Association Survey Reveals “Long Way to Go” on Dallas Permitting Timelines
In a recent survey Dallas BA members were asked how long recent permits, submitted since May 1, took for approval.
Out of the 90+ homes included in the survey, more than 80 percent took more than 10 weeks. Builders also reported significant delays at various stages of the process. Fifty-five percent waited more than four weeks for prescreen (the time the submittal is being reviewed for completeness), 83 percent waited more than four weeks for zoning review, and more than 70 percent of homes took three or more weeks for water/wastewater review. It should be noted that some of those processes occur contemporaneously.
“While I really appreciate the efforts being made by Andrew Espinoza and his team, this survey shows that we have a long way to go before we see reasonable timelines that are on par with surrounding cities,” said Dallas BA Executive Officer Phil Crone. “We’ve urged the city to find ways to publish accurate and actionable data regarding how long it is taking people so that we can dive into and solve the root cause of what is holding up these various steps.”
Members with stuck projects are encouraged to reach out to the Dallas BA. To date, the Association has helped more than 200 member-built homes move more quickly through the system.