Richland Hills · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Richland Hills public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Accessory structure height and setback variance at 7171 Richland Road
The city is looking to update rules for backyard sheds, garages, and shops, including how building height is measured and how large these structures can be. RV storage on larger lots was part of the earlier discussion.
Comprehensive Plan as a zoning guide
Commissioners clashed over whether filling an older commercial building with an ice cream plant helps or hurts the city's new vision for Baker Boulevard as a walkable, mixed-use hub. The debate turned on whether redevelopment will ever come to this odd, small 'sandwich' lot — and whether saying yes now locks in the status quo.
Utility rate increases from Fort Worth
Fort Worth is raising water and sewer impact fees on new development in two phases (October 2025 and October 2026), and Richland Hills must mirror the rates in its own ordinance — a combined fee for a typical 3/4-inch meter climbs from $8,256 to $8,742 next October. Existing residents aren't affected unless they add a meter, and the city determined it's not worth a ~$150,000 study to add local fees on top.
Write-off of uncollectible utility and fire department accounts
Resolution No. 671-26 would clear uncollectible utility billing and fire department receivables off the city's books under its adopted write-off policy.
FY2027 municipal fee schedule
Ordinance No. 1547-26 would update the city's fee schedule for fiscal year 2027 — the prices residents and businesses pay for permits, services, and other city functions. A public hearing was scheduled before any Council action.
Booth Calloway Road reconstruction funding
The Council was set to discuss Halff Associates' proposed scope, fee, and schedule for the Booth Calloway Road project — a road improvement that would come before the city for eventual contract action.
Cancellation of four regular Council meetings
Resolution No. 670-26 would cancel regular Council meetings on November 23, 2026, December 28, 2026, June 28, 2027, and July 12, 2027 — around holidays.
Employee vacation buyback policy
Resolution No. 672-26 would let city employees sell back unused vacation time — a staffing and budget matter for city hall.
Adoption of 2024 International Codes and 2026 National Electrical Code
The city is still on 2018 codes and plans to adopt the 2024 ICC codes with regional amendments by October — covering new construction, sprinkler thresholds, carbon monoxide detectors, and lithium battery storage. Existing homes aren't forced to upgrade unless they do major remodels.
One-time employee salary supplement
A proposed one-time payment of up to 3% of base salary to eligible city employees, paid from the Strategic Initiatives Fund. It would not permanently raise pay.
Cecil Drive street reconstruction
The council was set to award the 2026 street project contract for Cecil Drive, drawing on the 2023 street bond funds. This is the bond money at work on neighborhood streets.