Development Services

TEMPORARY ADJUSTMENT TO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DUE TO WINTER WEATHER

Due to the forecasted winter weather and to ensure the safety of our customers and staff, in-person development-related services will be unavailable today, Thursday (1/9), and tomorrow, Friday (1/10). However, all virtual services remain fully operational, including our online permitting system, Accela.

For assistance with applying online, please refer to our “How to Apply Online” tutorials here.

In-person services at City Hall will resume Monday, January 13, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.

Inspections: For emergency utility reconnections, the master electrician or plumber must apply for a permit online and call customer service at 817-392-2222 to schedule inspections. Only emergency inspections will be conducted during this period.

Appointments and Consultations: To schedule appointments or consultations with Development Services divisions, please use our QLess system or contact our Customer Service team at 817-392-2222.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize safety during this weather event.

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 by clicking Sign In on the Permit Assist page.

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.