Politics

Fort Worth Ordinance No. 28597-06-2026 Shifts Multifamily Development to By-Right Process in Commercial Districts

Fort Worth residents may encounter changes in housing availability in commercial areas once the city completes the implementation and permitting phase of the new zoning ordinance and related bond programs.

By Fort Worth Policy Desk · Published July 24, 2026

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Fort Worth City Council enacted Ordinance No. 28597-06-2026 in June 2026. The measure removes rezoning requirements for multifamily development across all commercial districts. This change replaces project-by-project approvals with a citywide framework that now enters an implementation and permitting phase.

Funding Sources Supporting Housing Efforts

Voters approved Proposition D on May 2, 2026. The $10 million measure forms part of an $845 million bond package and will support land acquisition, construction, and home repair programs for households earning up to 120 percent of the area median income. The city is also using a $5 million federal PRO-Housing grant awarded in June 2024 to create tools such as a Pattern Book of Housing and capital for multifamily projects.

In early 2026 the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs marked the opening of Thrive on Crawford. The 67-unit property serves households earning 30 to 60 percent of area median income and provides one concrete example of recent affordable housing activity in the city.

Expected Effects on Local Residents

The ordinance and bond funds target housing supply in commercial zones. Residents seeking rental options or home repair assistance may encounter new project applications once permitting procedures are established. The shift from individual rezoning cases to standardized rules is intended to shorten review periods for qualifying developments.

Implementation steps include development of the Pattern Book and allocation of bond proceeds. City staff will apply these resources to projects that meet the updated criteria. Households at various income levels covered by the programs could see expanded access to units or repair funding as applications move through the new process.

Additional details on timelines will depend on completion of the permitting phase. The city has not announced specific dates for first projects under the revised rules beyond the general transition now underway.

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