City Services

Building Plan Review is responsible for reviewing and approving residential and commercial building plans for compliance with applicable codes and regulations. Once a building plan is approved, a building permit is issued by Building and Trade Contractor Services, along with applicable trade permits (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and irrigation). Depending on the type of work that is permitted, building inspections may be required during construction. Once the permitted work is completed, a final inspection is required.

To determine eligibility for an economic development incentive, please complete an Inquiry Form.

Minority and Women Business Enterprise is a certification for businesses that are owned, controlled and operated by an ethnic minority or woman.

A MBE/WBE certification increases opportunities for individuals wanting to do business with the City of Austin. Ethnic Minorities include: African American, Hispanic, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Native American.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Enterprise (ACDBE) is a certification for small, minority- and/or women-owned businesses that are socially or economically disadvantaged.

A DBE/ACDBE certification increases opportunities for individuals wanting to do business with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other State agencies receiving federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration.

In partnership with the Austin/Travis County Success By Six Coalition, the City works to ensure families have access to high-quality early learning options that meet their needs. Additionally, the City works with Texas Rising Star 4-Star providers through Workforce Solutions Capital Area Child Care Services (CCS) to provide subsidized child care for eligible families. 

Citizen Connect is an online tool (replacing Austin Code & Permit Tracker) that allows searches of complaint cases by address, case number or various region filters.

Access the Council Meeting Information Center to access information about the City Council, its meetings and its entities.

Claims information is provided to customers for civil judgments and judgment liens owed to the City of Austin. To request information, you may contact staff by email at Claims.COA@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-974-2910.

Austin Resource Recovery provides cart-based trash and recycling collection services for some small businesses in residential areas that do not require dumpsters. Most businesses, however, choose a private hauler for their landfill trash, recycling or composting services. Additionally, Austin Resource Recovery manages a commercial trash and recycling contract for businesses located in the Downtown Austin Service District.

The Media Center is a central hub of information for Austin residents and media about the City of Austin, designed to help keep our community informed and involved in City government.

The Community Tree Preservation Division administers the City's tree regulations by performing tree reviews, permitting, and inspections, and implements the Urban Forest Master Plan. The division serves to cultivate a relationship between Austin residents and their trees by fostering a resilient community forest accomplished through an interconnected mix of regulations, outreach, planning, and community partnerships.

Businesses and individuals doing business with the City need to file conflict of interest questionnaires with the City Clerk's office when a relevant conflict exists. The filed forms are online for public access.

Compliance monitors and enforces the City of Austin’s MBE/WBE program rules.

This review process includes reviewing solicitations, setting project goals, collaborating with a project manager to identify scopes of work, and verifying compliance plan information submitted by bidders and proposers on all phases of a project.

Compliance also conducts site audits, reviews payment requests, facilitates performance and payment issues, and determines final compliance with the program.

The Economic Development Department’s Cultural Arts Funding Program supports cultural arts programs for the Austin community by contracting with arts organizations for specific services.

Learn about free nutrition or diabetes education classes, available at locations throughout Travis County.

The Office of the City Clerk is responsible for managing municipal elections and has a variety of resources for both the general public and candidates running for office.

Call 512-972-5555 or fax 512-972-5772 at any time of day to report a disease. Messages are answered within 15 minutes. For more information, see Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance.

The Expedited team includes specialized reviewers that represent the following review disciplines: Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electric, Structure, Fire, Health, Industrial Waste, Arborist and Zoning. Applicants and their consultants will attend a pre-scheduled, single-review session with the Expedited team ready to make on-the-spot decisions and changes as needed. Contractors and owners will be encouraged to attend the review session. If the plans meet the respective codes and ordinances, permits can be issued following the review session.

The Family Business Loan Program is a public-private partnership between the City of Austin, HUD, and participating private lenders to offer low-interest loans to qualified small businesses that are expanding and creating jobs.

Due to State of Texas Legislation No. SB582

1. Registration is no longer required for food handlers. EHSD will no longer accept applications.
2. Training that is accredited by the State or ANSI is still required for food handlers.

Food Handler Requirements