Development Process

Mesquite, TX: A Guide to Development Process & Building Permits

We understand the importance of a streamlined development process. That’s why we compiled resources to help executives and entrepreneurs navigate permitting and development in Mesquite.

Quick Resources:

• Pre-Application Meeting Packets
• City of Mesquite Zoning Map
• City of Mesquite Engineering Design Manual
• Plat packet
• Starting a Small Business

City of Mesquite Redevelopment Process

1. Pre-Application Meeting

• A request for a Pre-Application Meeting may be submitted through the online Citizen Self Service (CSS) or in the Planning & Zoning Division Office. Learn how to register for a Citizen Self Service (CSS) online account. 
• Pre-application meetings are typically required before submitting any permit for new construction or additions.
  
• Use the Pre-Application Meeting Packets to submit a meeting request. There are instructions for submitting the meeting request on the first page of the meeting packets.
  
• Once your application is received, it will be reviewed for completeness and you will be invoiced the $50 fee, which can be paid online. 
  
• Staff will schedule the meeting for the next available date and time, generally within 10 days of application submission.
  
• At the Pre-Application Meeting, City Staff will explain the development review process and answer questions.

2. Zoning

• A zoning change application (Conditional Use Permit, Rezoning or a Planned Development) may be deemed necessary during the Pre-Application Meeting. If a zoning change is not required, continue to Step 3.
• The zoning change process requires written notice to surrounding property owners, public notification, and public hearings at the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council.
• The process can take 3 to 4 months from first submission to the City Council meeting.
• Once zoning is approved or if a zoning application is not required then proceed to Step 3.

• City of Mesquite Zoning Map: 
  • Additional Zoning Resources & Data:
  • Requesting engineering records
  • City of Mesquite Traffic Counts
  • TXDOT Traffic Counts
  • Request infrastructure/as-builts by emailing [email protected].  

3. Site Plan

• The Site Plan Application process is used to verify all applicable development standards are met and are submitted through CSS.
• Zoning must be finalized prior to Site Plan review.
• Site Plan Applications are reviewed by several City Departments to determine compliance.
• Review time includes 14 calendar days for the first review and 10 calendar days for each subsequent review.
• Site plans are approved by City staff; however, property zoned Planned Development and larger than 10 acres requires Commission approval. Proceed to step 4 after approval.

4. Engineering Permit

• Engineering Plans provide specifications for project elements like utilities, drainage, streets, & grading and must follow the Engineering Design Manual.
• Engineering Permits are submitted through CSS.
• Engineering Plans are reviewed by several City Departments to determine compliance.
• Review time includes 21 calendar days for the first review and 14 calendar days for each subsequent review.
• City of Mesquite Engineering Design Manual

5. Platting

• City Staff will determine if a Plat Application will be required during the Pre-Application Meeting
• Review time begins with a 10-day Completeness Check. Once deemed Complete, Staff will act upon the application within 30 calendar days.
• Once the plat is approved, it must be recorded with Dallas/Kaufman County.
• If appropriate, platting may occur concurrently with Step 4 or Step 6.
• Plat must be approved and filed with the County prior to issuing any building permit for single-family home, Duplexes, or Townhomes, and prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for non-residential permits.
• Plat packet

6. Building Permit

• Building Permits provide specifications of the structure - including electrical, HVAC, and other elements.
• Separate building permits are required for each building.
• Registered contractors with the City must submit the building permit application.
• All building permits are submitted through CSS.
• Building Permits are reviewed by several City Departments prior to approval.
• Review time includes 14 calendar days for the first review and 7 calendar days for each subsequent review.
• Building Permits and Certificate of Occupancies are not finalized until all inspections have been passed.

To find additional resources and step-by-step instructions, review the City of Mesquite’s resource: How to Apply for Planning and Zoning Applications. 

For information on building permit requirements in Mesquite, visit the City of Mesquite page on Permit Requirements Information. 

Visit the City of Mesquite Planning & Zoning site for more details and contact information.