Creating a new development in the City of Amarillo involves several departments and steps to ensure all regulations and standards are met. This page provides a high-level overview of the process, followed by a detailed breakdown of each step, descriptions, and links to necessary forms and contacts.

Preliminary Research Recommended

• Research: Understand local zoning laws, land use regulations, and development codes.
• Site Selection: Identify a suitable property for development.
• Feasibility Study: Conduct a study to determine the viability of the project.

Note: if you are inheriting or being gifted a property, you can schedule a meeting a Preliminary Application Conference to learn more about requirements for developing a property.

Preliminary Application Conference (PAC) — Highly Recommended

Schedule a FREE meeting(s) with the city’s planning or development department to discuss the proposed project, get initial feedback, and understand specific requirements. If needed, you can request additional meetings to ensure all aspects of your project are thoroughly reviewed. Contact Planning’s Development Liaison to set up a Preliminary Application Conference with all relevant city staff:

• Airport
• Building Safety
• CP&D (Engineering)
• Development Liaison
• Environmental Health
• Fire Marshal
• Planning
• Traffic

• Timeline: Usually scheduled within 1-2 weeks of the request.
• Fee: FREE

◼ Preliminary Application Conference Application (PAC).

Submit completed form to development@amarillo.gov.

Fee Payments

Payments can be made in person at 808 S Buchanan, 2nd floor reception desk, by credit card or check made payable to the City of Amarillo. 

Additional Requirements

Development Liaison

The Development Liaison can be of assistance by setting up Preliminary Application Conferences with relevant City staff, helping with application submissions, and reviewing/approving application status requests. Additionally, Justin acts as a liaison between local development-related groups, such as developers, contractors, design professionals, and realtors. He communicates and educates these groups on city development ordinances, procedures, and standards to ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently. Justin Oppel, City of Amarillo Department Liaison, is the administrator for the Zoning Board of Adjustments. The Zoning Board of Adjustments is a citizen court appointed by the City Council to hear Variances, Special Exceptions, and Appeals of interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance by a City Official. Click here for more information about the ZBA.

Justin is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service to the development community, as well as residential and commercial property/business owners. He plays a crucial role in facilitating development projects as they navigate through the municipal development and permitting process. Justin's main objective is to assist customers in navigating the various development-related regulations, applications, and requirements that are designed to maintain and enhance Amarillo's quality of life and character.

 Planning Applications Contact Information

• Development Liaison — Justin Oppel
• Phone: 806-378-4222
• Email: justin.oppel@amarillo.gov
• All fees are payable to: City of Amarillo
• Submit all applications to development@amarillo.gov