Dallas’ Development Services Department recently released a comprehensive guide to assist builders and stakeholders in navigating the City’s purportedly burdensome residential permitting process.
DSD’s new Residential Quick Guide (RQG) provides a step-by-step overview of the permitting, plan review, and inspection requirements involved in the development process for single-family homes and duplexes.
The RQG is DSD’s latest development resource aimed at promoting transparency and enhancing stakeholder awareness. In early 2024, the department released a Commercial Quick Guide that breaks down the 5-step workflow (pre-development meeting, prescreen/site permit plan review, building permit plan review, inspections, and certificate of occupancy) for developing retail, office, and other industrial space, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
According to the RQG, residential permitting follows a three-step workflow consisting of a prescreen, building permit plan review, and inspections.
The first step takes five days to complete and confirms that the minimum documentation is ready for official intake and acceptance. By prescreening permit applications before they are submitted, DSD ensures the accuracy, completeness, and quality of documents submitted to the City for review.
The second step in the process is the building permit plan review. Plan reviews take 10 days for an initial review, during which the DSD team “ensures that development and construction plans comply with City codes.” DSD offers several expedited services to accelerate turnarounds for residential plan reviews, including the Rapid Single-Family VIP, Affordable Housing Plan Review, and the Fast Track Program.
DSD will only issue a building permit once the application has received a comprehensive review from staff.
The last step in the project workflow is the inspection process. Inspections must be conducted onsite and can be scheduled 24 hours in advance.
DSD said its workflow highlights the significance of collaborating with builders and contractors.
Although DSD has purportedly improved in the last two years since it was logging periodic permit backlogs and lengthy turnaround times, the department still has occasional setbacks under City Manager T.C. Broadnax, who recently announced he would resign in June following years of increased crime, taxes, and City spending.
