Infrastructure Division

Infrastructure Plan Review Center (IPRC)

The Infrastructure Plan Review Center (IPRC) is responsible for the project management of new public infrastructure improvements, also known as developer-funded infrastructure improvements, associated with residential, commercial and industrial development.

This role includes: preliminary and final plan review, contract specification review, easement document review, acceptance of plans for construction, and coordination with the developer’s engineer during the construction phase of the project.

New development civil construction plans are submitted electronically to IPRC via Accela; which, uses a team of professional engineers to review, comment and accept the design plans for construction.

Accela Citizen Access (ACA)

Pre-development Conference (PDC)

Developer/consultants are encouraged to schedule a Pre-development Conference (PDC) through the City's Development Services Department. The PDC is a discovery meeting to discuss the developer’s general plans, needs and goals. The developer/consultant will meet with representatives from various City departments to discuss possible issues and ask questions relative to the new development project. For more information, visit the Pre-Development Information webpage.

Transportation Development Review (TDR) 

The Transportation Development Review (TDR) team reviews traffic impacts for new developments in the city to ensure that the transportation infrastructure system has adequate capacity and is designed in accordance with the following policies and procedures below: 

Traffic Impact Analysis 

The Transportation Development Review division reviews Traffic Impact Analysis for development in the city to assess a projects impact on the transportation system and determine what/if any roughly proportional mitigations are required to serve that development. To begin the TIA process fill out the TIA Worksheet(PDF, 153KB)  and upload it to the Traffic Impact Analysis workflow in Accela Citizens Portal. 

Transportation Exactions (Rough Proportionality)

As a condition of the development approval, a new development may be required to provide the transportation improvements necessary to mitigate impacts to the transportation system. These improvements that meet the nexus requirement, must be "roughly proportionate" to the estimated impact of the proposed development. Per Local Government Code Section 212.904, "if a city requires infrastructure improvements as a condition of approval for a development, through dedications, payment of fees, or construction, the developers portion may not exceed the amount that is roughly proportionate to the proposed development." Through the use of traffic studies and other data, the TDR division determines the roughly proportional improvements required to serve the development. While most exactions are determined at the platting stage it can be made as a condition of building permit approval.

Transportation Exactions vs Impact Fees

Exactions are required improvements of the transportation infrastructure system to provide adequate infrastructure to serve the site. Whereas the transportation impact fees is a cost charged to new development to fund capital improvements attributed to new development. 

Storm Water Development Services (SDS) 

Storm Water Development Services (SDS) works to safeguard citizens and resources and guide sustainable development while promoting quality growth. SDS serves the City by reviewing Storm Water management plans, floodplain development permits, and storm drain construction plans associated with development projects within the City of Fort Worth and Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).

SDS reviews for conformance to City drainage design and floodplain management criteria, as it relates hydraulics, hydrology, and construction standards.

• Land disturbing activity or platting of 1.0 acre or more or more OR land disturbing activity of less than 1.0 acre where the activity is part of a Common Land Plan Development will require an approved Grading Permit and Storm Water Drainage Study.

• When required, a detailed Storm Water Drainage Study (SWDS) must be accepted prior to the SUBMITTAL of a Concept Plan, Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, or the Infrastructure Plans to IPRC. Drainage Studies are submitted electronically through Accela.

  • Provide a Downstream Assessment through the Zone of Influence and provide an Adequate Outfall as defined in the CFW Storm Water Criteria Manual for Site Development and Construction.

  • All drainage ditches and culverts carrying >10cfs require a HEC-RAS model for proper design.

  • If infrastructure is not available to convey the fully developed flows from the development, the developer has the option to improve the downstream system and provide adequate outfall, or to detain storm water to pre-developed levels.

• If going through the IPRC process, a Storm Water Pre-con Checklist must be submitted and accepted during the IPRC review period. Items like a floodplain permit (FDP) or Storm Water Facility Maintenance Agreement (SWFMA) must be approved and/or executed prior to proceeding to construction.

• If detention is proposed, a storm water facilities maintenance agreement must be executed. See form CFW-8 for the SWFMA checklist. No crossing utilities are allowed within detention pond areas.

• Maximum allowable driveway discharge is 3 cfs in a 5-year storm event

• Refer to Appendix F of the CFW Storm Water Criteria Manual for the CFW Storm Water Utility Fee Credit Policy

• Development along the TRWD Greenbelt Corridor may require a permit and coordination

• The building finished floor elevation and all electrical/mechanical equipment servicing the building must be 2 feet above the fully developed 100-year Water Surface Elevation (WSE). When platting, establish the 100-year WSE to include a 10’ horizontal buffer and show on the plat in a dedicated floodplain easement.

• All public storm water must be contained in a public drainage easement designed to contain ultimate developed flows. No structures (walls, buildings, poles, etc.) are allowed within a public drainage easement without Development Service’s Storm Water approval

• Retaining walls are not allowed in drainage easements without Development Service’s Storm Water approval

• Maintain existing drainage patterns. No water should be conveyed from one watershed to another

• If the project affects existing CFW parkland please contact PACS in the Parks & Recreation Department at 817-392-5743

• Existing infrastructure plans are available. Please use the Public Records webpage to request them from the vault. 

  Email the team atsds@fortworthtexas.gov to request any previously accepted SWDS’s
  

  • The Drainage Study review fee is $3,000 plus $25 per acre, if over one (1) acre. - Review time is 10 business days.

  • Dual Flood & Drainage Study: $3500 + $25/acre - Review time is 15 business days.

  • Grading Permit: $1000 + $25/acre - Review time is 10 business days.

  • Flood Study: Varies - Review time is 15 business days.

  • FDP: Varies(all include a $100 application fee due at submittal) - Review time is 10 business days.

     

    View the CFW Storm Water Criteria Manual - Click Here(PDF, 18MB)

        Additional information can be found on the Grading Permits webpage and on the City Project Resources Files webpage

Additional for more assistance, please email the Storm Water Development Services Team at SDS@fortworthtexas.gov

Additional for more information on fees, please see the fee schedule for Stormwater & Floodplain Fees on Pages 40-44: Development Fee Schedule - Page 40-44

Development Services Water Section (DSWS) 

Development Services Water Section (DSWS) is responsible for reviewing all developer-initiated projects related to water/wastewater improvements; which includes: plat reviews, final plat acceptance letter requests, IPRC plan reviews, alignment walk letter requests, PDC Reviews, miscellaneous project application review

In order to connect the City’s water, wastewater, or reclaim system the property must be platted, located within the City’s limits, and be located within the current Certificates of Convenience and Necessity (CCN). The developer will have an engineer or architect prepare a site plan and evaluate existing utility availability. The Water Department will determine if extensions will be required from the existing system and if water or sewer studies will be required before submitting plat applications, new building permits, or documents for the IPRC and CFA processes. The construction of public water and sewer to serve the property could be subject to the previously described IPRC and CFA processes. 

IPRC Review

The City Engineers handle reviews and resubmittals of projects submitted for IPRC. To support IPRC review, two form types are required for all IPRC plan submittals, those being the Water/Sewer Acceptance Letter and the Alignment Walk Request Letter. It is encouraged to request a pre-submittal meeting in effort to resolve any alignment issues.

Water/Sewer Acceptance Letter

Provided by Water Planning: wpd@fortworthtexas.gov

When making the request, please include the following documents within the email:

• Consultation Meeting Waiver Form
• Horizontal Control Plan
• Water Sewer Construction Plan Sheets

Alignment Walk Request Letter

Provided by the Development Services Water Section (DSWS): dsws@fortworthtexas.gov

When making the request, please include “Alignment Walk Request- “project name” within the subject line.

The overall review includes GIS, walk requirements and water/sewer exhibit to determine if the actual “walk” will be required. If the alignment meets the criteria for a walk visit, the study must be provided with the form. Studies must be approved before walk can be scheduled.

• If no walk is required, DSWS signs and emails a letter back to the consultant.

• If a walk is required, DSWS typically schedules for Wednesday/Friday at 9:00 am.

After the walk is complete, the Project Manager will either sign off on the letter if alignment is acceptable. If the Alignment is not acceptable, a revision must be provided with new proposed alignment exhibit.

Platting Review

Development Services Water Section (DSWS) reviews platting for water and sewer accessibility, frontage and pro rata fees (Ordinance #23708-06-2019) of a property.

For plats, a Water/Sewer Acceptance study letter must be submitted 

• Preliminary Plats – Requires Water Planning signature

  • Purpose of review

    • Water Planning confirms the proposed or existing water/sewer lines have capacity to serve proposed development.

• Final Plats- Requires Water Planning and Development Services Water Section (DSW) signatures

  • Purpose of review

    • Water Planning confirms the proposed or existing water/sewer lines have capacity to serve proposed development.

    • DSWS team confirms the proposed or existing water/sewer lines are accessible to each proposed lot.

For additional information, please email the Development Services Water Section at dsws@fortworthtexas.gov

Small Scale Infrastructure Program (SSIP)

The Small Scale Infrastructure Program (SSIP) aims to assist the City’s Development community in streamlining the design, review, and construction timelines for Developer funded, small scale, infill developments, enhancing municipal infrastructure with cost-effective, efficient, tailored solutions. This initiative encompasses design and plan production, facilitated by the City, as well as construction administration and oversight of the installation of community facilities.

The Small-Scale Infrastructure Program offers a streamlined solution for the design and construction of privately-funded, minor infill projects. This program guarantees that small developments receive proper infrastructure services that align with the City's established standards by offering expedited, turn-key solutions.

In the process of project planning and development, developers are faced with critical decisions that can significantly impact the project's cost, timeline, and overall success. These options are detailed in the attached handouts.  One such decision revolves around whether to include subsurface utility engineering (SUE) as part of the pre-construction phase.  The options, and impacts, are clarified in the handout titled “Developer Options for Subsurface Utility Engineering Check.”

Program Scope

• Street Lights
• Pedestrian/Decorative Lighting
• Driveway & Sidewalk

• Final Plat*  (PDF* & DWG File)
• Site Plan* ( PDF* & DWG File)
• Power Source*
• Survey* (Topo & Point File)
• Grading Plan (PDF & DWG File)
• Utility Plan  (PDF & DWG File)
• Alta Survey (PDF & DWG File)
• All Preapproved Studies

     *Highly Recommended in or for SSIP to provide cost and process savings.

• Rough Proportionality Determinations
• City Cost Participation
• TxDOT or Multijurisdictional Permits
• Pipeline Encroachments
• Floodplain Developments
• Forestry Tree Removal Permits
• Non-Standard Maintenance Agreements
• Annexations
• Properties that do not have a Final Recorded Plat, Short Plat or a Final Plat filed for Review

Additional Useful Information

• Small-Scale Infrastructure Program (SSIP) Handout(PDF, 225KB)
• Developer Options for Subsurface Utility Engineering Check(PDF, 104KB)
• SSIP Application(PDF, 74KB)

How do I apply for a SSIP permit?

The easiest way to apply for a SSIP permit is through Accela Citizens Access portal: 

Accela Citizen Access (ACA)

or

IN PERSON

City Hall- Downtown-Lower level- Development Services Department, 200 Texas St, Fort Worth, TX 76102.

For additional questions, please contact the Small-Scale Infrastructure team at SmallScaleInfrastructureProjects@fortworthtexas.gov

Parkway Inspection

The parkway inspection team oversees the permits for, and inspection of, public sidewalks, curb ramps, drive approaches, curb and gutter, and alleys in connection with new construction and redevelopment in the City of Fort Worth.

What is a Parkway Permit?

A parkway permit is a permit to perform work on the City of Fort Worth parkway portion of the right-of-way (Shown on photo).

When do I Need a Parkway Permit?

Temporary Parkway or Lane Closures require Street Use Permits. Visit Street Permits for more info.

How do I Apply for a Parkway Permit?

The easiest way to apply for a parkway permit is through Accela Citizens Access portal:

Accela Citizens Portal

Or you may apply for a parkway permit:

1. Over the phone: Please contact 817-392-2222 option number 9 and give them permit number PK##-##### to make payment over the phone.

2. Email: devcustomerservice@fortworthtexas.gov  - please place parkway in subject line of all emails.

3. IN PERSON: City Hall- Downtown-Lower level- Planning and Development Department, 200 Texas St, Fort Worth, TX 76102. 

Do not call, fax, or email the inspector. They don’t issue permits or schedule inspections.