Development Services Department

We provide the following services

• Austin Center for Events (ACE)
  Special event permitting on public and private property
   
• Building Permits, Trade Permits
  Building and Trade Permits, Contractor Registration
   
• Community Trees
  Tree Preservation, Urban Forest Plan
   
• Expedited Building Plan Review
  A premium service that accelerates the building plan review and permit process by holding a single review session with a full team of experienced plan reviewers and the applicant’s design team.
   
• Inspections
  Building Inspections, Commercial Site/Subdivision Inspections, Environmental Inspections
   
• Land Development Information Services
  Consulting Services
   
• Land Use Review
  Site Plan/Subdivision Review, Underground Storage Permits

Understanding the Development Process

Development in the City of Austin begins with your vision for using a piece of property. You then bring that vision to the City to confirm that your plans meet safety, sustainability, and zoning regulations. Once your plans are approved, you obtain the required permits and build the project with successful inspections along the way. Learn more about the development process.

Chat With Us

Staff is available to chat via web during regular business hours 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Staff will be unavailable on Wednesdays for online chat and phone inquiries.
 

Chat is available by clicking the blue chat icon on the following webpages:

• Development Services Department homepage
• Residential Building Plan Review
• Commercial Building Plan Review
• Land Use Review
• Service Center

Additional Information

• FY2022 Annual Report: A Year of Community Investment
• Organization Chart ^(PDF) 
• Customer Service Policy Standards ^(PDF) 
• Public Information Requests
• Customer Service Survey: Share your feedback
• Media Inquiries (For development-related assistance, please dial  Austin 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000. For a list of all citywide media contact visit Departmental Media Contacts.)
  • Robbie Searcy, Public Information Specialist, Sr.
    robbie.searcy@austintexas.gov