Zoning Regulations for Cannabis-Related Uses in the City of Fort Worth
The City of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance does not explicitly define or list "cannabis dispensaries" or "cannabis delivery services" as specific land uses. Business activities of this nature would likely be classified under related categories such as "Pharmacy (drug store)," "Retail sales, general," or "Retail smoke shop," which are generally permitted in commercial and industrial districts including the E Neighborhood Commercial and I Light Industrial districts. Notably, "Retail smoke shops" in the City of Fort Worth are prohibited from locating within 300 feet of any school, university, or hospital [Section 5.152].
Classification of Cannabis-Related Businesses
Because the City of Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance lacks a specific "cannabis" use category, developers and business owners must look to the most analogous defined uses.
Pharmacy and Drug Stores
If a facility is interpreted as a "Pharmacy (drug store)," the City of Fort Worth permits this use in a wide array of commercial, industrial, and form-based districts. This use is generally "Permitted by Right," meaning it does not require a special exception unless it exceeds specific size thresholds or unique district standards [Section 4.801].
Retail Smoke Shops
The City of Fort Worth defines "Retail smoke shop" as a separate use. While permitted in most commercial and industrial areas, it is more restricted than a standard pharmacy. For example, the City of Fort Worth does not permit retail smoke shops in the ER Neighborhood Commercial Restricted district [Section 4.803]. Additionally, these shops must maintain a minimum distance of 300 feet from protected institutions [Section 5.152].
Mobile Vendors and Delivery
The City of Fort Worth regulates "Mobile Vendors" under Section 5.406. While this section primarily addresses the sale of food and general merchandise from mobile units, it establishes the framework for any mobile-based retail. A vendor certificate of occupancy is required, and the City of Fort Worth strictly prohibits these units from operating within 50 feet of any single-family or multi-family residential use [Section 5.406].
Permitted Districts for Related Uses
The following table outlines the districts in the City of Fort Worth where analogous uses are permitted according to the Nonresidential District Use Table [Section 4.803] and the Form-Based Code District Use Table [Section 4.1203].
| District Type | District Names | Pharmacy (drug store) | Retail Smoke Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial | ER, E, FR, F, G, H | Permitted | Permitted (except ER) |
| Industrial | I, J, K | Permitted | Permitted |
| Form-Based | MU-1, MU-2, NS, CB, TL, BU, SY | Permitted | Permitted |
| Residential | A-5, B, CR, C, D, UR | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
Development and Operational Standards
Any business established under these classifications in the City of Fort Worth must adhere to specific development standards, including parking and separation requirements.
Separation Requirements
The City of Fort Worth imposes specific buffering and distance requirements for uses that may be considered sensitive or impactful to the community.
| Regulation Type | Requirement | Applicable Use |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Buffer | 300 feet from schools, universities, or hospitals | Retail smoke shop [Section 5.152] |
| Residential Buffer | 50 feet from single-family or multi-family use | Mobile Vendors [Section 5.406] |
| Residential Buffer | 200 feet from residential districts | Terminal/Freight operations [Section 5.139] |
Parking Requirements
The City of Fort Worth requires off-street parking for commercial and retail uses to prevent congestion in the public right-of-way.
| Use Category | City of Fort Worth Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Commercial Business/Retail | 4 spaces per 1,000 square feet [Section 6.201] |
| Pharmacy/Medical Clinic | 1 space per doctor + 1 space per 4 employees + 4 spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. [Section 6.201] |
| Mobile Vendor | Must park on an improved surface; cannot obscure traffic [Section 5.406] |
Delivery and Mobile Operations
In the City of Fort Worth, any business operating as a "Mobile Vendor" must obtain a vendor certificate of occupancy for each specific location where sales occur. These permits are typically valid for one year, but if the unit is located between 50 and 100 feet of a residential use, the permit is only valid for six months [Section 5.406]. Furthermore, the City of Fort Worth requires the written authorization of the property owner where the mobile unit is stationed [Section 5.406].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.801: Key to Table Designations
- Section 4.803: Non-Residential District Use Table
- Section 4.1203: Form Based Code Districts Use Table
- Section 5.139: Terminal: Truck, Freight, Rail or Water
- Section 5.152: Retail Smoke Shop
- Section 5.406: Mobile Vendors
- Section 6.201: Off-Street Parking Requirements