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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.