How Plano Apartment Dwellers Can Grade Their Building and Living Standards

We all know that Plano is a darling when it comes to best-of rankings.

Best community amenities (2021). Best city for renters (2021). Nation’s largest one- and two-bedroom apartments (2020). Best cities for a staycation (2020), Best for parks. Best for gamers. The list goes on.

Now, Planonites (Planotonians?) can control the narrative on apartment living. As a public service, the city is featuring an online tool that’s associated with the Multi-family Rental Registration and Inspection Program. The tool helps apartment residents and visitors rate complexes larger than five units and older than five years old. The program’s goal is to enforce basic building and living standards.

A city ordinance requires any multi-family dwelling that is five or more years old to register with the property standards director. It allows for some exemptions based on the building’s age and whether a recent valid complaint has been received.

The online program features a geographic information systems (GIS) map that shows inspection letter grades (from “A” to “F”) for the exterior and interior of apartment complexes. It also lists the date the property was built, inspected, and when it expires. Some have additional information, such as the complex’s website or email address.

(BTW, if you haven’t seen Plano’s GIS portal, it’s a tremendous rabbit hole to explore.)

It’s all a part of Plano’s Neighborhood Services website. Users can apply for a grant, learn about fair housing and housing programs, and submit a concern.

The website also has resources for its BEST Neighborhoods, Community Services, and Property Standards divisions.

• The BEST Neighborhoods helps residents learn how to create engaging neighborhoods by hosting block parties, attending workshops, and applying for grants.
• Community Services offers resources on housing repair programs, home-buying, rent and utility assistance, social services, grant funding, day-labor opportunities, and more.
• Property Standards helps residents find information about commercial and residential ordinances.

Come to think of it: This focus on standards might be the reason Plano tops all these best-of lists.