Association Recommends Specific Reforms for Dallas Permitting
Problems with the City of Dallas’s permitting system have been well documented both in its root causes as well as the impact on the city’s builders and economic growth. Since the start of the pandemic the overall metroplex has increased permitting by 27%. Fort Worth is up 30% and Dallas is down by 14%. Had Dallas permitted at the same rate as the rest of the region, the city would have 750 more homes and $336 million more in tax base.
As the mayor and city council outline their 2021-22 budget, permitting along with public safety are identified as key priorities in their “back to basics” approach. In the several meetings that have been held this month city leaders have echoed the industry’s frustration and the encumbrance on the city’s ability to grow, but few definitive solutions have emerged.
“We’re all really good at bemoaning the problem, now it is time for the harder part which is identifying specifically how to fix it and having the will to see it through,” said Dallas BA Executive Officer Phil Crone. “For example, some have proposed privatization as a solution, but does that mean blowing up the entire department or a tailored approach? I think a targeted approach can achieve drastic change without drastic consequences.”
On Aug. 13, the Dallas BA recommended several specific reforms to the city’s Sustainable Development and Construction Department (SDC) via the memo linked here. These reforms include establishing a direct third-party plan review and prescreen option for single-family residential new construction and remodeling and providing every applicant with helpful customer service such that questions are answered in one business day.
The Association also called for the city to reconstitute the online permitting system. The program, called ProjectDox, has created countless frustrations for applicants and city staff. A replacement system should be implemented with user experience, on both sides of the counter, being the top priority.
Additional recommendations include implementation of key performance indicators, expansion of the self-certification initiative already authorized by the city council, permanently filling the chief building official position and elevating the standing of the Development Advisory Committee. “Each of these things are very reasonable requests that would go a long way in getting SDC back on track,” Crone said. “We’re eager to work with city leaders and staff on these long-overdue reforms.”