The feasibility period is your critical window to evaluate whether a site in Dallas is right for your development before committing to costly design work. Clarifying zoning rules, permit requirements, plan review timelines, and fee estimates early helps you avoid surprises and build accurate budgets and schedules.

Checking Zoning & Site Plan Requirements

• Dallas uses zoning districts and overlay regulations, controlling land use, height, setbacks, building coverage, parking, landscaping, screening, and signage via the Dallas Development Code.

• Determine if your project needs a Site Plan, Specific Use Permit (SUP), or planned development district amendment based on use, size, and location.

• Redevelopment along transit corridors or within Neighborhood Empowerment Zones may require additional reviews or design standards.

Plan Review Types & Submission Pathways

• Plans are submitted through the Dallas ePlans portal. Documents typically include site layout, architectural, structural, MEP drawings, civil engineering (grading, drainage), landscaping, off-street parking plans, and compliance reports.

• Submissions route to across-the-board reviews: Building Inspections, Development Services, Urban Design, Public Works, Water Utilities, Transportation, Fire, Sustainability (stormwater and energy), and various overlay zoning staff.

Estimating Review Timelines

• Plan Intake begins when all required documents are submitted and approved for completeness.

• Residential reviews often complete within 4–6 weeks; commercial and multifamily projects can take 8–12 weeks or longer, depending on complexity and staff load.

• Projects needing SUPs or rezoning may extend the timeline by several months to allow for public notices, hearings, and council approval.

Fee Structure & Payment

• Permit and review fees are calculated based on building valuation, square footage, zoning waivers, and impact fees (e.g., drainage, transportation).

• A Fee Estimator tool on the City’s site provides preliminary permit fee and impact fee estimates.

• A deposit for plan review (typically a percentage of total fees) is collected at submittal, with the balance due prior to permit issuance.

Coordination with City Departments

• Once in the ePlans system, your project manager assigns tasks to staff from Building Inspections, Public Works (stormwater/grading), Water Utilities, Transportation, Urban Design, Fire, and Code Compliance.

• Overlay districts may require additional design review, façade coordination, or community outreach.

• Utility meter availability and water/wastewater capacity letters are issued by Development Services/Water Utilities.

Using Expedite Options & Streamlining Opportunities

• Early pre-submittal meetings with Development Services, utility providers, or overlay staff help clarify submission requirements and standards.

• Fully complete and coordinated packages reduce review delays.

• For large developments, consider hiring a consultant or using a registered engineer to coordinate complex plan submissions.

Checklist of Feasibility Period Tasks

• Confirm zoning district, overlays, and allowed uses

• Determine if a Site Plan, SUP, or rezoning is required

• Collect required documents: survey, civil, architectural, MEP, landscape plans, and compliance reports

• Use Fee Estimator to calculate preliminary plan review and impact fees

• Schedule pre-submittal meetings as needed

• Submit application through the ePlans portal and track intake status

• Anticipate review timelines: 4–6 weeks for residential, 8–12 weeks+ for commercial/multifamily

• Prepare for hearings or council approval if SUP or rezoning is required

• Respond promptly to comments and revise plans accordingly

• Pay review and permit fees and prepare for permit issuance

Call to Action

Dallas’s feasibility phase requires thorough coordination—understanding zoning, navigating overlay and impact fee requirements, submitting complete packages, and timing public hearing demands. Our team can prepare a preliminary site plan, calculate fees, coordinate with city staff, and outline a roadmap so your project advances with confidence and clarity.