STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Growing
AGENDA DATE: April 23, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Department of Planning and Development
EXECUTIVE: Robin Bentley
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SUBJECT
Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 52 “Administrative Procedures for the Construction Codes”; (1) amending fees for Commercial remodel and Q-Team review; (2) streamlining and eliminating various fees; (3) providing a saving clause; (4) providing a severability clause; and (5) providing an effective date - Estimated Revenue: Building Inspection Fund $3,500,000.00 (see Fiscal Information)
Body
BACKGROUND
Ordinance No. 32676, approved on March 27, 2024, added and amended several fees in Chapter 52 related to building inspections, engineering, GIS, and subdivision. During a recent review, staff identified an error in the commercial remodel permitting fee formula adopted by City Council in 2024. The error has resulted in a decrease in commercial remodel fee revenue, leading to collections of approximately 50 percent of the anticipated revenue. To correct this error, staff recommends amending the fee calculation formula to revert to the previous commercial remodel fee structure with an inflation adjustment.
Additionally, staff recommends a minor adjustment to the Q-Team fee schedule and refinements to the permitting fee structure for some fees to improve efficiency, clarity, and customer service for applicants. If approved, these fees will go in effect July 1, 2025.
The Planning and Development Department is supported solely by revenues from issuing permits. This ordinance will adjust fees to provide sufficient revenues for recovering full cost of permitting and inspection services to Dallas and its customer cities.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On March 27, 2024, the City Council amended Chapter 52 of the Dallas City Code by Ordinance No. 32676.
The City Council was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on March 28, 2025. <https://dallascityhall.com/government/citymanager/Documents/FY24-25%20Memos/Proposed%20Amendments%20to%20Permitting%20Fees.pdf>
The Economic Development Committee was briefed on the “Proposed Amendments to Certain Permitting Fees” on April 7, 2025.
FISCAL INFORMATION
The estimated additional revenue to be realized by this fee increase is projected to be $3,500,000 with annualized impact projected to be $12,470,000.