You are required to obtain City of Austin permits before starting any demolition or relocation project.

Before You Begin

Verify with the Development Services Department that new construction will be permitted at this location before filing a Residential Demolition Permit. Residential properties over 40 years old require review by the Historic Preservation office and possibly the Historic Landmark Commission. Once the Historic Preservation Office has reviewed the property for historic significance, a demolition permit may be obtained from the Service Center and any additional fees will be assessed.

You will need a site plan or survey showing the street address, location and dimensions of structure on site. Clearly identify the structure(s) or portion of the structure(s) to be demolished. You will also need a certified tax certificate. If the tax certificate is in a name other than the current owner, proof of ownership must be shown through connecting documents. Lastly, provide photographs showing the structure(s) or portion of the structure(s) proposed for demolition. See the fee schedule for Historic Preservation Office Review fees.

*Additional fees may be assessed if the project requires review by the Historic Landmark Commission.

Demolitions

Demolition Permit Application (Residential and Commercial)

Residential demolition applications are submitted to Residential Building Review - One Texas Center, 2nd floor
Commercial demolition applications (demolition of the entire structure – total demo) are submitted to the Historic Preservation Office - One Texas Center, 5th floor
Commercial buildings that have only a partial demolition application go through the regular plan review submittal process with Commercial Plan Review - One Texas Center, 2nd floor

Depending on the extent of your work, you may be required to obtain one or more of the following permits:

• building
• electrical
• mechanical (heating/air conditioning)
• plumbing
• concrete (sidewalks and driveways in the public right-of-way)
• development.

Relocations

There are two types of relocations for residential and commercial structures:

• Relocating a structure from outside the city limits to inside the city limits; or from inside the city limits to a different location inside the city limits
• Relocating a structure from inside the city limits to outside the city limits

Refer to the Relocation Permit Application (Residential and Commercial) for specific requirements.
All relocation applications must be submitted to, reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Office at One Texas Center, 5th floor, prior to issuance of a relocation permit.

Moving buildings

A person receiving a permit to move a building along a public right-of-way in the city is responsible for contacting Austin Police Department for a uniformed police escort.  If the building exceeds 17ft 6in in height when loaded you are responsible for contacting Austin Energy for an escort.

Flow Charts

• Review of Demolition and Relocation Permits (Buildings within a National Register Historic District)
• Review of Demolition and Relocation Permits (Buildings NOT within a Historic District)