Boards & Commissions

[Animals Chapter § 2.06 & Texas Health and Safety Code § 823.005]
State law provides for the formation of an advisory committee to assist in compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 823 and oversee the operations of an animal shelter. The board encourages responsible pet ownership by providing an animal registration program, field enforcement services, educational services, and life safety services. The humane care and successful placement of stray and unwanted animals, and the eradication of rabies from the community's animal population are critical to the successful operations of the Animal Services Center.

Members

Nine - one licensed veterinarian (who may be a nonresident); one city official other than an employee of the Department of Code Compliance Services (historically, this member is from the Police Department); five citizens-at-large; one person whose duties include the daily operation of an animal shelter; and one representative from an animal welfare organization.

Terms

Two consecutive two-year terms, subject to the term limitation policy.

Meetings

Quarterly or as needed, time and place determined by the board chair.

Board members are tourism advocates who will steer the organization toward a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by ensuring the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.

Members

Twenty-five board members are selected from the major entertainment attractions in the city: Six Flags Over Texas, National Medal of Honor Museum, Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and Texas Live! (appointees should hold at least the position of Vice-President or its equivalent); three members selected from and representing the lodging industry; seven members selected from among residents of the city who have demonstrated interest in the city and the convention industry; one member from the restaurant/retail industry; two members selected from the City Council; two members representing the North and South Arlington Business Council; and ex officio members who are representatives of the city manager's office, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Arlington Management Corporation, and the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO.

Terms

Two consecutive two-year terms, subject to the term limitation policy, with the exception of representatives of the five major entertainment attractions and the representatives from the lodging industry, business councils, and restaurant/retail industries, which may serve unlimited terms.

Meetings

Second Wednesday of October, December, February, April, June, and August from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. One annual meeting is also held in the later part of the year.

This Board of Directors provides a means to finance the cost of residential ownership and development that will provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing at affordable prices to residents of local governments. It was organized and incorporated to carry out the purposes of Chapter 394 of the Texas Local Government Code. The Corporation has authority to sell bonds in order to accomplish the purposes of Chapter 394. The AHFC is governed by its Charter and Bylaws and Chapter 394.

Members

Five members, serve a six-year term, and are subject to term limitation policy.

Meetings

Meetings are held as needed.

[Construction Chapter Article 2]
This board hears appeals regarding any decision of the building official made according to the Building Code, or any request for an exemption or modification to an existing policy or regulation. The board also recommends to the city council via the Code Review Committee any code amendments that they believe may be desirable and in the public interest.

This board hears appeals from decisions of the building official regarding the application and enforcement of the Electrical Code and grants variances from the terms of the ordinance when necessary to carry out the intent and spirit of the ordinance. The decisions of the board are final unless recourse is taken through district court.

This board may vary the application of any provision of the Mechanical Code or Plumbing Code, or modify an order of the building official when, in its opinion, enforcement would do manifest injustice and would be contrary to the purpose of such codes. Recourse from decisions of this board must be made through district court.

Members

Thirteen - Nine regular members, including one member with fire safety experience; one architect, general contractor, or engineer; one master electrician or electric utility representative; one master plumber or responsible plumber; one mechanical contractor; and the remaining four members selected at large from the building industry; and four alternate members selected at large from the building industry. Members may serve on other boards concurrently.

Terms

Two-year terms, not subject to the term limitation policy.

Meetings

As needed.

The Citizens' Bond Committee is made of 19 Council-appointed Arlington residents who will review and recommend projects for a bond program that could be presented to voters in May 2025.

Citizens' Bond Committee

[Ambulance Service Chapter Article 3]
This board serves as an advisory body for the city council regarding medical control of the city's EMS and ambulance system.

Members

Eleven - the medical director (or his/her designee) of the emergency department of each hospital in Arlington that receives ambulance patients; seven other physicians; and the city's Medical Director and the Arlington Fire Department Chief, both of whom are ex-officio non-voting members. Physicians may be nonresidents if they primarily practice medicine in Arlington. Members may serve on other boards concurrently.

Terms

Two-year terms, not subject to the term limitation policy.

Meetings

Annually or as needed.

[Texas Local Government Code Chapter 392]
The Housing Authority Board of Commissioners oversees the operations of the Arlington Housing Authority, a public corporation established to administer federally funded rental housing assistance programs described in Chapter 392. The Housing Authority and its board are subject to Chapter 392 and federal law and regulations. In addition, through an interlocal cooperation agreement with the city of Arlington, the Housing Authority administers community development grant-funded housing-related programs and other state and federally funded programs related to housing on behalf of the city of Arlington.

Members

Five - one member shall be a program participant and four shall be at large members. One member also serves on the Arlington Housing Finance Corporation. Under state law, members may be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or misconduct in office.

Terms

Two consecutive two-year terms, subject to term limitation policy.

Meetings

Fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Meeting dates and frequency subject to change.

[Unified Development Code § 9.5 & Construction Chapter § 4.16]
This board will familiarize itself with buildings, structures, sites, districts, areas, places, and lands within the city which may be eligible for state and national historic landmark status. This board formulates plans and programs for public and private action for encouraging, promoting, protecting, and preserving historical landmarks within the city of Arlington. This board has the authority to approve or deny requests for certificates of appropriateness and certificates of demolition in the Landmark Preservation Overlay zoning district.

Members

Nine - two members shall represent any combination of the following fields or professions: (1) architecture; (2) banking; (3) law; (4) real estate; and (5) urban planning. Three members shall have historic preservation experience in restoring older homes/buildings, writing historic marker applications, or participating as members of an Arlington historical or preservation group. Four members shall be citizens at large.

Terms

Three consecutive two-year terms, subject to term limitation policy.

Meetings

Second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.

[Administration Chapter § 3.03]
This board serves in an advisory capacity to the city council and library administrative staff concerning policies and matters related to Arlington's library services. This body also actively encourages public interest in the various services and resources available at all city of Arlington library locations.

Members

Ten, including one youth representative.

Terms

Two consecutive two-year terms, subject to term limitation policy; the youth representative serves for a one-year term.

Meetings

Fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

[Parks and Recreation Chapter §§ 2.01-2.02]
This board serves in an advisory capacity to the city council concerning the acquisition, maintenance, operation, and use of parks, playgrounds, and open spaces within the city; and has various other functions related to the city's parks and recreation facilities.

Members

Ten, including one youth representative.

Terms

Two consecutive two-year terms, subject to the term limitation policy; youth representative serves for a one-year term.

Meetings

Second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.

[Unified Development Code § 9.3 & Texas Local Government Code § 211.007]
The Planning and Zoning Commission is responsible for recommending to the city council the creation and modification of zoning districts, as well as reviewing and approving all land plats submitted for filing with Tarrant County. The Planning and Zoning Commission also cooperates with the Parks and Recreation Board and other similar organizations regarding needs in the development and improvement of parks and boulevards, the extension and opening of streets and avenues, and other public places. In addition, the Planning and Zoning Commission serves as the Capital Improvements Program Advisory Committee and the Airport Zoning Commission.

Members

Nine members.

Terms

Three consecutive two-year terms, subject to term limitation policy.

Meetings

First and third Wednesdays of each month.

[Administration Chapter § 3.09]
The Unity Council strives to (with city council concurrence) monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the Unity Council Reports issued in February 2021 and August 2023, including monitoring city departmental equity and equality efforts; advancing unity in the city through communication, education, and programming; and fulfilling other actions and duties as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Unity Council. The board makes additional recommendations to the city council to promote equity and equality in the city; to eliminate racism and other forms of discrimination; and to identify ways to support the needs of diverse communities, including but not limited to individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, and senior or aging individuals. The board also promotes equity progress through bi-annual updates from the city's chief equity officer to city council, or as otherwise requested by the city council, and at other city events and community meetings.

Members

Ten, including one youth representative.

Terms

Two consecutive two-year terms, subject to the term limitation policy; youth representative serves for a one-year term.

Meetings

Monthly (second Wednesdays).

[Unified Development Code § 9.4 & Texas Local Government Code §§ 211.008-211.010]
The board hears variances and special exceptions as listed in the Unified Development Code (UDC), hears appeals of decisions made by an administrative official, and acts in a quasi-judicial capacity to ensure that the UDC is equitably and uniformly enforced. Any recourse from decisions of this board must be through district court.

Members

Thirteen – Nine regular members and four alternate members. Under state law, members may be removed for cause, as found by the city council, on a written charge after a public hearing.

Terms

Three consecutive two-year terms, subject to the term limitation policy.

Meetings

As needed.