Fort Worth
Research summary, not legal advice. Confirm base zoning district and any CUP/PD overlays on the exact parcel. Fees per sources accessed Sep 2026.
West 7th / Cultural District
Primary The Lone Volt candidate corridor. Most parcels are zoned mixed-use (MU-2 High Intensity Mixed-Use) or commercial (E/F/G districts). Retail and restaurant uses on ground floor are encouraged in MU-2.[6][5]
- Restaurant / food service — generally permitted in E, F, G, and MU-2 districts; check Nonresidential Use Table for exact parcel Verify district[4]
- Urban design overlay: Cultural District/West 7th overlay is under development (2026) — not yet fully adopted. Monitor for future form-based standards on signage, facades, and streetscape[5]
- Bars/taverns in MU-2: ≤2,000 sq ft by right; larger requires Conditional Use Permit (CUP) with public hearing[8]
- The Lone Volt (non-alcohol, ~1,200–1,600 sq ft) likely classifies as restaurant/retail food — not bar CUP — but confirm with Planner of Day
- Parking: Per base district + Chapter 6 development standards; MU-2 has structured parking and mixed-use reductions — verify shared parking in multi-tenant buildings[4][6]
- Extended hours: Entertainment corridor; no citywide midnight SUP like Dallas PD 842, but noise and outdoor amplification may face neighbor complaints — check lease for sound limits
Permits & process (citywide)
| Step | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Zoning | Verify use in Appendix A Use Tables (Ch. 4 Art. 8)[4] | 817-392-2222 Development Services; CUP if asterisk (*) on use[4] |
| 2. Certificate of Occupancy | Required for every business with physical location[3] | Apply via Acella portal or City Hall lower level; change-of-use if prior tenant differed[3] |
| 3. Plan review | Consumer Health plan review before construction/conversion[2] | Scaled floor plan, equipment schedule, menu, plumbing plans[2] |
| 4. Plan review fee | $165–$500 by sq ft (current schedule; updated Sep 2025)[1][2] | ~$150–$200 range for 1,200–1,600 sq ft |
| 5. Annual health permit | $385 base + $5/employee (max 100)[2] | Fixed food establishment |
| 6. Pre-permit services | $150 request-for-services fee may apply[2] | After closure or complex conversions |
| 7. Building / fire | Building permit for finish-out; fire inspection[3] | CO inspections scheduled day after permit approval when possible[3] |
Health code highlights (Ch. 16)
- No person may operate a food establishment without a current city permit[7]
- Separate permit for each distinct operation at same address[7]
- Plans required for new construction, extensive remodel, or change of ownership/conversion[2][7]
- Classifications include food service establishment (restaurants, snack bars) and bars/lounges[7]
- Follow Texas Food Establishment Rules for ice, cold holding, handwash, and sanitizer[7]
CO process tips (restaurants)
- If space was previously a restaurant: new CO for new business ("Occupancy Existing Ordinance") — not a full change-of-use[3]
- If new use or different from prior: planning review includes parking, signage, landscaping; may trigger commercial building permit[3]
- Reviews take ~2–3 business days; inspections after approval[3]
- Register business with TX Secretary of State and obtain sales tax permit first[3]
References
Inline [n] markers above link to these sources. Accessed September 2026 unless noted.
- [1]Fort Worth Consumer HealthFee schedule updated Sep 1, 2025; links to plan review fees.
- [2]Consumer Health — Plan Review & Fee SchedulePlan review $165–$500; annual permit $385 + $5/employee; $150 pre-permit services.
- [3]2025 Certificate of Occupancy Guide for Restaurants (PDF)CO required; prior-restaurant vs. change-of-use paths; 817-392-2222.
- [4]Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance (Appendix A)Use tables Ch. 4 Art. 8; CUP (*) uses; Ch. 6 development standards.
- [5]Cultural District / West 7th Urban DesignProposed urban design overlay; mixed-use zoning in corridor.
- [6]§ 4.1302 MU-2 High Intensity Mixed-Use DistrictGround-floor retail/restaurant encouraged; height and density standards.
- [7]City Code Ch. 16 — Food Establishments (PDF)Permit required; fixed vs. mobile classifications; plan review triggers.
- [8]§ 5.154 Bars or Taverns — Supplemental Use StandardsMU-2: bars ≤2,000 sq ft by right; larger requires CUP.