Page 32 - City of Arlington FY19 Adopted Operating Budget

Business Plan

Planning and Development Services strives to make Arlington a premier City by engaging in visionary planning, building
vibrant neighborhoods, and serving our residents, businesses, and visitors.

Customer service is the core focus of this department. Since the launch of the
One Start Center and the AMANDA tracking software in 2006, the Planning and
Development Services Department in Arlington has continuously enhanced
customer service. The One Start Development Center assists homeowners,
business owners, and the development community with the permitting process
that includes payments, business registrations, permit issuance, as well as
provides guidance to walk-in customers by three over-the-counter professionals:
planner, engineer, and plans examiner. During FY 2018, the One Start Center
assisted 21,501 walk-in customers and processed 28,127 permit applications.

The Land Development Division strives to understand the developer’s vision
and make it happen for them. This is where creativity meets practicality.
Planners and engineers in this team set up a pre-submittal meeting with the
developer to understand the vision, and then guide them with the development
processes as needed, rezoning, platting, or site plan process. In FY 2018, staff
facilitated 170 pre-submittal meetings, and approximately 60 percent have
already turned into real projects. 62 zoning, 84 plats, and 106 site plan
applications were processed this year.

The Building Inspection
Division is responsible for the plan review of residential and commercial
building permits, as well as the inspections of those structures during
construction and before issuing certificates of occupancy. The team
ensures that structures are constructed to adhere to the current building
codes to protect the safety of those who utilize the structures. During FY
2018, the plan review team’s goal for plans reviewed to the 1 comments
st
were met 98% of the time for commercial plans. This was a record year for
building permits issued for construction valuations totaling $1.6B. This was a 77% increase over FY 2017.

During FY 2018, approximately 24,000 permits were issued and close to 48,000 inspections were conducted. All inspections
were completed within 24 hours of the request. This also includes sign permits and inspections, as well as health services
provided through food establishment and childcare permits and inspections. The Health Services team also manages the
mosquito mitigation program and responds to citizen’s health complaints. The Gas Well team is responsible for the land
development, permitting, and inspections of gas well drilling and production in the City of Arlington.
The department is also making steady improvements in online servicing of the customers and making a lasting imprint. The
leadership is promoting iCare culture amongst staff following the principles of ‘Impression’, ‘Connection’, ‘Attitude’, ‘Response’,
and ‘Exceptional’. In September 2018, the Planning and Development Services department was awarded the Certificate of
Achievement for Planning Excellence by the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association (TX-APA).
The Public Works and Transportation Department has the following divisions: Business Services, Construction
Management, Construction Services, Engineering Operations, Environmental Compliance and Education, Facility Services,
Fleet Administration, Floodplain Management, Information Services, Operations Support, Solid Waste and Recycling,
Stormwater Engineering, Stormwater Operations, Street Maintenance, Traffic Engineering, and Traffic Operations. These
divisions function together to design, build, and maintain street and drainage infrastructure, public buildings and other assets.
The Department is responsible for mobility optimization through traffic engineering and technological innovation, and provision
of signals, street lights, and regulatory signs and markings. Public Works and Transportation staff manage and maintain fleet,
fuel, and facilities for the City enterprise utilizing an asset management system.

2019 Adopted Budget and Business Plan 17 City of Arlington, Texas