Keller · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Keller public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Accessory Dwelling Unit and Medical Land Use Approvals
Elite Care Assisted Living wants to grow from six to eight residents on Big Bend Drive, but neighbors — including two children — packed the hearing to describe traffic, parking and safety worries. The commission unanimously recommended denial, though the facility can keep operating at six.
Accessory Structure Setback Encroachments and Size Limits
A 6,620-square-foot metal accessory building proposed on 4.5 acres on Mount Gilead Road raised the question of how large is too large for a backyard structure next to an older subdivision. The commission unanimously said it was too industrial for the neighborhood.
Proposed Keller Sports Authority Board
Following complaints about poor sportsmanship, contract violations, and financial transparency among youth sports associations, the city council and parks board discussed ways to improve oversight, increase reporting frequency, and enforce user agreements.
Providence Residential Subdivision Development
A developer proposed a 22-lot custom home neighborhood on 20.93 excess school district acres on Johnson Road. After hearing neighbor concerns and council feedback, the developer agreed to drop a lot, increase lot sizes, and add privacy fencing and a gated pedestrian path.
Preserve at Willow Creek Zoning Change
A developer wants to rezone 13.65 acres on Norma Lane from large lots to 26 smaller single-family lots with open space. Nearby residents raised serious concerns about major stormwater drainage issues and increased neighborhood density.
Impacts of Surpassing 50,000 Population Milestone
City staff presented an analysis of the municipal impacts when Keller's population exceeds 50,000, projected to occur around 2030. The transition will shift traffic signal responsibilities and grant funding eligibility, costing an estimated $470,000 annually in recurring expenses.
Automatic License Plate Readers (Flock Cameras)
Residents and council members discussed the police department's use of ALPR cameras, with requests to codify existing privacy safeguards and guardrails into a city ordinance rather than relying solely on departmental policy.
7 Brew Coffee Drive-Thru and Shopping Center Revitalization
An existing 1980s retail center at 901 Keller Parkway is getting a major facelift, including a new 7 Brew Coffee with a double drive-thru. Developers requested nine variances on landscaping and parking because of the property's existing layout.
Altavista Waterline Rehabilitation Project
The city reviewed interlocal agreements and federal grants with Southlake to rehabilitate a critical 5-mile water transmission line using trenchless PVC insertion.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
City officials discussed exploring reasonable rules and registration fees for short-term rentals after reviewing how neighboring cities like North Richland Hills handle them.
Self-Insurance Fund Sustainability
Rising medical claims and inflation have impacted the city's self-insurance fund, prompting adjustments to employee deductibles, premium contributions, and increased city funding.
Setback Variance in Highland Terrace Mobile Home Park
A property owner in the Highland Terrace Mobile Home Park requested a front yard setback reduction to 25 feet to place a new manufactured home.
TRIDENT Center Regional Police Partnership
Keller is joining forces with Fort Worth and other regional cities to participate in the TRIDENT Center, boosting real-time crime intelligence and investigative resources.
Automobile Electric Charging Stations UDC Amendment
City leaders proposed requiring Special Use Permits for EV charging stations in various retail and neighborhood zoning districts. Commissioners clarified and amended the proposal to ensure single-family homeowners do not need an SUP for home chargers.
Indoor Entertainment Facility on Keller Parkway
Chalk & Steel Co. proposed an indoor billiards and dart venue on Keller Parkway with late-night hours. Commissioners addressed community concerns regarding alcohol service, security, and noise near adjacent residential areas.
Mount Gilead Road Project and Early Tree Removal
Public works officials updated the council on the Mount Gilead Road project design and proposed removing trees along the right-of-way early to prevent utility relocation delays by Tri-Electric.
Unified Development Code Home Occupation Review
The city is reviewing potential changes to home occupation rules to better handle resident complaints about parking, traffic, and commercial activities in residential areas.
Capital Improvement Projects Update
Public works officials updated the city on major infrastructure progress, highlighting that the Keller Sports Park is nearly 90 percent complete. The project features upgraded baseball fields, synthetic turf, batting cages, and road improvements slated for a spring ribbon cutting.
Special Election for City Council Place 4
The city officially certified the June 13 runoff election results, seating Jarrett Armstrong for Place 4.
November 2026 Charter Amendment Election
The council discussed moving local elections from May to November to align with uniform election dates and reduce voter fatigue from multiple yearly elections. Staff was directed to draft ballot language for August consideration.
Subdivision Platting and Variances at 600 Norma Lane
A property owner is dividing a 2.78-acre lot on Norma Lane into three single-family residential lots with slight lot-depth reductions. The commission approved forwarding the request to city council with minor variances.
Town Hall Restroom Renovation Project Phase II
The city is reviewing a contract bid for the second phase of restroom renovations at Town Hall.
Mayoral Transition
Keller has a new mayor, Ross McMullin, who just took the oath of office. His leadership style will be the main factor in how the city handles new development and local policy moving forward.
Unpermitted Construction and Contractor Accountability
A homeowner built an oversized detached garage without a finalized permit, leading to stop-work orders while the contractor allegedly misled them about compliance. The commission debated whether to penalize the property owner through a denial or hold the absent contractor accountable.
May 2026 General and Special Elections Certification
The city officially recorded election outcomes for mayor and multiple council seats, establishing leadership for the upcoming term. An unresolved race for Place 4 also necessitated scheduling a June runoff.
Utility Billing Rates and Fee Adjustments
Increased wholesale water costs from Fort Worth and wastewater service costs have necessitated utility rate adjustments, averaging about $6.02 more per billing period for residents.
Mayoral Election Results
Keller just picked a new mayor, which means we're looking at a shift in how the city handles everything from local projects to daily policies. It’s a fresh start for the city’s leadership that will shape our community's direction for the next few years.
Baylor Scott & White Medical Office Request at 1006 Keller Parkway
Baylor Scott & White requested permission to move its physical therapy clinic into a former Petco space at 1006 Keller Parkway to expand patient capacity. Council members split over whether allowing another medical office in the Town Center district detracts from retail and dining goals.
2024 International Fire Code Adoption
Keller updated its fire code to the 2024 edition, introducing rules for electric vehicle chargers, e-scooter storage, and food trucks while lowering costs for home fire sprinklers.
The Preserve at Keller Oaks Residential and Commercial Development
A developer is proposing a 59-home subdivision and commercial tract on North Main Street. Neighbors raised concerns about traffic flow and cut-through driving, leading the commission to require that no emergency gates block public streets.
Emergency Preemption System Upgrade
The city is exploring a $99,000 upgrade to its emergency vehicle traffic signal pre-emption system, moving from older infrared lights to a modern cellular and GPS-based platform.
Baylor Scott & White Medical Office SUP Denial
A proposal to open a medical office at Keller Parkway and Rufe Snow Drive failed after a tie vote by the city council.
Federal Appropriations for Local Infrastructure
The city endorsed federal funding requests for water line replacements, drainage improvements, and intersection safety upgrades.
Keller Sports Park Alliance Rugby Club Appeal
A representative from the Alliance Rugby Club voiced frustration over field access in Keller, asking council to reconsider field restrictions and include them in park agreements.
Lakes of Highland Oaks Phase 3 Drainage and Erosion
Residents of Lakes of Highland Oaks raised concerns about severe bank erosion around stormwater drains and bridge structures. Council and staff discussed where public drainage responsibilities end and private HOA maintenance begins.
Mayoral Election
Keller's mayoral race is officially underway, and it's time to see which candidate's vision actually aligns with your priorities. Check out the latest Q&A to cut through the noise and figure out who deserves your vote.
Winding Creek Subdivision Tree Preservation and Drainage Appeal
The developer of Winding Creek requested permission to remove trees on three lots to allow for earthwork and grading required by FEMA. Commissioners weighed the necessity of clearing trees against the community's tree preservation goals.
Rosebury Planned Development Site Plan and Tree Appeal
Developers of the Rosebury project presented their detailed site plan and tree preservation appeal, highlighting a design change that removes a connection to Highway 377 to create a cul-de-sac and consolidate commercial space. Council members debated the layout compatibility and early grading tree removal.
Emergency Management
A nasty ice storm is blowing into Keller, and the city is teaming up with nearby towns to keep roads clear and services running. Keep an eye on official city updates so you aren't caught off guard by trash delays or icy commutes.
May 2026 General Election Call
The city is preparing to call the general election for Mayor, Council Place 5, and Council Place 6, scheduled for May 2, 2026.
Keller Fire Department Medical Control Vehicle Pilot Program
The city is launching a new medical patrol vehicle program staffed by emergency physicians to provide on-scene care for complex medical calls. This initiative aims to improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary ambulance trips, and save residents money on emergency room visits.
Council Policy Resolution
Keller City Council ditched a plan to specifically denounce Sharia law, choosing a more general resolution about upholding the Constitution instead. It’s a move that effectively cools down a heated local debate that had been causing quite a stir.
Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Code Enforcement
The city updated its water conservation and drought contingency rules to match Fort Worth's progressive enforcement system, adding automated monitoring, administrative fees, and possible water shutoffs for repeat violators.
E-bike Safety Regulations
Keller is cracking down on e-bike rules to keep our streets safe as more people start riding. If you or your kids use an e-bike, you'll need to brush up on the new guidelines to avoid getting slapped with a fine.
Immigration Policy
Keller is teaming up with ICE to ramp up local immigration enforcement, a move that’s already causing a major stir in the community. It’s a big shift in how the city handles policy that could change the day-to-day reality for many residents.
Immigration Enforcement Partnership
Keller is officially teaming up with ICE, becoming the biggest city in Texas to sign on for this federal partnership. It’s a major shift that’s going to stir up some serious debate about how our local police spend their time and resources.
Immigration Enforcement Policy
Keller is weighing whether to team up with ICE, which would change how local police handle immigration. It’s a big deal that’s about to turn city council meetings into a major battleground.
Municipal Operations
Keller is moving to a permanent four-day work week for city employees. You'll want to double-check the new office hours before heading out to handle city business so you don't show up to a locked door.
Library Censorship
Keller officials recently forced the public library to delete a social media post about Banned Books Week, sparking a major local showdown over free speech and what content belongs in our libraries. If you care about open access to information, this clash over city censorship hits close to home.
Police Conduct Settlement
Keller is shelling out $200,000 to settle a lawsuit after an officer pepper-sprayed a man for filming a traffic stop. It’s a frustrating example of how your tax money covers the bill when police overstep their authority.