Tools · Permit Timeline
How long will your DFW commercial permit take?
Pick city, project type, size, and complexity. We’ll show you the directional design + permit + build timeline drawn from Pereff’s 14+ years of DFW permitting. Not a quote — but the rhythm is real.
1 · City
2 · Project type
3 · Square feet
Typical medical / dental ti: 5,000 sq ft
4 · Complexity
What to know for this combination
- Plano uses an online permitting portal; electronic submittal accepted for most commercial work.
- Plano typically reviews standard commercial permits in 3–8 weeks — one of the more efficient DFW suburban portals.
- Medical and dental TIs require Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) accessibility review in addition to building permit.
- Health department review (+2–4 weeks) is required for any project with sterilization, medication dispensing, or clinical areas.
- Imaging rooms (X-ray, CBCT, CT) require radiation shielding review — factor 2–4 additional weeks for that submittal.
- Specialty plumbing (operatory water, vacuum, air) requires a licensed dental/medical plumber and adds coordination time during rough-in.
How to compress your timeline
These three moves are the most reliable ways to shave 4–10 weeks off a commercial permit process. Pereff does all three by default.
Submit complete the first time
Every resubmittal cycle adds 2–4 weeks to permit review. Pereff's preconstruction team runs a full code check before submittal — most of our projects clear on the first round.
Learn moreRequest a pre-application meeting
A 30-minute meeting with the city building department before your formal submittal surfaces concerns before the review clock starts. This is standard practice on every Pereff project.
Learn moreOrder long-lead items before permit issuance
Switchgear, rooftop units, elevators, specialty HVAC, and medical imaging equipment can take 12–20 weeks to deliver. Order at design development, not when the permit arrives — or those weeks stack onto your construction timeline.
Learn moreCommon questions
How long does a commercial permit take in Plano?
Standard commercial TI permits typically clear in 3–8 weeks from a complete, code-compliant submittal. Medical and restaurant projects add health-department review time (+2–4 weeks). The fastest way to hit the low end is a complete first submittal — each resubmittal cycle adds weeks.
What's the difference between Frisco and Dallas permit timelines?
Frisco is one of the fastest DFW suburban markets — standard TI permits typically clear in 3–8 weeks. Dallas (city proper) runs 6–12 weeks due to its larger jurisdiction and higher review volume. Dallas also requires a City of Dallas business license for commercial contractors.
Do medical projects take longer to permit?
Yes. Medical and dental TIs require TDLR accessibility review in addition to the building permit, plus a health department review (+2–4 weeks) for clinical areas. Imaging rooms require a separate radiation shielding review. Budget 2–6 additional weeks compared to a standard office TI.
Why does my total timeline seem longer than the construction phase alone?
Most owners underestimate design and permitting. A '6-month build' often means 10–14 months from 'go' to 'open' once design (6–14 weeks) and permit review (3–12 weeks depending on city) are counted. This tool separates all three phases so you can plan realistically.
How does Pereff's pre-construction process help?
Pereff holds pre-application meetings with each city before formal submittal, runs a full code check, and confirms occupancy classification, change-of-use triggers, and accessibility requirements before drawings are finalized. This reduces first-submittal comments and eliminates most resubmittal cycles — often saving 2–4 weeks compared to a cold submittal.
Next step
Get a project-specific timeline from Stephen
The calculator shows you the rhythm. Stephen gives you the actual number for your project, your city, and your submittal package.