Editor's note: An updated version of this story can be viewed at http://www.the109.org/government/story/2014/12/7184.fort-worth-city-council-109-homeowners-reach-compromise-tcu-overlay.
Schoolchildren sang of peace and goodwill Tuesday night before Fort Worth City Council voted on what has been a controversial 109 zoning issue.
Councilmembers approved a recommendation from the Zoning Commission to reduce the number of unrelated people that can live in a single-family home around TCU from five to three. The City Council also passed an amendment requiring owners to register their one- and two-family rental units in neighborhoods surrounding TCU by March 31.
Before the vote, community members spoke both for and against certain elements spelled out within the TCU overlay.
Carol Van Hook, president of the Greater Fort Worth Association of Realtors, was one of them. She said if the city wants to stop undesired behavior around campus, it should enforce existing law, “not have an additional burden on homeowners.”
The amendment, which passed, requires owners of rental units to provide their contact information, list the number of tenants and update information as it changes to avoid being in violation.
Mayor Betsy Price said councilmembers could revisit the issue in a year if it doesn't work.