Fort Worth city officials are considering significant zoning changes aimed at regulating the concentration of certain businesses, specifically liquor stores, payday lenders, and smoke shops. The proposed changes would double the spacing requirements for these establishments from 500 feet to 1,000 feet, with even stricter regulations near schools and parks.
This initiative has been in development since mid-2025 and has been deemed necessary by many community members who feel it is overdue. An informal report presented during a city council work session included updates about the proposed regulations, which seek to prevent the clustering of these types of businesses within neighborhoods.
Under the new guidelines, smoke shops would face additional restrictions, requiring greater distances from schools, parks, houses of worship, and daycare centers. Advocates for these changes argue that this zoning adjustment is crucial for protecting low-income neighborhoods that have been disproportionately affected by the concentration of such businesses.
Cory Session, a community advocate and lifelong resident of south Fort Worth, expressed support for the zoning changes, stating, “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.” He believes the regulations should be even stricter, suggesting that a minimum distance of 1,000 yards would be more effective in addressing the potential negative influences these businesses can bring to the community.
Councilman Chris Nettles, representing parts of East Berry Street, emphasized that while existing businesses would not be impacted by these changes, the new regulations would benefit rapidly developing areas. He noted, “It’s gotten closer to our schools. Some of our children are walking home from school, and they’re having to walk through certain areas where people are hanging out, and we’re trying to prevent that as well.”
The city’s zoning commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing regarding this proposal on January 13, with the city council expected to vote on the matter on January 27.
