Concrete work in Dallas: permits and hiring

Define the work before comparing quotes

Describe whether you want a patio, driveway, steps, private walkway, street-side sidewalk or drive approach. Mark the proposed boundaries and give each contractor the same photographs and measurements. For repair requests, photograph cracks, uneven edges and places where water collects. Ask the contractor to explain the proposed repair and any problems it leaves unresolved.

Separate the surfaces in the estimate. Ask for distinct scope lines for the driveway, street connection and sidewalk rather than accepting one description of concrete replacement. This helps you compare the city's sidewalk program with a private contract: Dallas shares eligible sidewalk replacement costs, while the owner pays 100% of drive-approach removal and replacement. [1]

Compare the sidewalk program with private hiring

Dallas offers a 50/50 cost-share program for existing residential sidewalk removal and replacement. The city includes single-family residences, condominiums and townhomes in its eligibility statement. It pays for miscellaneous items, including barrier-free ramps, and secures the necessary permits. The program includes a one-year workmanship warranty. [1]

Allow for the city's stated wait before choosing this route. Its published estimate is two to three months from initial inquiry to assessment and a mailed quote, followed by approximately three to nine months from payment to project completion, depending on demand. Ask a private contractor for a written proposed schedule if you need to compare completion dates. [1]

For an existing sidewalk replacement inquiry, call the program at 214-948-4127. For a hazardous sidewalk, request a temporary asphalt repair through 214-670-3111. The city also directs requests for new sidewalks where none exist through that number or 311. Distinguish these requests so you ask for the appropriate service. [1]

Assign permits and inspections before demolition

Dallas requires an issued permit for sidewalk replacement by a property owner or private contractor. It also requires a right-of-way permit for construction within the public right-of-way, or work outside it that cuts, breaks or otherwise damages it. Ask the contractor to identify the affected boundary and confirm the applicable permit process with the city before starting. [1] [2]

Discuss truck placement, demolition equipment and pedestrian access during the site visit. Dallas requires a traffic-control permit when construction will close a traffic lane or block a sidewalk or alley. The applicant must submit a traffic-control plan with drawings for vehicular and pedestrian traffic during each phase. Put responsibility for this work and its costs in the quote. [2]

The city's inspection directory lists Pre-Pour/Paving Inspection and Driveway and Sidewalk Final Inspection for a Residential Drive Approach and Sidewalk Permit. The city cautions that required inspections vary with scope. Ask who will schedule inspections, confirm approval before the pour and provide closeout records. For a patio or other private slab, confirm requirements for that particular scope rather than assuming the sidewalk process applies. [3]

Request a quote you can compare

Ask each contractor to state dimensions, slab thickness, concrete specifications, base preparation, reinforcement, joints and finish. Include demolition, disposal, access arrangements and restoration of disturbed lawn or irrigation in the discussion. Ask how the contractor will establish the slope and where runoff will go. Request written exclusions and a price-approval process for unexpected conditions.

Before choosing a contractor, request proof of insurance and examples of comparable completed work. Ask for written warranty terms, including how to report a concern and who will inspect it. Tie payment milestones to defined work stages and agree on what documents you will receive at completion.

Plan the pour and your access

Ask for a weather contingency and separate dates for demolition, preparation, pouring and reopening the surface. The National Weather Service's DFW precipitation normals show seasonal differences, including 4.78 inches in May and 2.08 inches in July. These regional averages give context for discussing rain delays; they do not predict conditions at your property on the pour date. [4]

Agree on where you will park and how you will reach the house while work proceeds. Ask the contractor for written curing and protection instructions and separate reopening guidance for foot traffic and vehicles. Confirm who protects the surface, who checks the completed drainage and who restores disturbed areas.

DFW monthly precipitation normals for planning rain contingencies

Choose the next step for your project

Your hiring checklist

1. Give each bidder the same marked boundaries, photographs and intended use.
2. Separate sidewalk, driveway and drive-approach work in the estimate.
3. Request written concrete, base, reinforcement, joint and finish specifications.
4. Ask where runoff will go and how the contractor will check the finished slope.
5. Assign permit applications, inspection scheduling and access planning in writing.
6. Agree on weather delays, parking arrangements and surface reopening instructions.
7. Review insurance, exclusions, payment milestones, warranty and restoration responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dallas require a permit to replace my sidewalk?

Yes. Dallas states that a property owner or private contractor must have an issued city permit for sidewalk replacement. Ask your contractor to identify who will obtain it and provide the permit details before work starts. [1]

Will the city pay half of my driveway replacement?

The published program shares existing residential sidewalk removal and replacement costs 50/50. It requires the owner to pay 100% of drive-approach removal and replacement. Do not apply the sidewalk cost share to a private driveway estimate. [1]

How long does the sidewalk program take?

Dallas publishes two to three months from inquiry to assessment and a mailed quote. After payment, it estimates approximately three to nine months to completion, depending on demand. Confirm the current schedule with the program before arranging other work around it. [1]

How should I compare concrete prices?

Request quotes for the same dimensions and specifications. Ask bidders to itemize preparation, demolition, disposal, permits, access arrangements and restoration. Review exclusions and require written approval for price changes before the contractor performs extra work.