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Friends and Neighbors,
It’s officially Fall! While the temperatures start to cool down, I’d love to invite you to the next “Weekend Chats with Councilwoman Martinez" at Coffee Folk on October 17, 9-11 AM.
This event series provides a casual, come-and-go setting where you can drop in, share your thoughts or concerns with me and my staff, and chat over a cup of coffee. So far, the District 11 office has received great ideas and feedback from residents, ranging from suggestions for potential properties to add to The NET Force program to identifying specific problems like unmaintained alleyways, illegal structures, and lighting issues. We truly appreciate the community's engagement, as hearing directly from you to learn your priorities is exactly why we started hosting these events.
Gatherings like these, along with Neighborhood Association meetings and community events, are at the heart of what we do. They give our team the opportunity to hear directly from you and learn about the amazing individuals and organizations working to strengthen our community. If you have an upcoming event or meeting you’d like us to attend, please email us an invitation!
As always, the District 11 office is here to support you. You are always welcome to reach out to us at district11@fortworthtexas.gov or (817) 392-8811.
With humility and gratitude,
Jeanette Martinez
Stay up to date with the latest D11 news by following us
on Facebook and Instagram!
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CODE VIOLATIONS | PART 4: ZONING ORDINANCES
Welcome back to our code compliance series where we look at the top five reported code violations across District 11 (2025). This month, we’re shining a light on Zoning!
| TOP FIVE CODE VIOLATIONS IN D11 (2005) |
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| Vehicle |
1,366 |
| Solid Waste Violations |
2,431 |
| Property Maintenance |
3,010 |
| Zoning |
3,129 |
| Animal Care and Control |
8,152 |
Since the details surrounding zoning and illegal land use are extensive, this month we will mainly provide a general overview of what zoning is and where you can find key information related to zoning ordinances and zoning districts.
Before any piece of land can be developed in the City of Fort Worth, it must first be zoned and platted. This process is managed by the City of Fort Worth Development Services Department. A dedicated Zoning Commission, made up of appointees selected by City Council members, reviews all zoning requests and provides recommendations to the City Council. Councilmembers hold the final authority to approve a request, deny it, or ask for minor changes to the developer's application and plans. Ultimately, the city strives to create regulations that reflect its overarching Comprehensive Plan, which includes future land use plans.
The most frequent zoning issues reported to the District 11 office stem from illegal land use involving single-family homes being converted into multi-family dwellings. Additionally, code officers frequently encounter lots zoned for Single-Family Residential (A) or Neighborhood Commercial (E or ER) being improperly utilized for general storage or vehicle parking yards. The aforementioned actions are strictly prohibited without receiving approval from both the Zoning Commission and City Council.
If you are ever curious about what a specific property in your neighborhood is designated for, the city makes it easy to check through OneAddress. OneAddress is a database that allows you to look up an address to view its official zoning assignment, permits, code violations, designated Neighborhood Association, Code Officer, Neighborhood Police Officers, waste collection days, etc. This resource also provides details on future land-use designations, giving you a preview of potential rezoning changes that could impact the area down the road.
Finally, because many neighborhoods in District 11 feature older, established homes, backyard structures known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a frequent topic of discussion. While state laws and local regulations surrounding ADUs have shifted over time, older structures built before current rules took effect may still be legally permitted. Property owners in this situation can submit a Legal Non-Conforming application, which establishes that the structure was lawfully built under the regulations active at the time. Alternatively, property owners seeking exceptions to current land-use rules can bring their case before the Board of Adjustment, which is responsible for hearing appeals and granting special exceptions for properties that do not strictly match their current zoning designation.
Learn more about zoning.
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NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2026
The District 11 team participated in 13 National Night Out events this year!
Neighbors enjoyed a wide range of activities, from chili cook-offs and dessert competitions to bounce houses, resource tables, and visits from various city departments. Most importantly, residents had the chance to connect with one another and engage with local law enforcement, strengthening relationships that support neighborhood safety and community unity.
Thank you to all the volunteers, NPOs, Code Officers, and community members who helped make this year’s National Night Out a tremendous success!
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LA LINEA ROSA HITS THE STREETS
On September 15, Trinity Metro officially unveiled La Linea Rosa at La Gran Plaza de Fort Worth. This newly styled ‘Mexican’ pink bus runs along Route 1, and marks Trinity Metro’s third color rebrand aimed at simplifying routes and boosting ridership.
The colorful design celebrates the rich culture of the Near Southside and Hemphill corridor, featuring artwork inspired by ballet folklórico dancers, papel picado, and iconic local imagery such as La Gran Plaza and Fort Worth Public Art piece, Flight.
La Linea Rosa is a vital community connector, running from Downtown Fort Worth through the Near Southside and Hemphill all the way to La Gran Plaza. Keep an eye out for it on your daily commute!
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ROSEMONT AND SEMINARY WATER DESIGN OPEN HOUSE
The Fort Worth Water Department is hosting a Design Open House to share details and timelines for three capital projects in Districts 9 and 11. Residents are invited to meet city staff and learn about the upcoming water and sewer improvements coming to the Rosemont and Seminary area.
Meeting Details:
Monday, October 19, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Victory Forest Community Center (3427 Hemphill St.)
Water and Sewer Projects:
Project 104837 (District 9 and 11)
Project 104838 (District 9)
Project 104839 (District 9 and 11)
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GET READY FOR COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK
October 12-18 is FREE College Application Week!
Submit your application to any public Texas college, university, or community college through ApplyTexas during this week, and the application fees are waived!
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CELEBRATE AMERICA RECYCLES DAY
The City of Fort Worth is celebrating America Recycles Day on November 14 by hosting its 2nd annual recycling education event!
Bring your empty, clean, and dry recyclable items to Hulen Mall or La Gran Plaza and learn how to recycle correctly. Attendees can also enjoy art displays, demos, and free activities.
Choose between two event locations to celebrate.
La Gran Plaza (District 11)
4200 South Fwy.
Fort Worth, TX 76115
Hulen Mall (District 6)
4800 S. Hulen Street
Fort Worth, TX 76132
Learn more.
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On September 15, we kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month at City Hall. Local organizations, artists, small businesses, and neighborhood restaurants helped us celebrate with music, dance performances, and local food.
Mayor Parker and Councilmembers Flores and Martinez honored our Hispanic and Latin American roots by presenting special recognitions to celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of Latin American communities across Fort Worth.
Thank you to everyone who attended and made this event possible. It served as a powerful reminder of how much stronger and more dynamic our city is when we celebrate our shared heritage together.
As a reminder, Hispanic Heritage Month runs through October 15, and there are plenty of ways to keep the celebration going across the city:
Tour of Latin America
October 8th and 14th
Check your local Fort Worth Public Library
Sonidos del Summer Bidi Bidi Back to the Park
October 10 | 5 - 10 PM
Marine Park (303 NW. 20th)
Michelada Festival
October 11 | 12 - 8 PM
Main Street from the Convention Center to Sundance Square
¡Celebramos! A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage
October 18 - 19
Fort Worth Botanic Gardens (1700 University Dr.)
Sundance Square
Art shows, live music, and dancing.
Check the calendar for dates and details.
420 Main St.
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Here are proposed zoning changes that will be coming before City Council in District 11 neighborhoods. To seize the opportunity for your voice to be heard, I encourage you to sign up for zoning notifications and attend upcoming Zoning Commission or the designated City Council Meetings.
Learn more about the Zoning process here.
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October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to celebrate the history, achievements, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the people who work every day to build a more inclusive community for those who don't always have a support system.
To honor this month, we are spotlighting local organizations making a meaningful impact across Fort Worth. These organizations are either preserving history or making history by creating pathways for individual to live as their authentic selves.
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YesterQueer
This Tarrant County LGBTQ History Project is dedicated to preserving the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Tarrant County.
They post memories, archival photos, and host public discussions and events designed to share the community's rich history with future generations of queer youth and anyone else who’s interested in learning from it.
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Finn’s Place
Finn’s Place is a community center in Fort Worth dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and affirming space for trans and gender-diverse individuals and their families. The center offers events, resource navigation community, and a casual drop-in space for connection.
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LGBTQ SAVES
Founded in 2010 by Sharon Herrera, LGBTQ SAVES (Social Action for Values and Equality) provides safe, affirming spaces for local LGBTQ+ youth ages 12–24 and their families. Through weekly peer support groups, community mentorship, and signature events like the annual Youth Pride Picnic and The Prom Project, the organization focuses on reducing youth isolation and fostering a supportive community right here in Fort Worth.
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TRINITY PRIDE
Trinity Pride is a dedicated to connecting, empowering, and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community across Tarrant County. The organization is best known for producing Trinity Pride Fest, a signature annual celebration in Fort Worth's Near Southside district that brings the community together through live music, local artisan markets, interactive art, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Beyond its flagship festival, Trinity Pride also sponsors and organizes Q Cinema, Fort Worth's long-running LGBTQ+ film festival, featuring independent international films and director discussions. Through year-round cultural programming, advocacy, and collaborative partnerships with local businesses and health organizations, Trinity Pride creates safe, inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity and foster long-term community connection.
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See what programs are available at your local library by using the Fun Finder! |
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See what is happening at your neighborhood Community Center by using the Recreation Guide! |
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RIVERSIDE
3700 E. Belknap St.
Fort Worth, TX 76111
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211 TEXAS HOTLINE
988 SUICIDE HOTLINE
ONCOR
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CITY CALL CENTER
CITY CONTACTS
RESOURCE GUIDE
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811 ATMOS HOTLINE
MYFW APP
TEHCY PROGRAM
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