Knowing how to get a building permit in Dallas, Texas is important if you’re planning to build or make changes to a property. Since there’s a lot to know about the process, some people hand over the reins to a permit expediter who can handle everything on their behalf.
Whether you hire help or do it yourself, it’s worth knowing how permit expediters work, when you need a building permit, and how to get one.
How a permit expediter works
A permit expediter is someone who works with you and on your behalf to navigate the permitting process. They are professionals who understand local building codes and regulations, and can work with the city's permit office to get your application across the finish line.
A permit expediter helps to:
- Assess your project: The expediter looks at your project plans to determine which permits you need, then makes sure your plans meet local building codes and regulations.
- Prepare your application: They gather necessary documents and fill out the application forms for you, ensuring your application is complete and accurate.
- Submit your application: The expediter submits your application to the city on your behalf.
- Follow up: The expediter handles communications with the city and keeps you informed about any issues or additional information needed.
Using a permit expediter saves time and helps to avoid costly delays to your project, but there are some downsides as well:
- High cost: Hiring a permit expediter introduces a big additional cost, especially with small projects where budgets are thin.
- Less control: Permit expediters juggle many clients and may not make time to keep you in the know, making it harder for you to plan for next steps.
- Wrong specialization: While permit expediters usually have construction industry experience, it may not be the kind of experience needed for your specific project.
Use PermitFlow for more control
PermitFlow is a software-based permit expediter that supercharges your permit application. Drawing from knowhow that spans all kinds of construction, PermitFlow provides an easy, cost-effective approach to obtaining your permit on a quick timeline.
What can a homeowner do without a permit in Dallas, TX?
Not all home projects in Dallas require a permit. A homeowner’s permit, for example, lets homeowners perform certain small plumbing and mechanical repairs without city approval (provided no contractors are used in the process). The work still has to meet Dallas Construction Codes and Ordinances, but the process to get started is much quicker.
Other repairs you can do without a permit include:
- Minor repairs such as fixing a leaky faucet, repairing a broken window, or patching a hole in the wall
- Painting, decorating, and other cosmetic changes
- Small landscaping projects such as planting a garden or installing a small fence up to 4 feet tall
For larger projects such as building a deck, adding a room, or doing major electrical or plumbing work, you will need a permit.
Fees also apply for connecting utilities such as electricity and wastewater. You should also plan to pay for inspections once the work is completed.
See Dallas’s sample fee calculator to estimate the cost of your project.
Do I need a permit in Dallas for remodeling the exterior of my home?
Yes. Most exterior remodeling projects in Dallas will require a permit, especially if they involve major structural changes to the property.
This includes projects like:
- Adding or removing walls
- Replacing the roof
- Installing new windows or doors (including framing for them)
- Building a deck or patio
- Installing a swimming pool
There’s no simple list of what does and does not require a permit in Dallas, unfortunately. Your best bet is to get in touch with the permit office and figure out whether your project requires city approval.
How do I get a building permit in Dallas?
If you determine that your project needs a permit, the first step is to gather all the necessary documents—plans, contracts, licenses, etc. — and prepare your application.
You can then submit your permit application online through the City of Dallas's online permit portal or in person at the permit office.
Once you submit your application, the city will take a few weeks to make sure it’s up to code and meets all necessary requirements. They may ask for additional information or changes to your plans.
After approval, simply pay your fees, receive your permit, and display it at the job site throughout construction.
Contacting the City of Dallas permit office
If you have questions about permits or need help with the application process, you can contact the City of Dallas's Permit Office using the following info:
- Phone: You can call the Permit Office at (214) 948-4480. They are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Email: You can send an email to permits@dallascityhall.com for general inquiries.
- In person: The permit office is located at 320 E. Jefferson Blvd., Room 118, Dallas, TX 75203. Consider calling ahead to make an appointment.
Opt for PermitFlow instead of a permit expediter
The challenges of finding helpful information and submitting the right materials can be overwhelming. PermitFlow can help you find exactly what the City of Dallas needs you to provide, then fill out applications accurately and completely.
Here’s how PermitFlow can help you manage the Dallas permitting process more effectively:
- Save time: PermitFlow saves you valuable time with pre-vetted research and submission processes. Our team will carefully review your project plans and the scope of work to provide a comprehensive list of necessary permits so you can focus on other aspects of your project.
- Faster approvals: With a focus on efficiency, PermitFlow helps you obtain your permits in days, not weeks.
- Nationwide coverage: There’s a good chance that you work on projects outside of Dallas — if that’s the case, we’ve got you covered. Our software can handle permits across various jurisdictions.
- Centralized tracking: You’ll get real-time updates and centralized visibility into the status of your permit applications. Through the PermitFlow software, you can track the progress of your permit applications.
Ready to simplify your permitting process?
Don't navigate the complexities of Dallas permitting alone. Talk with our permitting experts for professional guidance tailored to your project.
