About Development Services
Mission:
To support a vibrant community through responsible development.
Goals:
- Conduct timely plan reviews and inspections.
- Protect and renew Austin’s tree canopy.
- Properly steward financial resources.
- Provide excellent customer service.
Contact Us
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.)