In the dynamic landscape of construction in Texas, staying ahead of the curve is essential for busy architects, contractors, and project owners. At the start of 2024, it’s crucial to analyze the large capital projects that can cause an increase in workload at permitting jurisdictions in the Lone Star State especially in areas like Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio i.e. the Texas Triangle.

PermitUsNow, your trusted partner in permit expediting, brings you insights into what market factors to consider in 2024 during the programming phase of your project and before submitting for permits.

Impact of Transportation

TXDOT is expected to award approximately $12 billion per year in the San Antonio / Austin area to Dallas/Ft. Worth and in Houston area. This represents $60 billion over the next 5 years in new TXDOT funded roads, highways, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure. And as a rule, wherever transportation goes, rooftops follow. Rooftops such as new hospitals, apartments, shopping centers, banks, etc. which leads to increased demand at permitting centers.

In Houston, for example, the North Houston Highway (I-45) Improvement Project Segment 3 is due to start construction in 3rd or 4th quarter of this year. This project already has triggered millions of dollars in single-family residential redevelopment, new multi-family units and commercial properties in the I-45 area and will continue to do so in 2024 so make sure to time your project accordingly when submitting to the City of Houston Permitting Center.

Other transportation projects to assess for the potential impact of workload at jurisdictions are projects led by Harris County Toll Road Authority, Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority, the North Texas Toll Road Authority, and other such organizations.

Cost of Borrowing Lowering

Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve Chair, indicated in December 2023 that at least 3 rate cuts are being discussed by the Fed board. This sent an immediate signal to Wall Street, commercial real estate investors and builders looking to ride the interest rate cut wave. What does this mean for your projects going to permitting this year? What is the trickledown effect to permitting jurisdictions?

Streamlined Permitting Processes

In response to the demand for timely building permits, local authorities in Texas are continuing to take steps to streamline the permitting processes.

As construction activity surges this year in retail, health care, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, entertainment plus more, municipalities are recognizing the need to expedite approvals without compromising on safety standards. This shift is good news for industry professionals, as it translates to quicker turnaround times for obtaining building permits.

In addition, Texas House Bill 14 related to permitting, in effect on September 1, 2023 and jurisdictions enact on January 1, 2024, says that if a municipality doesn’t act on your commercial building permit application in 15 days, then you can hire a 3rd party to review the plans and issue the permit. Developers can also engage a 3rd party certified inspector to obtain approvals faster. This along with the trend of jurisdictions continuing to outsource plan reviews are worth considering when permitting your projects in 2024.

In Closing

Starting a development project in Texas can be challenging. But with the correct information and support, it surely becomes less intimidating.

At Permit Us Now, we understand the importance of seamless permit approval processes, and we are dedicated to supporting project owners in navigating the complex permit landscape. Our team is committed to pulling permits for our Architect, Contractor, and Project Owner clients without delay, eliminating frustrations and simplifying the permitting process. To get started, email us your plans, follow up on our feedback for any missing items, and let us handle your permitting needs. Call 1.844.PERMIT.4 today to begin your permit journey! #BuildSafe