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Development Services

NEW Development Fees as of October 1, 2024

All development fees have increase by 12.5% as of Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

You can view the fee schedule here(PDF, 1MB)

Development Services has MOVED to New City Hall

The Development Services Department has moved to the new City Hall located at 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.

(El Departamento de Servicios de Desarrollo se ha trasladado al nuevo Edificio del Ayuntamiento situado en 100 Fort Worth Trail, Fort Worth, Texas 76102)

Check out this video on what to expect when you visit the new 5th-floor Customer Center!

Click here for important information regarding BUILDING INSPECTIONS

BUILDING INSPECTIONS:

Our volume of inspection requests currently exceeds our capability to perform all inspections on the date requested. Every effort will be made to make inspections as requested, however, they may be delayed up to 2 working days.

An alternate option is to utilize a firm from the list of certified third-party firms(PDF, 246KB).

We appreciate your patience.

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 to provide a seamless customer experience. 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.

Multi-Family District (MFD)

In adopting regulations for multifamily development design, the City aims to promote appropriate land use and higher-quality design and materials.

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.

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.