Modified Operations: We Are Ready To Serve You.

Based on the Order by the City of Austin and Travis County to “Stay Home, Mask, and Otherwise Be Safe”, all in-person customer services remain suspended. Most of our services are still available by phone, video conference, email and our online portal, Austin Build + Connect (AB+C). For information on our modified services, please visit our DSD-COVID-19 page.

 

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The Development Assistance Center (DAC) provides development consulting services and business-related permitting services. They will answer your questions and make sure you are knowledgeable about the procedures and requirements that apply to your project.

In response to the current COVID-19 emergency, customers seeking development consultation are encouraged to reach out to staff directly by phone or e-mail.

The DAC team will continue to conduct Development Assessment meetings, but will do so by teleconferencing through Microsoft Teams. To schedule a virtual assessment meeting, e-mail your request to Glenn Rhoades or the DSDDAC@austintexas.gov  

For general questions, or if you are unsure of which staff member to reach out to, email your question or request to DSDDAC@austintexas.gov, or call 512-974-6370.

We apologize for any inconvenience and sincerely appreciate your patience.   

Services Provided by DAC
  • After Hours Concrete Pouring Permit (Central Business District only)
     
  • Board of Adjustment 
    Support | Diana Ramirez | 512-974-2241
    Variances | Elaine Ramirez | 512-974-2202
     
  • BYOB Venue Permit
    Applies to a commercial establishment that is not licensed or permitted by the TABC. See Chapter 4-11 of the City Code for additional requirements.
     
  • Development Compliance Letter
    A Development Compliance Letter is intended to provide official confirmation that development on a site was completed to approved plans, that there are no zoning code violations and provide information about re-constructability in the event of a loss.
     
  • Development process and regulatory consulting.
     
  • Electric & Water/Wastewater meter can sales
    (Effective December 2, 2019, Austin Energy will no longer accept 150 amp meter cans for permanent services (temporary only). The smallest sized permanent meter can be 200 amps.  All meter cans must have a disconnect bypass.)
     
  • Land Status Determination
     
  • Mobile Retail Vending Permits
     
  • Outdoor Music Venue Permits
    For a commercial property where sound equipment is not fully enclosed by permanent. solid walls and a roof. See Chapter 9-2 of the City Code.
     
  • Records & Research
    For assistance in researching a property, please contact one of our research associates. If it is determined that the record needs to be retrieved from our archives, you will be instructed to complete a Public Information Request and a cost estimate will be provided to you.

    Logan Frazier | 512-974-2655
    Gabriel Guerrero | 512-974-2816
    Sylvia Herrera | 512-974-2824
     

  • Sign Permit
    For signs visible from the street right-of-way and used for advertising contact Cierra Flores at 512-974-2612. Also, see Chapter 25-10 of the City Code.
     
  • Site Plan Corrections/Exemptions
    Robert Heil | 512-974-2330
    Glenn Rhoades | 512-974-2775
     
  • Temporary Use Permit
    For short-term use of a property without an existing site plan or certificate of occupancy. See Chapter 25-2-921 of the City Code. Bryan Walker | 512-974-2686
     
  • Temporary Event Sound Permits
    Bryan Walker | 512-974-2686
     
  • Utility consulting
     
  • Zoning Verification Letters 
    Letter verifying the current zoning designation of the property, along with a reference to the ordinance that established the zoning. Effective October 1, 2020, this service is now provided by the Housing and Planning Department.
Forms & Applications
DAC Contacts

Development Assistance Center

Austin Energy
Building Service Planning Applications (BSPA), Electrical Service Planning Applications (ESPA), and Distributed Generation Planning Applications (DGPA)

Austin Water 

Engineering, Water Quality, Floodplain, Retaining Walls

Environmental, Landscape, Boat docks, Red Tags

Site Plan Corrections, Exemptions

Transportation, Driveway, Sidewalk waivers, Site Plan, Commercial Design

Zoning, Site Plan, Change of Use

 

Related Links
City Code
Land Development Code
Land Use Review
Building Plan Review