If you are interested in giving public testimony at a Public Hearing on a Zoning Case before the Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council, the following information will help you become familiar with the relevant procedures.

Procedures for Participating at Public Hearings on Zoning Cases before the Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council

  • Speakers may complete a speaker card and place it in the box at the entrance of the Council Chamber (for the Planning and Zoning Commission); or to the desk at the entrance of the Council Chamber (for City Council).
  • At a public hearing on a zoning case before the Planning and Zoning Commission, the applicant or the applicant's representative is allowed 10 minutes to speak. All other speakers are allowed 5 minutes each to speak. The applicant is then allowed 5 minutes for rebuttal at the conclusion of all comments.
  • At a public hearing on a zoning case before the City Council, the applicant or the applicant's representative is allowed 5 minutes to speak. All other speakers are allowed 3 minutes each to speak. The applicant is then allowed 3 minutes for rebuttal at the conclusion of all comments.
  • When a large number of speakers are present for a meeting, the presiding officer may impose time limits that are more restrictive to promote an efficient, organized process and to allow all members of the public who intend to speak an opportunity to do so.
  • Developers who wish to make presentations to an evening City Council session should contact or make arrangements with the Planning and Development Services department at 817-459-6138.

Procedures for Registering Support or Opposition to Zoning Cases Set for Public Hearings

  • Citizens who desire to register in support or opposition to a zoning case set for a public hearing may complete a card and place it in the box at the entrance of the Council Chamber (for the Planning and Zoning Commission); or to the desk at the entrance of the Council Chamber (for City Council).
  • Citizens who do not expect to attend the public hearing may write a letter in support or opposition and submit or email it to the City Council or Planning and Zoning Commission, as appropriate.
  • Registration of support or opposition on any item on the agenda must be submitted before or at the public hearing on the day of the hearing.
  • Petitions from individuals can be submitted using the forms below. Forms should be submitted to the project case manager.
  • Group Property Owners or Neighborhoods wishing to submit a petition of support or opposition may do so by letter to be received in the City Secretary's office not less than 24 hours prior to the City Council public hearing.  The petition should include the:
    • Case number
    • Reasons for opposing, if desired
    • Property owner name and address
    • Property owner signature