2024 Highlights: How Plano maintained safe and vibrant neighborhoods
City of Plano
Nationally recognized for quality of life and favorable business conditions. For job opportunities, visit Plano.gov/Jobs
As Plano continues moving forward on the Pathway of Excellence—an idea highlighted by Mayor John Muns in his 2025 State of the City Address—we want to take a moment to reflect on 2024. Over the next couple months, we’ll share key ways the City of Plano kept residents safe, informed and engaged throughout the past year.
Spring Storm Response
In May 2024, Plano, Texas, faced a severe storm that caused widespread damage and power outages, affecting thousands of residents across the city’s 72-square miles.?Over the two-month residential cleanup, crews collected 99,190 cubic yards of debris. That's nearly 100,000 washing machines!?The City of Plano launched its Plano Recovers communication plan to manage recovery efforts, which took 71 days. The plan included a Recovery website, emergency call center, real-time progress mapping, daily media and social media updates and weekly emails to over 50,000 subscribers. These efforts ensured transparent, timely communication and resource allocation, helping maintain public trust and encouraging community cooperation. A resident praised the city's approach, stating, "I love the City of Plano, Texas, because they keep us informed."
Short Term Rental Registration
A Plano Short-term Rental Study was completed to help determine how short-term rental properties should be governed in Plano. Citizens’ thoughts and opinions were used by a citizen Task Force to develop findings and recommendations regarding Short-term rentals (STRs). Those recommendations were used by the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council to craft policies for Short-term rentals in Plano.
The Study kicked off with a community survey in the spring of 2023. The STR citizen Task Force began work in June 2023 and adopted a Phase II Report including recommendations in February 2024. Council adopted regulations in April 2024.?These regulations allow STRs operating as of May 15, 2023, to continue operating throughout the city and allow new STRs in most nonresidential zoning districts and in some multifamily properties. STRs with live-in management are also allowed in heritage districts. Registration is required for all STRs.
Following City Council’s approval of the Registration of Short-Term Rental (STR) Properties Ordinance on April 14, 2024, Neighborhood Services launched the Short-Term Rental Registration Program. Property owners renting their homes for fewer than 30 consecutive days must register their rentals. All STR owners in Plano are required to submit a registration application and provide evidence that their STR is permitted either by right, through a specific use permit or by a nonconforming determination. Neighborhood Services reviews each STR registration application, verifies occupancy limits, appoints a designated contact for emergencies and ensures the installation of required noise and video monitoring devices. The program also includes monitoring and responding to citizen concerns to ensure these properties comply with city codes and zoning requirements. Since the program’s inception, the City received 291 STR application packets and applications were processed by the end of January 2025.?Find out more at www.Plano.gov/STR.
Homelessness Prevention
The City of Plano acknowledges and diligently works towards addressing the challenges faced by families and individuals at risk of and experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. Neighborhood Services staff partner with law enforcement and nonprofits to perform daily street outreach within the community.
During 2024, Neighborhood Services partnered with local nonprofits to administer Homelessness Prevention Assistance through limited rent and utility assistance and case management. The department also partnered with selected, local nonprofit agencies to provide financial assistance and case management services to aid families and individuals experiencing homelessness and who were ready to obtain housing stability. Neighborhood Services staff also provided the following services: shelter intake coordination, distribution of food/hygiene care packages, one-on-one housing and assessment with referrals and coordination and referrals to non-profits and other resources.
The City of Plano is an active participant with the Collin County Homeless Coalition and Housing Forward, the Continuum of Care provider for Dallas and Collin counties.
Plano Fire-Rescue?ISO Rating
Plano residents can feel confident in their fire protection. Plano Fire-Rescue has earned the prestigious ISO 1 rating, the highest possible score from the Insurance Services Office, which evaluates fire departments nationwide every five years. This achievement highlights the department’s commitment to top-tier service and public safety.
The ISO rating considers critical factors like response times, water supply and 9-1-1 communications. Fewer than 1% of U.S. fire departments reach this level and Plano is one of just 74 in Texas to do so. Beyond safety, this rating can also mean lower insurance premiums for residents and businesses, combining peace of mind with financial benefits.
This recognition reflects the dedication and expertise of Plano Fire-Rescue. Their commitment to excellence ensures Plano remains a safe place to live, work and do business, reinforcing the city's high standards for emergency response and fire protection.
Plano Fire-Rescue Personnel Highlights
In 2024, Plano Fire-Rescue made significant strides in strengthening its team and ensuring the highest level of service to the community. The department added nine additional firefighter positions, which provided much-needed relief for staff by alleviating mandatory and voluntary overtime demands. This proactive measure helped address challenges posed by the current hiring environment in public safety.?
In addition, Plano Fire-Rescue recently welcomed 22 new firefighter-paramedics to its ranks. These new hires bring a wealth of skills and dedication to the department, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in emergency response and community care as well as prioritizing the well-being of both its personnel and the residents served.?
?Fire Station 5 Remodel?
Fire Station 5 is undergoing a $12 million renovation to modernize and expand its capabilities, thanks to a voter-approved 2021 bond. Set for completion in Spring 2025, the project nearly doubles the station’s size from 7,200 to 14,000 square feet, adding space for more emergency vehicles, including a medical unit and hazardous materials truck.
Upgrades also include expanded living quarters, a storm shelter for severe weather and additional parking to support growing needs. Despite ongoing construction, response times remain unaffected. A phased approach keeps firefighters on-site in temporary facilities, with new bays being built while existing ones stay operational.
Originally built in 1983, Fire Station 5 has been a cornerstone of public safety for over 40 years. This renovation reflects Plano’s commitment to supporting its first responders and ensuring top-tier emergency services for the community’s future.
Plano Police Department Hiring Highlights?
Our Police Department continues to grow, making a meaningful impact in the community with key enhancements to better serve residents.
To support mental health and homelessness outreach, we launched a dedicated team of four officers, a licensed clinical social worker and a sergeant to provide specialized, compassionate assistance. Patrol response has also improved with the addition of four new beats, increasing the number of first responders on duty 24/7 by 17% for faster, more efficient service.
A new Special Victims Unit (SVU) now focuses on supporting survivors of sexual assault, consolidating training and streamlining case management. To maintain staffing excellence, we've introduced a full-time recruiter to attract and retain top talent. Additionally, our Wellness Program now offers specialized physical exams and mental health check-ups at no cost to employees, reinforcing our commitment to officer well-being.
These enhancements reflect our ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety and community support.
?Plano Police Department's Mobile Command Vehicle?
The Plano Police Department has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its crisis management and coordination capabilities with the addition of a Frontline C-45X-4 Mobile Command Vehicle. This cutting-edge resource is designed to provide unparalleled support during critical incidents, ensuring a faster, more organized response when it matters most.?
At an impressive 62,800 pounds, this vehicle is as functional as it is robust, featuring:?
Equipped with advanced technology and thoughtfully designed spaces, the C-45X-4 is more than just a vehicle, it’s a mobile hub of innovation and preparedness. This addition underscores the Plano Police Department’s commitment to community safety and operational excellence.?