Design,
Engineering
& Permits.
PE-stamped structural drawings, architectural design, and complete building permit packages for home additions, ADUs, multifamily, and new construction across Dallas and the DFW metroplex.
Design & engineering services for homeowners, investors & contractors
UTES works with clients at every stage — from homeowners who need permit drawings to proceed with their own builder, to investors adding density, to contractors who need PE-stamped structural work.
No construction contract required. The majority of UTES engineering clients use the firm for design, structural drawings, and permit services only — then proceed with their own contractor. There is no obligation to use UTES beyond the design and engineering scope.
Everything your project needs — design through permit approval
All structural engineering drawings are prepared and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer. Permit packages include all documents required by the City of Dallas for a complete DallasNow application.
Home additions & extensions
Rear additions, second storey additions, and bump-outs. Architectural and structural drawings for Master Permit submission through DallasNow.
ADU & backyard cottage design
Permit drawings for detached backyard cottages and garage apartment conversions. ADUO zoning overlay applications and Board of Adjustment variances handled in-house.
Multifamily & missing middle
Structural and architectural drawings for duplex through 8-unit projects under Dallas’s updated May 2025 residential code. Board of Adjustment applications where required.
New home construction drawings
Full permit drawing packages for new residential construction including architectural plans, structural engineering, and site plan for DallasNow submission.
Load-bearing wall removal
Structural assessment, beam design, and PE-stamped drawings for load-bearing wall removals. Required by the City of Dallas for permit sign-off.
Foundation & underpinning
Structural engineering design and drawings for foundation repairs, underpinning projects, and basement or crawl space conversions across DFW.
Solar panel structural engineering
Roof structural assessments and PE-stamped engineering letters for residential and commercial solar installations across Texas. Required under Dallas’s solar-ready ordinance.
Structural reports & assessments
Site visit reports, structural condition assessments, and PE-stamped certificate letters for real estate, insurance, legal, or contractor purposes.
Commercial & restaurant permits
Building permit drawings for restaurant fit-outs, commercial kitchen alterations, retail renovations, and office change-of-use across Dallas.
Built for the Dallas permit process
Navigating the City of Dallas’s permitting system requires specific knowledge of local codes, the DallasNow portal, and the zoning requirements unique to Dallas neighborhoods. UTES brings that expertise to every project.
From first call to permit approval
UTES manages the entire design and permit process. Here is what to expect from start to finish — whether you need design and engineering only, or a full design-build.
Fixed-fee proposals within 1 business day. After a brief consultation, UTES provides a fixed-fee proposal covering the full scope of design, engineering, and permit services.
Consultation & scoping
A brief call or site visit to understand the project scope, confirm zoning eligibility, and identify any ADUO or Board of Adjustment requirements before permits can be submitted.
Zoning & Dallas code review
We review the Dallas Development Code to confirm what is permitted as-of-right and identify whether a Board of Adjustment variance or ADUO application is required first.
Design & structural drawings
Architectural drawings and PE-stamped structural engineering drawings prepared in-house. All documents formatted for DallasNow submission requirements.
DallasNow submission & approval
UTES submits the complete package through DallasNow, manages all city communications, and responds to any revision requests from plan examiners until permit is issued.
Permit issued — your contractor can start
Once the permit is issued you can proceed with your own contractor. UTES can also provide construction management if needed — but there is no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
No. UTES provides structural engineering drawings, architectural design, and building permit packages as standalone services. Many clients hire UTES for design and permits only, then use their own contractor for construction. There is no obligation to use UTES beyond the design and engineering scope.
A typical building permit package includes architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections, site plan), PE-stamped structural engineering drawings, and all supporting documents required by the City of Dallas for a complete DallasNow application. For projects requiring a Board of Adjustment variance or ADUO application, UTES prepares and submits those as well.
For a typical home addition in Dallas, permit review through DallasNow takes approximately 4–8 weeks after a complete application is submitted. UTES prepares complete packages to minimize revision requests. If a Board of Adjustment variance is required first, add approximately 2–4 months for that process.
Yes. UTES manages the full DallasNow submission including drawing upload, application tracking, and responding to any revision requests or comments from city plan examiners. Clients don’t need to navigate the portal themselves.
Fees vary based on project scope, size, and complexity. UTES provides a fixed-fee proposal after a brief consultation. Contact the team at (972) 895-9616 or info@utesbuild.com to discuss your project and get a quote within 1 business day.
Yes. UTES provides standalone structural condition assessments, inspection reports, and PE-stamped certificate letters for residential and commercial properties. These are commonly required for real estate transactions, insurance purposes, mortgage applications, or contractor verification.
Ready to get your
permit drawings started?
Tell us about your project and we’ll provide a fixed-fee proposal within 1 business day.