Over the past decade, Dallas has experienced unprecedented growth, with a surge in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. In order to maintain the high level of service our residents and businesses expect, it has become imperative to adjust our fee structure accordingly. This is the first time in nine years that fee adjustments have been made in the City of Dallas. The last time fees were updated was in 2015. 

The changes come after a thorough review of the current fee structure, considering factors such as newly implemented technologies, administrative costs, time and the complexity of project tasks.   

These adjustments aim to streamline the permitting process and ensure fair and equitable fees in line with industry standards. The Dallas City Council approved an ordinance amending Chapters 49, 51A, and 52 on March 27, 2024, to implement the new fee schedule.  

The increased Development Services fee will enable the City to enhance service efficiency by investing in additional staff and technology, ensuring compliance and safety through rigorous inspections and code compliance, facilitating economic growth by maintaining a responsive system, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and supporting long-term objectives through revenue generation.

“We understand that any increase in fees may pose challenges for developers and property owners,” said Andrew Espinoza, director of Development Services. “However, we believe that this adjustment is necessary to maintain the high quality of services that Dallas is known for and to support continued growth in a responsible and sustainable manner. By updating our fee structure, we can better align our services with the needs of our customers and stakeholders.”