Downtown Urban Design District

Downtown Fort Worth strives to build upon its image as the most vibrant, walkable, mixed-use urban center in the region by focusing on exceptional design of both private and public places.

To that end, the Downtown Urban Design Standards and Guidelines (DUDSG) were developed in 2001 and updated in 2016 in partnership with Downtown Fort Worth Inc. (DFWI) and community stakeholders. The DUDSG are meant to improve and protect the appearance, value, and function of downtown properties. The standards and guidelines allow for creativity and variety within a framework of basic design parameters that reinforce the best attributes of downtown.

Certificate of Appropriateness

Before applying for a building permit, you must acquire a Certificate of Appropriateness.

Alterations to the exterior of every building within the Downtown Urban Design District must be reviewed by the Downtown Design Review Board. Such alterations include, but are not limited to:

• Construction of a new structure;
• Expansion of an existing structure;
• Construction of a surface parking lot
• The installation and alteration of permanent signs, banners, window signs, and temporary signs;
• Installation or alteration of awnings or canopies
• The installation or alteration of sidewalk areas, including the installation of trees, planters, and other items affecting the walkway area
• Lighting fixtures

No Certificate of Appropriateness is required for ordinary repairs. In-kind replacement or repair is considered to be ordinary repair and maintenance is reviewed and approved by the Downtown Design Review Board Staff prior to issuance of the permits in order to determine whether a Certificate of Appropriateness is required.

Downtown Design Review Board

The Downtown Design Review Board is charged with handling hearings and determinations of applications for certificates of appropriateness for a building permit for construction of a new structure, expansion or remodeling or other alterations of the first and/or second floor of an existing structure, signage, and construction of a surface parking lot. In addition they are charged with the duty and invested with authority of any proposed amendments to the Downtown Urban design Standards to the Zoning Commission and City Council.

What is the Downtown Design Review Board?

The DDRB is composed of seven regular members and one alternate member, all of whom are appointed by the Mayor and the City Council. Board members and alternates are practicing professionals from the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, urban design or planning, real estate, and a Downtown resident. The DDRB oversees the administration of the Downtown Urban Design District. 

Application and Review Process

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