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.
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- cityplanning@amarillo.gov
- 806-378-6290
-
City of Amarillo
Planning Department
PO Box 1971
Amarillo, TX 79105 -
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Development Liaison Overview
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.
- Pre- Application Conference Fee: The preliminary application conference is a free service provided by development services.
Development Services Application Process
How to Apply for a Pre-Application Conference
You have two options for application submittal:
- Email (with all required attachments) to development@amarillo.gov. *Preferred – less than 9 MB*. If you encounter any issues while submitting your application, feel free to contact Justin Oppel via phone or email.
- Physically delivering the application to the Simms Building, 808 S. Buchanan, 2nd Floor – Please check in with the reception desk or call 806-378-4222 to make arrangements.
Step One - Preliminary (Conceptual) Plan Development
A Preliminary (Conceptual) Plan Development is required with all Final plats, as defined by subdivision ordinance.
- Fee for Preliminary Site Plan: $350 + $10 per acre over 1 acre
- Timeline: Varies based on project scope
Preliminary Plan Review Application
Submit application via email to development@amarillo.gov.
Step Two - Zoning Change
Request a change in zoning designation for a property.
- Fee: $882
- Timeline: Approximately 4-6 weeks, including public notifications and hearings.
Process:
- Submit application and pay fee
- Application is processed
- Public notifications are issued
- Planning and Zoning hearing followed by two readings at City Council meetings
- Notification of approval or denial
This application can only be submitted according to the Deadline Schedule, click here for details.
Submit application via email to development@amarillo.gov.
Step Three - Drainage Report
May be required base on project scope.
- Fee: $250 + $10 technology fee + $3 per acre
- Timeline: 2-3 weeks
- Applications can be submitted at any time
⇒Drainage Report Review Application
Submit application via email to development@amarillo.gov.
Step Four - Public Improvement Construction Plans
May be required base on project scope.
- Fee: $250 + $10 technology fee + 1% of project cost (if required)
- Timeline: 3-4 weeks
- Applications can be submitted at any time
⇒Construction Plan Review Application
Submit application via email to development@amarillo.gov.
Step Five - Platting
May be required when subdividing property in accordance with Texas state law.
- Fees
- Final Plat Fee: $551 + $10 per acre over 1 acre (if required)
- Minor Plat Fee: $524 + $10 per acre over 1 acre (if required)
- Timeline: Allow 2-4 weeks
Process
- Submit application and pay fee
- Application is processed
- Public notifications are issued
- Planning and Zoning hearing followed by two readings at City Council meetings
- Notification of approval or denial
⇒Plat Application
This application can only be submitted according to the Deadline Schedule, click here for details.
Submit application via email to development@amarillo.gov.
Step Six - Site Plan (Commercial Use Only)
Will be required with new construction or change of property use.
- Fee: Free
- Timeline: 6-8 weeks
Submit application via email to development@amarillo.gov.
Permitting, Inspections & Certificate of Occupancy
Ensure compliance with construction and safety codes, processes building permits, and provides information on permit requirements and exemptions. Compliance with section 101.2 of the 2015 IRC is required.
Permitting and Inspections are handled by both Building Safety and Fire Marshal departments. View details on the following department links.
Ensure all final inspections, including the fire system inspection, are completed to confirm that the development meets all applicable codes and regulations.
Permits applications can be submitted at any time during the process, however, building permits will not be issued until you have site plan approval.
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