Board of Adjustment Support
The City of Austin Board of Adjustment (BOA) hears and decides on requests for variances (or modifications) of Zoning site development regulations, off-street parking requirements, and sign regulations, as well as hears and decides appeals of administrative actions under Chapter 25-2 (Zoning) in the City of Austin Land Development Code. The BOA consists of members appointed by the Austin City Council. For more information, visit the Board of Adjustment webpage.
What you will find on this page:
- BOA Variances
- Grant for Low-Income Homeowners
- Forms & Applications
- Fees
- Resources
- Contacts & Appointments
- BOA Variances
A variance may be granted if, because of special circumstances of a property, the strict application of the City of Austin Land Development Code regulations deprives the property owner of privileges that are enjoyed by another person who owns property in the area that has the same zoning designation as the property for which the variance is requested. A variance to a regulation may not grant special privileges that are inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the area or in the district in which the property is located. All variances expire one year after the approval date per City Code Section 25-1-217 unless the Board decision states otherwise.
- Support for Low-Income Homeowners
Low-income homeowners may seek a waiver of Board of Adjustment (BOA) application fees for a residential zoning variance or special exception for their residential homesteaded property, and may receive pro bono legal assistance for these applications, if needed. Acceptance is income-based, with the goal of ensuring City fees do not prevent residents from accessing property enhancements on a level playing field with their neighbors. Recipients of the City of Austin Utilities Customer Assistance Program (CAP) automatically pre-qualify for this new BOA grant program; they just need to show a recent utility bill.
- Forms & Applications
For a complete list of forms and applications, visit the Board of Adjustments section of the Forms & Applications webpage.
- Fees
Board of Adjustment fees (PDF)
- Resources
- Contact & Appointments
Austin Development Services staff provide support for the variance process and operation of the BOA.
Board of Adjustment Staff Liaison
For assistance and guidance with the variance application process or for information regarding the status of a pending case, contact: Elaine Ramirez | 512-974-2202
Board of Adjustment Support
For questions regarding submittal deadlines, the status of active variance requests, or final Board decisions on cases recently heard by the Board, contact: Diana Ramirez | 512-974-2241
Appointments
Appointments are available for questions about Board of Adjustment support and variance requests.
Appointment Name
Description
Make an Appointment
Board of Adjustment (BOA)/ Variance Requests (30 min)
Ask questions about the variance process, get assistance filing a variance request, and check the status of a variance request in progress (for interested parties).