Dallas’ Development Services Department has announced the creation of a new self-certification initiative to fast-track qualifying projects through the plan review process.
DSD said its Self-Certification Program is designed to simplify the building permit plan review process by “allowing self-certification providers (SCP) to self-certify their own projects and expedite approvals for certain and qualifying construction and renovation projects.”
“The program allows property owners and design professionals to take control of their projects while ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations,” DSD said in the news announcement. “This initiative aims to reduce plan review timelines while maintaining the highest safety and compliance standards.”
A project must meet certain code and professional requirements to be eligible for self-certification.
For instance, a residential building that contains no more than two dwelling units must not exceed a maximum of three stories, must not be in a special overlay district, and must be platted or have early release approvals. Commercial remodels and interior finish-outs are qualified projects if they are less than 5,000 square feet in size.
A qualified provider may also certify compliance for all technical building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, energy/green, and fire-related plan review trades, according to the program’s eligibility criteria.
In general, DSD requires design and code professionals to have specific qualifications before they can register as an SCP.
An SCP must be a licensed Texas architect, engineer, or an International Code Council Certified Building Official and must have at least three years of experience ensuring compliance with City of Dallas codes and ordinances.
Candidates must submit a certificate of insurance, indemnification/acknowledgment form, and have a “Professional In-Charge” and “Technical Point of Contact” designation before becoming an approved SCP. Eligible candidates must also pay a $500 nonrefundable annual registration fee and a $200 fee per registered employee providing plan review services.
“Experience efficiency and control with the Self-Certification Program as we continue to elevate the development process in the City of Dallas,” DSD said in its Weekly Highlights email.
The Self-Certification Program is the latest initiative by DSD and City Manager T.C. Broadnax to accelerate the permit review and approval process in Dallas.
Following the pandemic lockdowns in 2020, it became very difficult for developers to get a building permit in Dallas. Part of the reason for the difficulty was DSD’s transition to an online permitting system, which resulted in a backlog of construction permits. While DSD has since improved its turnaround times, the department is still working to enhance the overall process for commercial permits, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
