Fort Worth Urban Design Commission Meeting - March 19, 2026

The Urban Design Commission (UDC) convened on March 19, 2026, at 9:30 AM (approximate start) for a regular meeting. Chair Harper presided, noting this would be her final meeting before relocating. All nine commissioners were present. The commission approved four cases unanimously (9-0) over approximately 1.5 hours, covering tree preservation waivers, design guideline exemptions, a zoning change, and a major mixed-use development.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes (February 19, 2026): Approved by a 9-0 vote.

Case 1: UDC 2026-039 / UFC 25-0108 - Mary's Creek Force Main (Sections 1 and 2)

• Request: Waiver of the 25% tree preservation requirement to 0% for a ~6-mile sanitary sewer force main project through Council Districts 7 and 3, including portions in the ETJ and Benbrook.
• Applicant: City of Fort Worth Water Department (agent: Karen Metzler, Plumber Associates).
• Staff Summary (Caleb Olson): The project involves a 35-foot pipeline easement and 20-foot temporary construction easements. Net urban forestry area: 1,194,187 sq ft; existing tree canopy: 46,101 sq ft (~4%). Required preservation: 11,525 sq ft. The applicant will preserve 8,816 sq ft (19.1%) of viable trees and pay $600/tree into the PARD tree fund to meet the final canopy requirement (~$227,590 estimated). Staff recommended approval, noting the project minimizes impacts and thoughtfully selects trees for preservation.
• Public Testimony: Karen Metzler confirmed that a pecan orchard was rerouted to avoid impact.
• Discussion & Vote: Commissioners noted the project’s necessity and tree-conscious approach. Motion to approve passed 9-0.

Case 2: UDC 2026-004 - 912 East Oleander (Marie Lulu Photography Studio)

• Request: Certificate of appropriateness for new construction (6,400 sq ft, single-story commercial building) with two waivers: (a) allow a garage door on the street frontage (instead of rear) and (b) allow a 3:12 roof pitch (code requires >1:12 for non-residential).
• Staff Presentation: The building sits adjacent to the Connex development and uses similar materials (pre-engineered metal siding with composite wood accents). The garage door (glass) is for occasional vehicle access for photo shoots; the roof pitch intentionally transitions from the commercial corridor to nearby historic bungalows.
• Public Testimony: Applicant Jessica Martinez (Millarch Studio) explained design intentions. Austin James (Near South Side, Inc.) supported both waivers, noting the garage door is well-treated and the roof pitch creates a gradient.
• Discussion & Vote: Commissioners found the waivers appropriate, given the context. Motion to approve both waivers passed 9-0.

Case 3: UDC 2026-029 - 2601 Precinct Line Road (Rezoning)

• Request: Recommend to Zoning Commission and City Council approval to rezone 5.85 acres from AG (Agricultural) to TLN (Trinity Lakes Neighborhood Zone).
• Staff Analysis: The site is vacant and currently designated as Open Space / Private Park in the Comprehensive Plan, but surrounding development patterns have changed; the rezoning aligns with adjacent residential uses and the planned Trinity Lakes community. Floodplain claims are minimal. Staff supported the request.
• Public Testimony: David Gregory (DCG Engineering) noted the connection to the west TLN project approved last year and that no floodplain modifications are proposed.
• Discussion & Vote: Commissioners recalled the prior TLN case and found the rezoning consistent with area development. Motion to approve passed 9-0.

Case 4: UDC 2025-305 - 900 Evans Avenue (Evans Rosedale Development)

• Request: Certificate of appropriateness for a multi-building mixed-use development (12 buildings; 180 residential units including affordable housing via LIHTC; 15,700 sq ft of office/retail) with four waivers:
  1. Minimum roadside width on Evans Ave: allow 7 ft (required 15 ft) due to existing angled parking.
  2. Street trees along South Freeway: exemption because TxDOT prohibits planting in right-of-way.
  3. Pedestrian lights along South Freeway: exemption with alternative wall-mounted sconce lighting (average 1.87 foot-candles vs. target 1.5–2.5).
  4. Structured parking along right-of-way: allow podium parking on Buildings A and B (screened by masonry and art) due to an unacquired parcel limiting layout.
• Staff Summary (detailed): The project is part of a city redevelopment agreement (May 2025) with Royal Capital. The site has a 20-year redevelopment history; previous developer failed in 2023. The applicant engaged the Historic Southside Neighborhood Association extensively. Staff recommended approval of all waivers.
• Public Testimony: Terrell Walter (Royal Capital) highlighted community engagement and a single-phase construction plan. Austin James (Near South Side) supported all waivers, noting TxDOT conflicts and the existing streetscape. Lindsay Mesa (City Development Services) thanked the team for collaboration.
• Discussion & Vote: Commissioners praised the project’s community integration and design. All four waivers were approved in a single motion, 9-0.

Key Outcomes

• All four cases approved 9-0 without opposition.
• Chair Harper’s departure was recognized; elections for a new chair will occur next month.
• The commission adjourned at approximately 11:00 AM.