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Inspections

Winter Weather Update:

Visit the emergency repairs webpage for information on permitting and inspecting emergency repairs. At this time all emergency inspections are being prioritized. Contact your assigned inspector directly with any questions about inspection timing.

The Development Services Department (DSD) will be closed to the public on Monday, April 24, to allow staff to participate in professional development. All DSD services, both in-person and virtual, will be unavailable that day. This includes inspections, appointments, web chat, and in-person payments. The Permitting and Development Center will remain open for other departments located in the building and Event Center activities. 

The City of Austin Development Services Department conducts required inspections during the development process, including building, environmental, site development, subdivision, sound enforcement, and utility cuts. The permit holder and owner-general contractor are responsible for ensuring the proper sequence of inspections. Explore the following inspection divisions for more information.

worker inspecting a building

Building Inspections

The Building Inspection Division (BID) performs construction-related inspections for residential and commercial buildings within the City limits, and electrical and plumbing services in the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). 

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Environmental Inspections

The Environmental Inspection Division performs inspections on permitted site plans for temporary and permanent erosion controls, stormwater controls, critical environmental features, protection of trees and natural areas, landscape installation, and compliance with site plan requirements.

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DSD worker talking to homeworker

Site & Subdivision Inspections 

The Site and Subdivision Inspection Division performs the initial inspection of all public infrastructure on commercial sites and ensures the required site work for water TAP and right of way (ROW) work is in compliance with City requirements.

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Sound Enforcement & Inspections

The Environmental Inspection Division's Sound Enforcement Program has the primary responsibility for enforcement of Outdoor Music Venue (OMV) permits. Inspectors conduct routine inspections of commercial OMV and respond to complaints to determine if a violation has occurred.

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heavy machinery digging

Utility Cut Inspections

The Utility Cut Program is responsible for three types of Right-of-Way (ROW) projects — telecom and small cell; excavation for repair of dry utilities; and Residential and commercial driveways, curb cuts gutters and sidewalk repair, installation, modification, or demolition.

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