Fort Worth Building Standards Commission Meeting - March 23, 2026

The Fort Worth Building Standards Commission convened on March 23, 2026, at 9:31 AM to hear cases regarding substandard and hazardous structures and nuisance abatement. The meeting included a consent calendar, testimony from property owners and interested parties, and deliberation on 15 cases. Votes were largely unanimous, with several civil penalties assessed and varying deadlines granted for compliance. The meeting adjourned after a brief recess and a final session.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting and the evidentiary packet with a 7-0 vote.
• Six cases were withdrawn at the city's request: 1604 Denver Avenue, 7709 Camp Bowie West Blvd (aka 7720 Norman Avenue), 2709 Wake Crest Drive, 8701 Overland Drive, 1326 Missouri Avenue, and 1481 Avenue E. The motion to withdraw carried 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Several property owners and representatives testified, including Ornetta White (5013 Whisper Dr), Eric Arteaga (2914 NW 20th St), David Wilson and Suzanne Suarez (2114 Tierney Rd), Eduardo Garcia (2007 & 2009 Clinton Ave), and Stephanie Martinez, an interested party, who expressed concern about safety and the length of time properties had been in disrepair.
• Frederick McGowan (1418 Homan Ave) and Mark Sutherland (5912 Wal Raven Cir) also testified regarding nuisance abatement cases.
• Rita Pacheco and her son Chris Wright testified in detail about progress on 3755 Hemphill St, requesting additional time.

Discussion Items

• 5013 Whisper Drive (HS2635): City presented evidence of severe fire damage, missing roof, and compromised electrical system. Owner Ornetta White stated she had submitted permits and was rebuilding. She requested 90 days; the commission granted 90 days to repair or demolish (8-0 vote).
• 2914 Northwest 20th Street (HS2631): City reported roof collapse, large cracks, and missing windows. New owner Eric Arteaga purchased the property 30 days prior and planned demolition. He requested 30 days, which was granted (8-0).
• 2114 Tierney Road (HS2636): Primary and two accessory structures had collapsing walls, foundation issues, and biological growth. Owner's representative stated no interest in repair; lienholder Seattle Bank was in foreclosure. The commission granted 30 days to repair or demolish (8-0).
• 2007 Clinton Avenue (HS2647): Structure had deteriorated wood framing, cracked foundation, and pest harborage. Owner Eduardo Garcia cited caretaking responsibilities for parents and requested 90 days. The city requested 30 days due to long-standing violations. The commission voted 8-0 to grant 45 days, citing the need for community safety and progress.
• 2009 Clinton Avenue (HS2648): Similar conditions to 2007 Clinton. Owner Garcia again requested 90 days; the commission granted 45 days (8-0), noting the property had been in disrepair for years and that only recent actions had been taken.
• 2217 Ross Avenue (ACP2631): Nuisance abatement case with owner deceased. Richard Delgado, son of deceased owners, stated his brother lived there and was responsible. The commission issued a civil penalty of $0 and ordered abatement within 30 days (8-0).
• 2510 Hemphill Street (HS2642): Commercial structure with partially collapsed roof and leaning wall. Owner Pedro Alcantara and contractor Jermaine Beckham Burlison planned to rebuild and requested 90 days. The city requested 30 days. The commission granted 60 days (7-0, after Mr. Castles left).
• 1418 Homan Avenue (ACP2638): Nuisance abatement with repeated violations. Owner Frederick McGowan represented Glory Land Missions and requested 90 days, stating he would clean up. The city requested 30 days and a $4,100 penalty. The commission granted 90 days to abate and assessed the $4,100 penalty (7-0).
• 5912 Wal Raven Circle (ACP2640): Nuisance abatement; owner Mark Sutherland had made some front-yard progress but lacked a vehicle for debris removal. He requested 60 days; the city requested 30 days and a $4,100 penalty. The commission granted 60 days to abate and assessed the $4,100 penalty (7-0).
• 3755 Hemphill Street (HS2592, Amendment): Owner Rita Pacheco detailed extensive work done (foundation, floor joists, subfloor) and requested 180 additional days. The city was unopposed to 90 days. The commission debated whether a detailed work plan had been submitted. A motion to grant 180 days carried 6-1, with one commissioner dissenting. The owner was granted 180 days to repair or demolish.
• 1324 Limerick Drive (HS2542, Civil Penalty): City documented that the owner, Phillips Equity Capital LLC, had only completed roof and window work since the original order. The city requested a penalty of $100 per day for 282 days ($28,200). The owner's representative, Jaron Howard, requested leniency, citing $25,000 in improvements. The commission assessed the full $28,200 penalty (7-0), noting the owner could request an amendment to reduce the penalty upon showing progress.
• 8278 Lifford Place (HS2632): No appearance; severe fire damage. The commission declared the structure substandard and hazardous and ordered repair or demolition within 30 days (7-0).
• 545 South Riverside Drive (HS2634): No appearance; commercial structure with collapsed roof and vagrant activity. The commission declared it substandard and hazardous and ordered repair or demolition within 30 days (7-0).
• 6211 Shady Dale Drive (ACP2639): No appearance; third time at commission for the same owner. The city requested a $300/day penalty for 41 days ($12,300). The commission assessed the penalty and ordered abatement within 30 days (7-0).
• 813 East Dixon Street (ACP2641): No appearance; owner deceased. The city requested $0 penalty. The commission issued no penalty and ordered abatement within 30 days (7-0).
• 6013 East Lancaster Avenue (ACP2643): No appearance; second time at commission. The city requested a $200/day penalty for 41 days ($8,200). The commission assessed the penalty and ordered abatement within 30 days (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Declarations of Substandard/Hazardous: 11 structures were declared substandard and hazardous (all votes unanimous).
• Repair or Demolish Orders: Deadlines varied: 30 days (4 cases), 45 days (2 cases), 60 days (1 case), 90 days (1 case), and 180 days (1 case).
• Nuisance Abatement Orders: 6 cases ordered abated within 30 days (2 cases), 60 days (1 case), 90 days (1 case), and 41 days (1 case; note: 41 days in motion but voted 30 days for 813 E Dixon).
• Civil Penalties Assessed: $0 (2 cases), $4,100 (2 cases), $8,200 (1 case), $12,300 (1 case), and $28,200 (1 case).
• Commission Composition: The meeting began with 8 commissioners; after a recess, 7 commissioners were present for remaining cases. Votes were 8-0 or 7-0.
• Next Steps: Owners were informed of amendment and appeal rights within 30 days of the orders.