Building Standards Commission Meeting – October 26, 2026

The Fort Worth Building Standards Commission met on October 26, 2026, beginning at 9:31 AM and recessing for lunch at approximately noon, reconvening at 12:49 PM. The commission considered 13 new case substandard declarations, 9 administrative civil penalty hearings, 5 amendment requests, and one case that was withdrawn. All motions except one passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes: The minutes from the September 28, 2026 meeting were approved (7-0).
• Evidentiary Packet: The evidentiary packet was accepted (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

Substandard Structure Cases:

• Irving Lofton (son of owner) and Nicole Lane (niece) for 2807 Ross Avenue asked for 60–90 days to repair or sell; Mr. Lofton had applied to the city’s repair program.
• Dr. Victor Nguyen (director of the Family Trust) for 8109 Shelton Drive requested 90 days, asserting that the structure was sound and that he had completed significant structural repairs; he identified himself as a professional engineer.
• Justin Weaver (owner of Liberty Chapel K9s, LLC) for 4225 Leeds Drive requested 90 days and reported active work with an architect and permits.
• Barbara Kumpon Pakti (daughter of owner) for 7305 Marvin Brown Street requested 60–90 days to demolish the structures, citing unauthorized occupants and the owner’s recent death.
• Orlando Fernandez (real estate broker for SP Homes) for 4013 Zwolee Street requested 90 days; the owner was out of the country.
• Pastor Patrick Moses (First Missionary Baptist Church) for 4928 Miller Avenue requested 90 days, detailing plans to rehabilitate the property for community service.
• Orlando Fernandez (purchaser of 1005 Northwest 20th Street) requested 90 days, stating the sale was imminent.

Administrative Civil Penalty Cases:

• Dr. Richard Schmidt (treating psychologist for Richard Green) for 5717 Danziger Drive requested 60 days and a reduction of the civil penalty.
• Ben Lawyer (code blue volunteer) urged no more than 30 days for 5717 Danziger Drive, emphasizing the long-standing nuisance.
• Stacy Allen (son of owner) for 1621 Miller Avenue requested 90 days, citing recurring unauthorized occupancy.
• Brent Kirschner (owner) for 3108 Santa Fe Trail requested 60 days and presented photographs showing progress.
• Cal Gliden (lien holder) for 7709 Pensacola Avenue requested 60 days, stating the owners were uncooperative.
• John Torres (owner) for 2705 Mecklemore Avenue requested 60 days, reporting 70% cleanup and a willingness to finish.
• Laura Dale (U.S. Marshals Service) for 2616 Carter Avenue confirmed the property was federally forfeited and would be cleaned within 30 days.

Amendment Requests:

• Linda Coleman (owner of 5738 Gettys Avenue) requested a continuance after her contractor was killed; granted (6-1).
• Lloyd Thompson (on behalf of estate) for 3313 Todd Avenue requested 90 days; amendment denied (6-1).
• John Shannon (Shannon Trust) for 2704 Hannah Avenue requested 90 days; Stephen Wilson (tenant) requested 60 days to relocate; amendment denied (6-0, one abstention).

Discussion Items

The commission followed a consistent process: city code officers presented evidence, property representatives and interested parties testified, and commissioners deliberated on the appropriate compliance timeline and penalties. Key discussion points included:

• The commission’s authority extends only to conditions as defined by the building code; it does not resolve ownership, leasing, or land-use disputes.
• For substandard structures, staff generally recommended 30 days, but the commission often granted 60 or 90 days when owners demonstrated active progress, financial constraints, or external delays (e.g., insurance, HOA approval, contractor availability).
• In civil penalty cases, the amount was based on the duration and severity of the violation; the $4,500 penalty (100/day for 45 days) was standard, with a $9,000 penalty for a repeat violation and a $1,350 reduced penalty where significant progress had been made. The commission reminded all parties that penalties can be reconsidered through the amendment process once compliance is achieved.
• Amendment requests were denied when no measurable progress had been made since the original order and no concrete plan was provided.

Key Outcomes

• 13 new substandard cases: All structures declared substandard and hazardous. Orders to repair or demolish set at 30 days (4 cases) or 60–90 days (9 cases). Staff authorized to demolish and lien property upon non-compliance.
• 1 case withdrawn: HS 2704 (Bennell Avenue) was withdrawn at the start of the meeting.
• 9 administrative civil penalty cases: All owners ordered to abate nuisances within 30–60 days. Civil penalties assessed as follows: $4,500 (4 cases), $9,000 (1 case), $1,350 (1 case), $0 (2 cases where progress was made or property taken by federal government).
• 5 amendment requests: 1 continuance granted (to December 7, 2026); 4 amendments denied.
• Votes: Unanimous on all matters except the continuance for 5738 Gettys Avenue (6-1 in favor).
• Next steps: Owners have 90 days from the order date to request an amendment and 30 days to appeal to Tarrant County District Court. Non-compliance may lead to city-initiated action and additional civil penalty hearings.