Understanding Permits: What You’ll Need for a New Home in Dallas
Building a custom home is an exciting journey, but before breaking ground in Dallas, Texas, there’s one crucial step you can’t overlook: permitting. Permits are more than just paperwork—they’re legal requirements designed to ensure safety, zoning compliance, environmental protection, and structural integrity.
Whether you’re building on an empty lot in Lake Highlands, developing in Frisco, or starting a luxury build in Highland Park, understanding the permitting process is key to a smooth and successful project.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
Why permits are required
The types of permits needed in Dallas
The process and timeline
Common pitfalls to avoid
How Timeless Building Group helps simplify it all
Why Are Permits Required?
Permits serve multiple purposes, including:
Safety
They ensure your home meets local building codes and safety standards for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural systems.Zoning Compliance
Dallas has strict zoning laws that dictate what type of structures can be built, where, and how large they can be.Environmental Protection
Permits help prevent erosion, manage stormwater runoff, and protect wetlands and tree preservation zones.Insurance & Legal Protection
If something goes wrong and your home wasn’t properly permitted, your insurance might not cover the damage—and the city could force you to remove the work.Resale Value
When it comes time to sell, unpermitted work can delay closings or reduce your home’s value.
Who Handles the Permits in Dallas?
In Dallas, permits are issued by the Dallas Development Services Department. For new construction, this includes coordination between multiple departments:
Building Inspection
Engineering & Survey
Zoning
Public Works
Stormwater Management
Tree Preservation and Arborist Review
Navigating these departments can be complex, which is why many homeowners rely on a licensed builder or general contractor—like Timeless Building Group—to manage the process.
Types of Permits Needed for a New Home in Dallas
Building a home in Dallas typically requires multiple permits and approvals. Here's a breakdown:
1. New Residential Building Permit
The core permit authorizing construction of the new home.
Requires full architectural plans, structural engineering, energy code compliance documents, and a site plan.
2. Grading and Site Development Permit
Required for lots with elevation changes, drainage impacts, or impervious surface concerns.
Includes erosion control measures.
3. Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical (MEP) Permits
Each trade (plumbing, HVAC, electrical) needs its own permit.
Must be pulled by licensed subcontractors registered with the City of Dallas.
4. Driveway and Sidewalk Permit
Required if you’re pouring a new driveway that connects to a public street.
5. Tree Removal Permit
If your site contains protected trees (based on species and diameter), removal must be approved by the City Arborist.
The city may require replacement trees or mitigation fees.
6. Stormwater & Drainage Permit
If your lot is over ½ acre or near a floodplain, stormwater plans must be submitted.
This includes detention, drainage, and impervious surface calculations.
7. Foundation or Engineering Review
Post-tension or pier-and-beam foundations require a foundation design review by the city.
8. Energy Code Compliance (REScheck)
Texas follows the 2021 IECC standards for energy efficiency.
Homes must pass a REScheck report or provide an alternative energy compliance method.
9. Impact Fees and Utility Tap Fees
Water, sewer, and stormwater connections are subject to city fees.
These must be paid before utility activation.
The Dallas Permit Process: Step-by-Step
Here’s a typical process for getting your home permitted in Dallas:
✅ Step 1: Site Analysis & Feasibility
Survey the lot
Soil testing and geotechnical report
Identify zoning restrictions and easements
✅ Step 2: Preliminary Design
Architectural plans
Civil site layout
Utility routing
Foundation engineering
✅ Step 3: Permit Application Submission
Submit full permit package via ProjectDox, Dallas' online plan review portal.
Pay initial review fees
✅ Step 4: Plan Review
Multiple departments review your plans (may take 4–8 weeks).
You may receive comments or requests for corrections.
✅ Step 5: Revisions and Resubmittal
Address any city comments
Upload revised drawings
Wait for final approval
✅ Step 6: Permit Issuance
Once approved, permit is issued electronically.
A physical permit must be posted on-site before construction begins.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit in Dallas?
Permitting timeframes can vary, but here’s what to expect:
TaskTypical TimelineSite prep & surveys1–2 weeksDesign and plan prep3–6 weeksInitial city review3–5 weeksRevisions (if needed)1–3 weeksFinal approval & issuance1 weekTotal time8–14 weeks (avg.)
Note: If you're building in an overlay district, historic district, or planned development (PD) area, plan for extra time and requirements.
Common Permit Pitfalls in Dallas (And How to Avoid Them)
Inadequate Site Survey
Failing to locate easements, setbacks, or utility lines can delay approvals or require redesign.
Missing Tree Preservation Plans
Dallas takes tree protection seriously. If you’re building in neighborhoods like East Dallas or Oak Cliff, tree review is mandatory.
Incorrect Zoning Assumptions
Your lot might be zoned differently than you expect. R-7.5, PD, MF-2—these matter.
Improper REScheck Calculations
A failed energy compliance review will halt the permit until corrected.
Not Using Licensed Subcontractors
All trades (plumbing, HVAC, electrical) must be licensed and registered with the City of Dallas.
Skipping the Final Plat or Replat
If your property was recently subdivided or doesn't match existing plat records, a replat must be filed—and this can take months.
How Timeless Building Group Simplifies the Process
At Timeless Building Group, we handle every part of the permitting process so you don’t have to. Here’s how we help clients throughout Dallas:
Coordinate surveys, soil testing, and engineering
Create permit-ready construction and site plans
Handle submissions through ProjectDox and city portals
Respond to plan review comments and resubmit promptly
Manage trade permits and inspections
Keep construction on schedule with proactive follow-up
We’ve worked across Dallas and Collin Counties—from Uptown to Southlake, Celina to Cedar Hill—and understand the local nuances, setbacks, and red tape.
Special Considerations by Neighborhood
Some Dallas-area communities have additional layers of review:
🔲 Highland Park & University Park
Separate permitting processes not handled by City of Dallas
Stringent architectural controls and tree protection
🏛️ Historic Districts (M Streets, Bishop Arts)
Must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness
Exterior materials and style may be restricted
🏞️ Lake Lots or Creeks (White Rock Lake, Bachman Creek)
Floodplain development permits may be required
Elevation certificates may be necessary
What Happens After the Permit Is Approved?
Once you receive your permit:
Post it on-site
Schedule required inspections at each phase (foundation, framing, MEP roughs, final)
Stay compliant with approved plans
Notify the city if you make any changes
Inspections are managed through the City of Dallas Inspection Portal, and failed inspections must be corrected and re-inspected before moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Building a home in Dallas is a big investment, and understanding the permitting process is key to protecting it. Whether you’re designing your forever home in Lakewood, building an ADU in Oak Lawn, or breaking ground on a modern farmhouse in Prosper, having the right team in place makes all the difference.
Permits aren’t just red tape—they’re your roadmap to a safe, legal, and long-lasting build.
At Timeless Building Group, we don’t just build homes—we guide you through every step of the process with clarity, precision, and experience grounded in the North Texas landscape.
Ready to Start Building?
Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on the vision. We’ll take your project from raw land to move-in ready—with no surprises along the way.
📞 Call: 415-845-1464
📧 Email: joshua@timelessbg.net
🌐 Visit: timelessgb.net
