, modify, or reject design standards for other applications as directed by the City Council.
  6. Notice
    1. Nomination of Scenic, Cultural, Architectural or Historical Areas as a Conservation District:  Written notice of any application before the Urban Design Commission for the nomination of any area as a scenic, cultural, architectural or historical area as a Conservation District shall be given at least ten days prior to any meeting to the owner or owners of the property within such area to be so designated, as such ownership appears on the last approved City Tax Roll.  Such notice may be served by depositing the same, properly addressed and postage paid, in the United States mail.  The same notice and hearing requirements as for changes in zoning shall be followed by the Zoning Commission and the City Council at all hearings to designate any scenic, cultural, architectural or historical area a Conservation District (See Chapter 3 ‘Review Procedures’, Article 5 and Chapter 4 ‘District Regulations’, Article 4, “Conservation (CD) Overlay District”).
    2. Stealth Telecommunication Tower and Antenna Designs:  Written notice of all public hearings before the Urban Design Commission shall be sent to the owners of real property lying within 300 feet of the proposed site.  Such notice shall be given not less than ten days before the date set for the hearing to all such owners, as the ownership appears on the last approved City Tax Roll.  Such notice may be served by depositing the same, properly addressed and postage paid, in the United States mail.  Notice of the public hearing before the Commission shall also be given by publication one time in a paper of general circulation in the municipality at least 15 days before the time of the hearing and sent to all neighborhoods registered with the Planning and Development Department that include property within 300 feet of the proposed site.
    3. Design Overlay Districts:  Written notice shall be given at least ten days prior to any meeting to the owner or owners of the property within the overlay district, as such ownership appears on the last approved ad valorem tax roll.  Such notice may be served by depositing the same, properly addressed and postage paid, in the United States mail.
  7. Appeal
    Any aggrieved person or entity may appeal any decision of the Urban Design Commission, other than the nomination of an area as Conservation District, (which is a recommendation to the Zoning Commission) to the Appeals Board. ( A written notice of appeal must be filed with the City Secretary within ten days after receipt of notification of the Commission’s decision).  The Appeals Board shall schedule a hearing on such appeal within 30 days after receipt of the notice of appeal, or as soon thereafter as reasonably practicable.  The Appeals Board may uphold, reverse, or modify the Commission’s decision.

2.103 Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission

  1. Creation and Appointment
    1. There is hereby created the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission to be composed of nine members who are qualified electors of the City of Fort Worth.
    2. The City Council shall appoint representatives who have demonstrated their civic interest, general knowledge of the community, independent judgment and availability to prepare for and attend meetings. Whenever feasible, five appointees should be practicing professionals from the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, history, architectural history, urban planning, archaeology, real estate, law, or other disciplines related to historic preservation. The Planning and Development Director and the Building Official shall be ex officio, nonvoting members of the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission.
    3. All Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission members, regardless of background, shall have a known and demonstrated interest, competence or knowledge in historic preservation and planning within the City of Fort Worth.
    4. As nearly as is reasonably possible, the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission members as a whole shall fairly represent the ethnic makeup of the City of Fort Worth.
  2. Terms of Office
    Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission members shall serve for a term of two years. Newly appointed members shall be installed at the first regular meeting after their appointment. The members shall serve in places numbered 1 through 9. Members appointed in odd-numbered places shall serve terms, which expire October 1 of odd-numbered years. Members appointed to even-numbered places shall serve terms, which expire on October 1 of even-numbered years. Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms. Commission members may be appointed to succeed themselves and shall serve at the discretion of the City Council until a new member shall be appointed in their place
  3. Organization
    The chairman and vice chairman of the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission shall be elected by and from the members of the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission. The Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission shall meet at least monthly if business requires. Special meetings may be called at any time by the chairman or on the written request of any two Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission members.
  4. Meetings and Quorum
    Five members of the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business. Five affirmative votes shall be required to decide any issue before the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission. The members of the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission shall regularly attend the meetings and public hearings of the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission and shall serve without compensation.
  5. Attendance Reports
    Each month a report shall be submitted to the City Council showing the cumulative attendance of each member of the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission, with notation of members who have been absent from three consecutive meetings.
  6. Power and Duties
    The Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission shall be empowered to:
    1. Prepare rules and procedures as necessary to carry out the business of the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission, which shall be ratified by the City Council.
    2. Create committees from among its membership to advise the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission in carrying out the purposes of this Zoning Ordinance.
    3. Administer the city’s certified local government program.
    4. Maintain written minutes, which record all actions taken by the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission and the reasons for such actions.
    5. Increase public awareness of the value of historic, cultural, architectural and archeological preservation by developing and participating in public education programs.
    6. Conduct ongoing surveys to identify and list significant historical, cultural, architectural and archeological resources.
    7. Make recommendations for the employment of professional consultants as necessary to carry out the duties of the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission.
    8. Maintain, revise and amend the historic resources survey.
    9. Initiate and/or consider nominations, hold hearings and recommend to the City Council that certain structures and property be designated as “Highly Significant Endangered”, “Historic and Cultural Landmark” or “Demolition Delay”, or that an area containing two or more eligible structures be designated as a “Historic and Cultural Landmark District”, or that such designations be removed, in accordance with Chapter 4, Article 5.
    10. Maintain a current list of historic structures designated in accordance with Chapter 4, Article 5.
    11. Adopt, enforce and amend design guidelines for structures designated “Highly Significant Endangered” or “Historic and Cultural Landmark” or located in a Historic and Cultural Landmark District.
    12. Hold hearings and make decisions concerning the issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness for demolition, relocation or other work on designated structures and, when appropriate, recommend salvage plans in connection with such demolition, relocation or other work, pursuant to Chapter 4, Article 5.
    13. Review public works and public utility projects to be constructed on the premises of, or immediately adjacent to, historic structures designated in accordance with Chapter 4, Article 5 and make recommendations concerning whether they are appropriate to the character of the area.
    14. Recommend enforcement actions to be taken against property owners who permit the demolition by neglect of a designated historic structure or property, pursuant to Chapter 4, Article 5.
    15. Designate two members of the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission to serve on the Scenic Preservation Commission pursuant to Section 2.102
    16. Advise and consult with the owners of historically and architecturally significant structures
    17. Propose incentive programs for rehabilitation of historically designated structures and properties.
    18. Review requests regarding participation in historic preservation economic incentive programs and forward recommendations concerning such requests to the City Council.
    19. Make recommendations to the City Council concerning the utilization of city, state, federal or private funds to promote historic preservation in the city.
    20. Recommend recognition of the owners of structures or property designated in accordance with Chapter 4, Article 5 by means of certificates, plaques or markers.
    21. Recommend to the City Council that the City act as a conservator in the public interest through mediation, arbitration or, in extreme cases, litigation.
    22. Recommend to the City Council that the City acquire a structure or property where its preservation is essential to the purposes of Chapter 4, Article 5 and where private preservation is not feasible.
    23. Recommend to the City Council that the City accept the donation of preservation easements and development rights as well as gifts for the purpose of historic preservation.
    24. Administer the city’s program of partial city tax exemptions for certain historically significant sites.
    25. Exercise such other and further powers as may be conferred on the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission by City codes or ordinances.
  7. Preservation Plan
    1. The Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission shall adopt, in cooperation with the Plan Commission, a preservation plan to be incorporated into the City of Fort Worth Comprehensive Plan. The preservation plan shall include: The historic resources survey, as amended and revised; Criteria to be used in identifying and prioritizing sites; and General description of forms and styles found in Fort Worth.
    2. The plan will also include criteria for selecting and preserving structures and property. The plan will also set forth priorities not only among various historic sites but also between conflicting land use goals and shall include specific recommendations on how to resolve conflicts between competing uses. The plan will recommend the coordination required with other departments and other public and private groups to implement historic preservation.
    3. The Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission shall review the preservation plan every five years. Revisions may be made to the plan at any time in accordance with the rules and policies of the City.
  8. Change Require Commission Recommendation
    No changes shall be made to Chapter 4, Article 5 or the preservation plan without the recommendation of the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission first being entered at the required public hearings.
  9. Commission Interpretations and Amplifications
    The Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission is empowered to interpret or amplify its design guidelines, policies, procedures and rules for the benefit of the City’s administrative staff, property owners or other interested parties.

2.104 Downtown Design Review Board

  1. Creation and Appointment
    There is hereby created a Downtown Design Review Board, to be composed of seven members and one alternate member, all of whom shall be qualified electors of the City of Fort Worth.  The Board shall include a minimum of one regular member from each of the following categories:  architect/design professional, Downtown Urban Design District business owner/manager, Trinity Uptown business owner/manager, and real estate professional.  The alternate member shall serve when regular Board members are unable to attend or participate.  Appointment of the alternate shall rotate from each of the following categories:  architect/design professional, Downtown Urban Design District business owner/manager, Trinity Uptown business owner/manager, and real estate professional.
  2. Terms of Office
    The members of the Downtown Design Review Board and alternate shall be identified by place numbers one through seven.  The odd-numbered places shall expire on October 1 of each odd-numbered year and the even-numbered places shall expire on October 1 of each even-numbered year.  The term of the alternate member shall expire on October 1 of each odd-numbered year.  Members may be appointed to succeed themselves.  Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms but no members shall be appointed for a term in excess of two years.
  3. Meetings and Quorum
    Five members of the Downtown Design Review Board shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.  The members of the Downtown Design Review Board shall regularly attend meetings and public hearings and shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement for authorized expenses attendant to the performance of their duties.
  4. Attendance Report
    Each month a report shall be submitted to the City Council showing the cumulative attendance of each member of the Downtown Design Review Board, with notation of members who have been absent from three consecutive meetings.
  5. Power and Duties
    The Downtown Design Review Board is hereby charged with the duty and invested with the authority to:
    1. Enforce the Downtown Urban Design Standards for new construction and renovations by hearing and deciding applications for certificates of appropriateness in accordance with Section 4.1200; and
    2. Enforce the Trinity Uptown Development Standards and Guidelines for new construction and renovations by hearing and deciding applications for certificates of appropriateness in accordance with Section 4.908 and 4.1201; and,
    3. Propose amendments to the Downtown Urban Design Standards and the Trinity Uptown Development Standards to the Zoning Commission and City Council from time to time.
  6. Decision by Downtown Design Review Board
    Four affirmative votes by members of the Downtown Design Review Board shall be required to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness or to propose amendments to the Downtown Urban Design Standards and the Trinity Uptown Development Standards and Guidelines.

2.105 Urban Forestry Board

  1. Creation and Appointment
    There is hereby created an Urban Forestry Board to be composed of nine qualified electors of the City of Fort Worth.  It is policy that the City Council will consider for appointment to the Urban Forestry Board only those persons who have demonstrated their civic interest, general knowledge of the community, independent judgment, understanding of zoning, planning, urban forestry, development and real estate practices, and availability to prepare for and attend meetings.  Preference on appointments will be given, where feasible, to the persons who possess knowledge or background in the following fields:
    1. Property development;
    2. Forestry;
    3. Building or site design; or
    4. Mortgaging and financing
  2. Terms of Office
    The members of the Urban Forestry Board shall be identified by place numbers one through nine.  The odd-numbered places shall expire on October 1 of each odd-numbered year and the even-numbered places shall expire October 1 of each even-numbered year.  Members may be appointed to succeed themselves.  Vacancies shall be filled for unexpired terms but no member shall be appointed for a term in excess of two years.
  3. Meetings and Quorum
    Six members of the Urban Forestry Board shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business.  Five affirmative votes shall be required to decide any issue before the Urban Forestry Board.  The members of the Urban Forestry Board shall regularly attend meetings and public hearings and shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement for authorized expenses attendant to the performance of their duties.
  4. Attendance Report
    Each month a report shall be submitted to the City Council showing the cumulative attendance of each member of the Urban Forestry Board, with notation of members who have been absent from three consecutive meetings.
  5. Staff Responsibility
    The Parks and Community Services Director, City Forester and any designated representatives shall be the regular technical advisors to the Urban Forestry Board.
  6. Powers and Duties
    The Urban Forestry Board shall have the powers and exercise the provisions of Subsection K of Section 6.301 "Landscaping and Buffers" of the Zoning Ordinance.  The primary purpose of the Urban Forestry Board is to hear appeals of decisions of the City Forester.
  7. Appeal and Decision by Urban and Forestry Board
    Any aggrieved person or entity may appeal any decision of the Urban Forestry Board to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  A written notice of appeal must be filed with the executive secretary for the Board of Adjustment within ten (10) days after the Board's decision.  The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall schedule a hearing at its next regularly scheduled meeting where notice can be provided as required by law.  The Board of Adjustment may uphold, reverse, or modify the Urban Forestry Board's decision.