Boards and Commissions

Appeals Board

Authority for Creation

The Appeals Board operates under the authority of Ordinance No. 15503, adopted April 1, 2003, and amended by Ordinance No. 17099 on August 15, 2006, expanding the authority to hear appeals from the Historic and Cultural Landmark Commission, Downtown Design Review Board and other Boards or Commissions as determined by City Council and expanding membership from five to nine members. (This Board is exempt by Ordinance No. 8971 from the provisions of Ordinance No. 8758 regarding nine-member boards and length of terms of service.)

Composition

Nine members, each of whom shall be a duly qualified elector and a resident of the City of Fort Worth.

Method of Appointment

Appointed by City Council. The City Council will consider for appointment to the Board only those persons who have demonstrated their civic interest, general knowledge of the community, independent and intelligent judgment, understanding of building standards, understanding of historic preservation, understanding the neighborhood integrity, and availability to prepare for and attend appeal sessions, and who by reason of diversity of their occupations, constitute a board which is broadly representative of the community.

Terms of Office

Members of the Appeals Board shall be identified by place numbers 1 through 9, and shall be appointed for two-year terms, unless removed prior to the expiration of the term. The individuals appointed to Place 1 must be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. Licensed attorneys that serve as member(s) in Place 1 shall have a working knowledge of real property law, constitutional law, business law and civil litigation. Members of the Appeals Board in the odd-numbered places shall serve terms expiring September 30 of odd-numbered years. Members of the Appeals Board in the even-numbered places shall serve terms expiring September 30 of even-numbered years. Vacancies shall be filled within 60 days after the City Council's removal of the member or within 60 days after the City Council receives notice of members' resignation. Appeals Board members may be appointed to succeed themselves.

General Powers and Duties

The Appeals Board shall hear appeals from the Building Standards Commission, the Downtown Design Review Board and the Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission as well as any other boards or commissions as determined by the City Council. They have such powers as are specified in Ordinance No. 17099.

Meeting Time and Place

Meets in the Council Chamber on the fourth Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. For meeting agendas, please see theBoards, Commissions and Committees page.

Present Membership

Chairperson:
Department Contact: Gina Inocencio, 817-392-2761