The City of Dallas took a significant leap into the digital age on Monday with the official launch of DallasNow, a comprehensive land-management system designed to streamline the city’s permitting, zoning, and inspection processes. City officials say the new platform will not only expedite development projects but also bring unprecedented transparency to a system long criticized for its opacity and sluggishness.
Starting May 5, 2025, developers, business owners, and residents seeking permits or zoning changes will interact with city planning and development services through DallasNow—a unified online portal that replaces a patchwork of legacy systems.
“DallasNow is more than just a new website—it’s a transformation in how we serve our community,” said Planning and Urban Design Director Maria Hernandez at a press conference Monday morning. “For too long, our permitting process has been a source of frustration. With this platform, we’re making it easier for everyone to do business with the City of Dallas.”
The city’s previous permitting system, a mix of paper records and outdated digital tools, often led to delays and confusion. Developers sometimes waited weeks for updates, while residents struggled to track the progress of their applications.
One of DallasNow’s most touted features is its real-time tracking capability. Applicants can now log in to see exactly where their project stands, read comments from city staff, and receive instant notifications about permit statuses and upcoming inspections.
“Before, it felt like sending your application into a black hole,” said local architect James Lee, who previewed the system during a pilot phase. “Now, I can see who’s reviewing my plans and what steps remain. It’s a game-changer.”
The platform also itemizes fees and provides electronic records of all transactions, a move city leaders say will help curb confusion and foster trust.
“This is about meeting people where they are—in the digital world,” said City Manager T.C. Broadnax. “We’re eliminating unnecessary trips to City Hall and making government more accessible.”
Technical Terms Explained:
- Permitting: The process by which individuals or companies obtain official approval from the city to undertake construction, renovation, or certain business activities.
- Zoning: Regulations that determine how land within the city can be used, such as residential, commercial, or industrial purposes.
- Inspections: Official examinations conducted by city staff to ensure that construction or other activities comply with safety codes and regulations.
- Land-management system: Software that integrates various city functions related to land use, making it easier to manage applications, track progress, and communicate with stakeholders.
While DallasNow represents a substantial investment—city officials declined to specify the total cost—they argue that the benefits far outweigh the expense. “This is an investment in Dallas’s future,” Hernandez said. “We’re building a city that’s easier to navigate, not just for developers, but for every resident.”
The rollout is not without its challenges. City staff have undergone extensive training, and a dedicated help desk is fielding questions as users navigate the new system. So far, early feedback has been largely positive.
“Change is never easy, but this is the right direction,” Lee said. “It’s about time Dallas caught up with the times.”
With DallasNow, city leaders hope to set a new standard for municipal transparency and efficiency—one that, if successful, could serve as a model for cities nationwide.
DallasNow offers numerous benefits including streamlined processing with a unified cloud-based system that improves workflows for application submissions, reviews, and inspections. It enhances public transparency allowing users to submit applications, track status, and manage inspections online in real-time with instant email notifications.
The cloud platform provides 24/7 access, online payment options, and user-friendly navigation. DallasNow will be accessible to City of Dallas customers who need to set up an account.
For more information, please visit https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/Pages/DallasNow.aspx or call the Call Center at (214) 948-4480.
