Understanding the Self-Certification Process in Dallas: A Conversation with Masterplan’s Dallas Cothrum and Hugh Pender

Welcome back to the Milrose webinar series. This month, the experts from Masterplan—Dallas Cothrum, President and Hugh Pender, CBO, Senior Consultant—discuss the Self-Certification Program in Dallas, Texas and its significance for streamlining the building permit process for qualified professions in the city.

What is the Self-Certification Program?

Before we get started, let’s get you up to speed on the program. The Self-Certification Program is the City of Dallas’ latest initiative which aims to reduce bottlenecks in plan reviews and expedite development timelines for qualified professionals to certify that their projects maintain the highest safety and compliance standards.

The need for speed

Cothrum opened the discussion by explaining how the idea for the Self-Certification Program emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the City of Dallas faced delays in issuing permits. During the pandemic, the permitting process took up to six months—when applicants would typically receive their permits as soon as the same day they applied. “Builders and frequent City Hall visitors recognized the need for an alternative system to prevent construction standstills,” Cothrum said. “The Self-Certification Program is a good idea. The city needs to issue permits quickly so they can collect tax revenue. It’s a win-win for both the city, its professionals, and Masterplan. As one of three approved third-party vendors—and the largest—Masterplan brings a proven track record for over 40 years and a comprehensive knowledge of the City of Dallas to help make the process easier and less stressful for our clients.”

Who is eligible to become a self-certified professional (SCP)?

Pender offered insight into how to become a self-certified professional in the City of Dallas. Here is a snapshot for the design and code professionals who may register as SCPs and the requirements they must meet:

Eligibility

• Texas licensed architects
• Texas licensed professional engineers
• International Code Council (ICC) Certified Building Officials (CBO)

Requirements

• Must have at least three years of experience in ensuring code compliance.
• Must be responsible for compliance with the City of Dallas’ codes/ordinances.
• Must complete a city-sponsored training class and attend annual sessions to maintain status.

What projects qualify for SCP?

In Dallas, the Self-Certification Program is designed for specific types of projects to ensure that simpler and less complex developments can benefit from expedited processes. Pender gave an overview of the types of buildings and projects that qualify:

• New one- and-two dwelling unit structures, of which all square footage must meet the following parameters:
• Maximum of three (3) stories—no basements
• Must not be in a special overlay district (historic, floodplain, conservation, complex PD, shared access
• Property must be platted or have early release approvals.    
• Commercial remodels and interior finish-out projects at less than 5,000 square feet. (Business Group “B” and Mercantile Group “M” occupancies only.)

The SCP may certify compliance for projects of master permits that include building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plan reviews.

Here is a list of excluded disciplines or projects:

• Landmark preservation
• Historical/conservation district
• Floodplain
• Transportation
• Zoning
• Fire protection systems (sprinklers, alarms, etc.)
• Specialized overlays and planned developments
• Board of adjustment requests
• Projects designed by SCP

How Masterplan is your best plan to get the job done right

As an expert in the industry for over 40 years, Cothrum has built a stellar reputation for earning the respect and trust of his clients. “At Masterplan, we are client-focused and results-oriented,” he said proudly. “There’s a lot of anxiety over permitting and we are here to make it easy for our clients. In fact, the process is as easy as 1-2-3.”

Pender breaks down how this process works:

1. Send your plans—Submit your building plans to Masterplan and our team will begin the review process.
2. Less than a three-day review—Upon completed submittal, our team will thoroughly review your plans and then submit them to the city.
3. Get your approval—Once the plans are approved, you will receive the necessary permits to proceed with your project.

Milrose has strength in numbers

As a member of the Milrose Family of Companies, Cothrum stated that Masterplan is backed by over 600 employees, many of whom have expertise in private industry, municipal, or state work. “We have a large staff that spans from coast-to-coast. For our Dallas clients, we feel confident that this new initiative is a ‘go to the head of the line’ approach. With a good set of plans, we can get the job done quickly—with possibly only one round of corrections. The time is worth the money.”

We invite you to listen to the webinar in its entirety. (Meg, please add the link to the webinar.)

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