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Council approves zoning change, short-term rental deadline extension, rear-yard flexibility and selects CDBG street project
Summary
Council approved a package of planning and housing-related items 7–0: a property rezoning at 7609 North 40 Road, a short-term rental registration deadline extension, a text amendment to rear-yard open-space rules, and adoption of the city's proposed CDBG street reconstruction project.
The North Richland Hills City Council on Feb. 9 approved a set of planning and housing measures including a rezoning for 7609 North 40 Road, a brief extension to the short-term-rental registration window, a revision to rear-yard open-space rules to add flexibility, and adoption of the city’s 52nd-year Community Development Block Grant project.
Zoning and subdivision: Corey, planning staff, presented a rezoning request (ZC25-0153 / ordinance 39-45) by applicants Michael and Michelle Maddock to rezone 7609 North 40 Road from RE-1 to R-2 so the parcel can be split and the Maddocks can build on the rear lot. The Planning & Zoning Commission had unanimously recommended approval, staff reported no public opposition, and council approved the ordinance 7–0.
Short-term rentals: Staff asked council to align a zoning text change with earlier chapter 18 regulations by extending the initial registration deadline for existing short-term-rental operators from Jan. 31 to Feb. 28, 2026, to account for delays in notices from a third-party vendor. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval, and council approved ordinance 39-46, 7–0.
Rear-yard open space: Planning staff proposed allowing “usable excess yard area” in front or side yards — the portion beyond required setbacks — to be credited against required rear-yard open space, lowering the possible minimum rear-yard threshold from 20% to as low as 10% in qualifying situations. Resident Sean Nutt asked why penalty language was included in the text amendment rather than relying on the ordinance’s standard penalty provision; staff said including the penalty in the ordinance is redundant but ensures enforceability. Council approved ordinance 39-48, 7–0.
CDBG street project: Nathan Fruhm presented the proposed 52nd‑year Community Development Block Grant project: reconstruction of Window Court South (Willow Crest Drive to the cul de sac), about 680 linear feet. The city expects roughly $287,000 in CDBG funds with a total project cost of approximately $534,828; prior CDBG savings and the preventative street maintenance program will cover the gap. Tarrant County will manage engineering and construction. Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-010, 7–0.
The council’s actions were unanimous on each item. Staff said additional ordinance language and administrative steps will follow as needed for implementation and code updates.
