Fort Worth may expand zoning rules to curb business clusters

Fort Worth Proposes Zoning Changes for Liquor Stores, Payday Lenders, and Smoke Shops

Fort Worth leaders are proposing zoning changes to limit clusters of liquor stores, payday lenders, and smoke shops. The plan would double spacing requirements to 1,000 feet, with stricter buffers near schools and parks.

Details of the Zoning Change

The details of this zoning change have been in the works since mid-2025. Some call it long overdue. An informal report at the city council’s work session on Tuesday updated key points. The new language would increase spacing requirements from 500 feet to 1,000 feet between the identified types of businesses.

Specific Requirements for Smoke Shops

The proposal calls for smoke shops, under a specific categorization, to have an even larger buffer from schools, parks, houses of worship, and day care centers. Advocates have complained about this issue for decades in low-income neighborhoods.

Community Advocate’s Perspective

Cory Session is a community advocate and lifelong southside Fort Worth resident. He believes the zoning change is a long time coming. “There’s like three within one mile. Within one mile of me, I can take you to three smoke shops. I can take you to several liquor stores,” Session said. He believes the proposal could be even more strict.

Councilman’s Support for the Proposal

Councilman Chris Nettles’ district includes parts of East Berry Street. He points out that established businesses would be unaffected. However, the zoning changes would benefit areas where growth is happening rapidly. “It’s gotten closer to our schools. Some of our children are walking home from school, and they’re having a walk through certain areas where people are hanging out, and we’re trying to prevent that as well,” Nettles said.

Upcoming Public Hearing

The city’s zoning commission will hold a public hearing on this matter on January 13. The council is expected to vote on the measure on January 27.