Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Keller public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
OTK Water Tower rehabilitation
The historic elevated water tower at Main Street/US 377 and Keller Parkway will be sandblasted, reprimed and epoxy-coated to look exactly as it does today, starting after the first of the year and taking six to eight weeks. Lighting upgrades are being handled separately.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
About 100 STRs operate in Keller with no regulations, and neighbors report party houses and parking problems. Council split between a Roanoke-style registration/inspection model and an NRH-style ban on new STRs in single-family districts, and told staff to prepare both ordinance versions for P&Z on December 8 and council on January 19.
Bates Street Park Restrooms
A pre-fabricated restroom building for Bates Street Park was originally budgeted for FY 2028; council leaned toward accelerating it into FY 2027 using fund balance, with a water fountain and shade structure but no storage bay.
Old Town Keller Murals
Regency Centers presented new mural concepts for 1000 and 1012 Keller Parkway; council liked the darker iconography and water tower imagery but pushed back on the bear and the pears, suggesting cactus or wildflowers instead.
Town Hall Restroom Renovation Project Phase II
The 26-year-old Town Hall back patio has settled up to seven inches, crushing its under-slab drainage and creating trip hazards. Staff recommends polyurethane injection and lifting for about $83,000 rather than full replacement, with a slot drain and possible stairs to the pond area later.
Tri-County Electric Reliability Program
The co-op's president announced a 2027 line inspection program starting north of Highway 820 including Keller, backed by $120 million in debt paydown — all with no proposed rate increase for 2027.
Hometown Heroes veterans recognition
A banner program honoring veterans in Town Center and Bear Creek Parkway, Purple Heart City signs, and reserved veteran parking at Town Hall are moving forward, with council preferring a clean, easy-to-read banner design.
A&B Construction Litigation Settlement
The council quietly approved the settlement reached at mediation on October 14 in the A&B Construction lawsuit against the city, vote 6-0 after executive session.
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.
Garages of America on a difficult Town Center tract
A 5.5-acre remnant tract behind Keller Parkway retail that sat unsold for 20 years would become self-storage plus 43 privately owned garage condos for car collectors. Commissioners called it the best realistic use for a tough site, though one neighbor objected to shifting away from Town Center zoning.
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.
Old Town Keller / Keller Depot Restroom and Economic Development
A solo barbershop in a 288-square-foot Old Town building and the Luna Loco murals both won commission support, continuing the revitalization of the promenade district.
Westlake Data Center Legal Challenge
The council unanimously authorized the city manager to negotiate settlement agreements in the Westlake data center lawsuit involving the Lakes at Marshall Ridge HOA — terms were discussed in closed session.
Proposed Keller Sports Authority Board
Council and the Parks Board met jointly about problems in youth sports — coaching conduct, associations ignoring bylaws — and whether to create a Sports Authority Board. The board asked to be empowered to enforce existing user agreements; no decision was made and the board-creation ordinance was tabled with no action.
Providence Residential Subdivision Development
The council approved a 21-lot gated custom-home subdivision on 20.93 acres next to Keller High School, with conditions to keep lot sizes close to the SF-36 intent, add masonry screening and gated trail access. It will add an estimated $44 million to the tax base.
Samantha Springs Mixed-Use Development Proposal
A 15.63-acre mixed-use project with 31 brownstones and commercial space on N. Main Street was denied because the council wanted commercial built first or concurrently with the residential. Residents worried about empty buildings like nearby Center Stage.
KPD Axon equipment purchase
Keller PD is getting new body cameras, TASER 10 devices, and VR training gear under a five-year, $1.39 million contract; TASER deployments auto-activate nearby body cameras.
E-bike Safety Regulations
New ordinance language lets organizers of events like the Farmers Market request enforceable e-bike and skateboard restrictions within their permitted event areas, posted with signs.
Old Town Keller Parking and Salon Concentration
The commission grappled with parking shortages and the growing number of hair salons and spas in Old Town Keller when reviewing a proposed salon suite project at 207 S. Elm Street.
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.
Kroger Relocation and Traffic Impacts
A ~100,000-square-foot Kroger with fuel pumps and a drive-thru pharmacy at Town Center Lane and Keller Parkway was tabled to December 1 while the applicant reworks its site plan and traffic analysis.
Automatic License Plate Readers (Flock Cameras)
A draft resolution to formalize guardrails on the police department's Flock cameras stalled again. One resident urged the council to codify the limits into an ordinance so they can't be quietly changed; the full discussion moves to November 17.
Impacts of Surpassing 50,000 Population Milestone
Crossing 50,000 residents would trigger roughly $450,000–$500,000 in annual new costs for signals, streetlights, staffing, and software — but staff says Keller won't hit that before the 2030 Census.
Creation of Community Facilities Zoning District
A new zoning district for institutional and public-service uses was created, with religious institutions requiring an SUP and private schools becoming permitted uses.
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.
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.
TIRZ No. 2 Annual Report and Financial Status
The board reviewed Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2 financials, noting a projected fund balance of $1.75 million by the end of FY27 and discussing potential infrastructure projects.
FY 2026-2027 Proposed Tax Rate and Budget
Staff presented the preliminary FY 2026-27 budget, which totals $112.5 million and maintains property tax rates below the state's no-new-revenue rate for the ninth consecutive year. The plan includes record compensation adjustments for public safety personnel and key investments in infrastructure.
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.
Keller Youth Council Establishment
Student Avani Pant presented a proposal to establish a student-led Keller Youth Council, giving local youth a structured platform to develop community programs and advise city leaders.
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.
Detached Garage Specific Use Permit at 1289 Ottinger Road
A property owner requested permission to build an 1,815-square-foot detached garage that exceeds neighborhood size and height limits. The old main house on the property will be demolished to make way for the new structure.
Unified Development Code Amendments for Town Center Medical Overlay
The city is updating zoning rules so that veterinary clinics and grooming-only kennels in the Town Center Medical Overlay require a special permit instead of being allowed automatically.
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.
Accessory Building SUP at 912 Keller Smithfield Road S.
An applicant requested approval for a 2,259-square-foot detached accessory building with an 18-foot average height. Neighbors raised questions about property maintenance, drainage, and privacy, which were addressed by the builder confirming no side windows.
Citywide Solid Waste and Recycling Franchise Agreement
The city is evaluating proposals from multiple vendors to renew its solid waste, recycling, and bulk trash collection services before the current contract expires in September.
The Preserve at Keller Oaks Development & Traffic Concerns
A proposed 39-acre development with 59 homes and commercial space raised concerns among neighbors about cut-through traffic and whether neighborhood access gates should remain closed.
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.
Commercial Office Space SUP in Old Town Keller
A local financial planning business is expanding its footprint in Old Town Keller by adding over 1,000 square feet and upgrading the exterior facade with grant assistance.
Large Accessory Structure SUP at 1920 Winter Drive
A property owner requested a special use permit to build a large 2,385 square-foot detached garage for vehicle collections, featuring custom exterior details that match the main home.
Indian Knoll Trail Plat Reconfiguration and Right-of-Way Abandonment
Property owners are combining two existing residential lots into one and getting rid of an unused street right-of-way dedication from 1984.
Transparency in Municipal Board Appointments
A local resident raised concerns regarding potential perceived conflicts of interest and political connections in board and commission appointments.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Request on Florence Road
Property owners on Florence Road requested a specific use permit and variance to build a 1,501 square-foot accessory dwelling unit on their 2.67-acre lot.