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​About Development Services

Hello Dallas residents. My name is Andrew Espinoza. I serve as the Director/Chief Building Official of the Development Services Department.  I lead a team dedicated to serving our community and ensuring we have safe, sustainable, and resilient structures.   My staff and I are committed to providing consistent, responsive customer service, reducing permitting cycle times, and adopting a facilitative approach to our way of doing business.  I understand the permitting process can be overwhelming.  Our goal is to partner with you and guide you through your projects and make them as efficient as possible 

We can't do it alone and we need your help and cooperation as we work together to build an economically vibrant City.  If you have already reached out to staff and we have not resolved your issue, please feel free to reach out to me at the email or phone number below. 

Thank you for your partnership and willingness to work with us as we promote a culture of "Service First".

Andrew Espinoza, CBO, MCP, CCEA, CFM
Director/Chief Building Official
(214) 542-1227
andres.espinoza@dallas.gov

Erika Pastrana
Executive Assistant
(214) 948-4414
erika.pastrana@dallas.gov

​ Mina Samuell Eskander, PE, CFM, LEED AP BD+C Assistant Director (214) 948-4029 mina.eskander@dallas.gov

​Sam is serving as the Assistant Director over the Land Development Team which includes Engineering, Zoning, Subdivision, Arborists, and Signs groups. Sam has served in the Development Services Department, Engineering Division since July of 2006. During his tenure, he was responsible for managing and overseeing the planning, design review, scheduling, and construction of public infrastructure projects such as streets, storm drains, and platting associated with private developments. Sam holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Texas, is a certified floodplain manager, and is a LEED accredited professional in building design and construction.

​ Vernon U. Young Assistant Director (214) 948-4059 vernon.young@dallas.gov

​ Vernon U. Young is a 4th generation Texan.  He has worked for the City of Dallas for over 25 years. He has held a series of roles with increasing responsibilities and complexity over the years displaying an ability to learn, grow, and adapt to evolving departmental and development needs, while continuing to build strong relationships internally and externally.  He has held the positions of the Call Center Supervisor, Executive Assistant to the Director, Permit Manager and Strategic Business Manager. He currently holds the position of Assistant Director over the Plan Review & Field Service Inspections Division within the Department of Development Services. In his current role, he is responsible for providing creative solutions to unique or complex development related issues, reducing operational inefficiencies related to plan and permit submittals, consolidating development review functions, with the overall goal being to create a better customer experience.

​Together we are building a safe and united Dallas!