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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES DIVISION (100-20-204)

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:
The Building and Construction Services Division's primary responsibilities entail oversight of building plan review, pre-
construction meetings, building permit issuance, construction inspections, and issuance of certificates of occupancy. The health
and safety issues related to building integrity drive the Division's policies; support for development initiatives drives the Division's
customer service focus. In addition to overseeing the issuance of a variety of permits from the trades (mechanical, plumbing,
electrical) to residential homes and accessory structures to commercial multi-story buildings, the Division also adopts, enforces,
and regularly updates the suite of International Building Codes and the corresponding sections of the City's Unified Development
Code (UDC) as they apply to all construction-related efforts in the City.

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION GOALS:
1. Adopt the 2021 International Code Council (ICC) codes and the 2020 National Electric Code (NEC) to ensure the most current
codes are implemented for strong development practices that support public safety.
2. Streamline the permitting process utilizing current digital trends within the industry.

3. Hold periodic meetings with developers and contractors to improve communication, receive feedback regarding department
processes, and identify areas for improvement.
4. Effectively utilize the Building Services page of the city website and provide additional information related to the permitting
process.

5. Be flexible and open for the unfamiliar permitting issues as we transition to a more digital format within Building Services.

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION OBJECTIVES:
1. Review the differences between the 2018 ICC codes and the new proposed 2021 ICC codes, including the recommendations
of the North Central Texas Council of Government's for tailoring the codes to the DFW area, and the potential differences
between the Building Code, the Fire Code, and the UDC.
2. Update our permit software and processes to support our digital submittal efforts and plan review efficiencies.

3. Provide step-by-step permitting process details to contractors during feedback meetings in order to avoid confusion and
unnecessary delays related to permitting. These meetings shall provide an opportunity for property owners, developers, and
builders to ask questions related to the permitting and construction processes as well as give feedback to the department on how
it could improve.

4. Update the website with content which reflects new forms and processes for plan review and inspections. Reorganize and edit
the Frequently Asked Questions section to more clearly address the most common questions.

5. Have regular staff meetings with other departments to work through any conflicts that may arise and identify efficiencies for
new and existing processes at the same time.

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