Fort Worth Building Standards Commission Meeting - February 23, 2026

The Building Standards Commission of Fort Worth, Texas, convened on February 23, 2026, at approximately 9:00 AM, with a lunch recess at 12:45 PM and reconvening at approximately 12:46 PM, adjourning around 5:00 PM. The commission heard over 20 cases, including new residential cases, administrative civil penalty hearings, and amendment requests. All decisions were based on a preponderance of evidence presented by city staff, owners, lienholders, and interested parties. The commission declared multiple structures substandard and hazardous, ordered repairs or demolitions within 30 to 90 days, and imposed civil penalties ranging from $0 to $69,250.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by a 9-0 roll call vote (Mr. Castles, Ms. Lane, Mr. Black, Mr. Juarele, Ms. Dotti, Ms. Dyke, Mr. Walker, Mr. Juarez, Ms. Thompson voting aye).
• Eight cases were withdrawn without objection: 3008 Weber Street (HS 26-21), two cases at 6233 Kentwood Plaza (ACP 2618 & 2619), 3602 South Main Street (ACP 26-20), 8329 Fall Crest Drive (ACP 2626), 5528 Libby Avenue (ACP 2627), 8408 Clearbrook Drive (ACP 2628), and the accessory structure at 4225 Virginia Lane (HS 2616). All withdrawals were approved 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Multiple owners and representatives testified, often requesting 60 to 90 days to complete repairs or abate nuisances due to financial hardship, medical issues, family disputes, or contractor delays. City staff consistently requested 30 days, citing lack of progress.
• In case HS 26-25 (2319 Lena Street), heirs Deborah Weatherford and Barbara Renfro Jackson testified about a civil matter among siblings and requested 90 days to repair. They admitted no funds, permits, or contractors were secured. The city requested 30 days.
• In case ACP 26-23 (5113 Melinda Lane South), owner Cecilia Mitchell requested 90 days, stating she was working alone, had a recent ice storm, and needed time to clear accumulated materials.
• In case HS 25-92 (3755 Hemp Hill Street), Mr. Chris Wright requested a continuance, which was granted over the city's objection.
• In case HS 25-103 (1118 West Gambrel Street), heir Melody Cunningham and interested buyer Isabel Gavideo requested 90 days to complete a sale and subsequent repairs.
• In case HS 25-109 (7301 Moon Ridge Court), Brian Martinez spoke for the owner (absent) and requested 90 days; the request was granted as the city was unopposed.
• In case HS 26-33 (3636 College Avenue) and many others, no parties appeared, and the commission proceeded based on staff evidence.

Discussion Items

• New Cases (Substandard & Hazardous Declarations): The commission heard evidence on properties with fire damage, structural failure, roof collapses, and unsanitary conditions. Most owners expressed intent to repair but lacked permits, funding, or clear plans. The commission debated compliance timelines, often balancing owner hardship against public safety. For example:
  • 1905 South Jennings Avenue: Owners Susan Acosta and Daniel Dominguez asked for 90 days; city asked for 30. A substitute motion for 90 days passed 5-4 (with Mr. Castles and two others dissenting).
  • 1621 Stella Street: Owner Juventina Diaz Gutierrez (through interpreter) requested 60-90 days; city requested 30. The commission granted 60 days for both structures (9-0).
  • 2319 Lena Street: After hearing family conflicts, the commission granted 90 days (9-0) despite no evidence of progress.
  • 3959 Hacksher Street: Paul Irvin secured hard money and VA entitlement; granted 90 days (9-0).
  • 1301 Cloverdale Drive: Frank Marshall and handyman Ryan Colby outlined a developer partnership; granted 90 days (9-0).
  • 3602 South Main Street: Owner Dagoberto Valencia had no funds; city requested 30 days, granted (9-0).
• Amendments: Several owners requested additional time to comply with prior orders. The city opposed most, citing lack of progress. The commission often granted 60 to 90 days, especially when work plans or future buyers were involved.
  • 9712 Santa Clara Drive: Attorney Chidi Oha requested 90 days for insurance litigation; city opposed. Commission granted 60 days (7-0).
  • 1118 West Gambrel Street: Heir and buyer requested 90 days to close sale and rehab; city opposed. Commission granted 90 days (7-0).
  • 6205 Jenny Drive: James Jason requested 90 days for title resolution; commission granted 90 days (6-0).
  • 7301 Moon Ridge Court: Owner absent; city unopposed; granted 90 days (6-0).
• Administrative Civil Penalties: The commission assessed penalties for nuisance abatement violations, with amounts based on the number of days in non-compliance and owner cooperation.
  • 601 Cooks Lane: Owner Susan Norman made 20% progress; penalty set at $40/day for 44 days ($1,760) with 60 days to abate (city requested $4,400 and 30 days).
  • 5113 Melinda Lane South: Owner Cecilia Mitchell made 5% progress; penalty set at $75/day for 44 days ($3,300) with 90 days to abate.
  • 3753 Waldar Street: Owner deceased; zero progress; penalty $0 (8-0) with 60 days to abate.
  • 3749 Waldorf Street: Same owner deceased; penalty $0 (8-0) with 60 days to abate.
  • 3501 Garrett Street: Owner Charlotte Tobias cited family medical issues; penalty $50/day for 44 days ($2,200) with 90 days to abate.
  • 7725 Ella Young Drive: Heir Johnny Gaines had made 40-50% progress; penalty $0 with 30 days to abate.
  • 3429 Wade Avenue: Owners Terry and Linda Witt evicting tenants; penalty $20/day for 44 days ($880) with 30 days to abate.
  • 2923 Clinton Avenue: Jimmy Bradley had roof replaced but minimal other progress; penalty $250/day for 277 days ($69,250) (6-0).
  • 2704 Hannah Avenue, 2556 Decatur Avenue: No shows; penalties of $4,400 assessed.

Key Outcomes

• All new cases resulted in declarations of substandard and hazardous condition (unanimous votes).
• Compliance timelines: Ranged from 30 to 90 days, with 90 days being the most common for owner-requested amendments. One case (1905 South Jennings) narrowly passed 5-4 for 90 days.
• Civil penalties imposed: Total amounts varied from $0 (deceased owners or significant progress) to $69,250. Nearly all penalties were subject to reduction via amendment upon completion.
• Amendments granted: Six amendment requests were granted (60 or 90 days), one was denied (2923 Clinton Avenue civil penalty issue only), and one was continued (3755 Hemp Hill Street to March 23, 2026).
• Commission composition: 11 members; Mr. Castles left after morning session, Mr. Juarele and Mr. Walker also absent for some afternoon votes. Quorum was maintained.