Austin Development Services

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Environmental Inspections

The Environmental Inspection Division performs Residential and Commercial inspections on permitted sites to ensure temporary and permanent erosion controls, stormwater controls, critical environmental features, protection of trees and natural areas, landscape installation, and other relevant features comply with approved site plan requirements.  

Inspections ensure compliance with City Code and State Regulations. Before construction, contractors, developers, and environmental inspectors hold a pre-construction conference to ensure controls are compliant. Periodic inspections during construction ensure that appropriate temporary erosion controls are in place and that ongoing development is consistent with approved plans. A final environmental inspection is required before the site work is considered complete. 

Other Environmental Inspector Services: 

What you will find on this page:

About Environmental Inspection Services

Here are some of the Environmental Inspection Services Austin Development Services provides:

  • Inspect permitted land developments and construction sites for compliance with City environmental protection regulations.
  • Perform site investigations and evaluate erosion/sedimentation controls and tree preservation for best management practices and compliance with landscape and tree ordinances.
  • Perform final inspections of drainage facilities and other site improvements.
  • Perform site investigations to evaluate the need for additional support from specialists, such as biologists and geologists.
  • Identify locations of environmentally sensitive resources.
  • Provide technical assistance and education to citizens, community/special interest groups, developers, and others on environmental/engineering code requirements, ordinances, and regulations.
  • Provide testimony and affidavits for enforcement cases.
  • Issue directives and initiate enforcement actions when environmental and drainage regulations are unmet.
  • Underground Storage Tanks (UST) – site plan reviews, UST-related matters, UST Construction Permitting, Hazardous Materials Storage Permitting, UST construction and compliance inspections, regulatory oversight, and customer assistance.
How to Schedule a Tree or Environmental Inspection

Step 1: Open the Relevant Environmental Territories Map

To schedule your Tree or Environmental Inspection, you must use either the Residential or Commercial Environmental Territories Map. Click the relevant map for your project:
 

Residential Environmental Territories Map 

Commercial Environmental Territories Map 
 

Once you have opened the correct map, refer back to these steps. 
 

Step 2: Enter Permit Address

Enter the permit address on the search line (you can also select the correct territory on the map). Select the full address when it appears. You should see the inspector’s name and a list of available inspection types.

screenshot of Inspector Territories application

Step 3: Select Inspection

Scroll to the inspection type you need and select it. 

If you are scheduling a Pre-Construction inspection, be sure you have installed all required erosion controls first.

screenshot of inspection list in inspector territory tool


Step 4: Select Date and Time

When the inspector’s schedule appears, choose the date and time desired and click Continue.
 

screenshot of time scheduling for inspection

Step 5: Enter Contact Information

You will now be prompted to enter your contact information. Once done, click Schedule it.
 

screenshot of inspector scheduling form

Expect a lead time of three business days for all inspections. 

If you cannot schedule your inspection within the scheduled timeframe, please email Environmental.Inspections@austintexas.gov for help.

Register your Boat Dock

City code requires proper addressing of boat dock structures on Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and Lake Walter E. Long. The City of Austin's Boat Dock Registration Program improves boat dock visibility for public safety personnel when responding to emergency calls for service.

Underground Storage Tanks (UST)

A UST Construction Permit is required for the following types of construction activities:

  • New Facility Construction (includes Hazardous Materials Interceptor (HMI))
  • Remodel of a UST Facility (addition or replacement of whole system components, e.g., tanks and/or lines)
  • Manway Construction (installation, repair, or replacement of spill buckets, Submersible Turbine Pump (STP), or Under Dispenser Containment (UDC) sumps)
  • Repair / Maintenance of Existing UST Facility
  • Permitted Tank Removal / Closure
  • Ghost Tank or Waste Oil Tank Removal / Closure 

After the UST has been permitted for construction, built, and inspected, a Hazardous Materials Storage Permit is required. For Above Ground Storage Tanks (AST) for Hazardous Materials, please visit the Austin Fire webpage for more information. 

UST Construction Permit

Need an Austin Underground Storage Tank Construction Permit?

The following types of construction activities require an Underground Storage Tank (UST) Construction Permit:

  • New Facility Construction (includes Hazardous Materials Interceptor (HMI))
  • Remodel of a UST Facility (addition or replacement of whole system components, e.g., tanks and/or lines)
  • Manway Construction (installation, repair, or replacement of spill buckets, Submersible Turbine Pump (STP), or Under Dispenser Containment (UDC) sumps)
  • Repair / Maintenance of Existing UST Facility
  • Permitted Tank Removal / Closure
  • Ghost Tank or Waste Oil Tank Removal / Closure

How to Apply for an Underground Storage Tank (UST) Construction Permit
 

Step 1: Submit your Permit Application

Complete the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Construction Permit Application (PDF) and email it to UST@austintexas.gov.
 

 Step 2: Make Payment

Once you submit your permit application to UST@austintexas.gov, we will generate an invoice and email it to the address listed on the application. UST Construction Permit fees vary depending on the type of work that is being performed. You will then log into your AB+C Portal account to make an online payment.
 

Step 3: Application Review, Processing, and Approval

The review process begins when the payment and permit application have been received. Once the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Construction Permit is approved, it will be emailed to you and should remain on-site during construction activities. The permit is valid for 6 months.

Step 4:  Initial Inspection

You must provide 24–48 hours' notice when you are ready to begin construction. An Underground Storage Tank (UST) inspector will meet on-site the day construction begins to perform an Initial Inspection. During the Initial Inspection, the inspector will verify proper erosion/sedimentation and safety controls are in place. The UST Inspector will discuss the project's scope of work and the required inspections for the type of construction being performed.

Step 5:  Follow-up Inspections and Final Inspection

Depending on the type of construction being performed, 2 – 10 follow-up inspections will be required throughout the project. This will be discussed at the Initial Inspection.

When construction is complete, a Final Inspection will be conducted to ensure that everything is returned to normal operating status and that the UST facility complies with state and local rules and regulations. If the Final Inspection passes, the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Construction Permit will be closed.

Step 6:  Apply for a UST Hazardous Materials Storage Permit 

A Hazardous Materials Storage Permit is required if an Underground Storage Tank (UST) Facility meets specific criteria. Visit the How to Apply for or Renew a Hazardous Materials Storage Permit section to learn more. 

UST Hazardous Materials Storage Permit Application and Renewal

A Hazardous Materials Storage Permit is required (Austin Code of Ordinances § 6-2-11 – Permit Required ) if an Underground Storage Tank (UST) Facility is:

For Above Ground Storage Tanks (AST) for Hazardous Materials, visit the Austin Fire webpage for more information. 

Renewal

Hazardous Materials Storage Permits are valid for three years from the approval date and must be renewed. The renewal process follows the same process as the initial application. 

How to Apply for a UST Hazardous Materials Storage Permit

Step 1: Submit Permit Application and Required Documents

Required Documents

  • Hazardous Materials Storage Permit Application (PDF)  - Use the Interactive Guide to the Hazardous Materials Storage Permit Application to help complete the form.
  • Copy of Emergency Leak-Response Procedures - You can use this example Emergency Leak-Response Procedures (PDF) document or create your own document. Post these procedures so employees can easily reference them in emergency situations.
  • Copy of latest 30-Day UST Visual Inspection Report - You can use this 30-Day UST Visual Inspection Report (PDF) or a form created by you. Use it to document the 30-day inspections performed on the UST systems at your facility.
  • 30-Day Inventory Control and Reconciliation - Most recent version. This should include the 30-day leak calculation (1% of total sales + 130 gallons) and water check for each tank.
  • Proof of Pollution Liability Insurance - This must be a current, signed certificate and show the Name, Address, and Expiration Date of the insured party, as well as a listing of tanks and tank location(s). If you are self-insuring, please include a copy of documents furnished to TCEQ to demonstrate self-insurance.
  • Proof of TCEQ Class A/B Operator Training Certification - This must be a current certificate by a TCEQ-approved provider. TCEQ rules require at least one A/B Trained Operator to cover no more than 50 sites.  If applicable, also provide a list of all facility addresses covered by this A/B Trained Operator.
  • Copy of the 60-day Rectifier Log, if applicable – Required for underground steel tanks with an Impressed-Current Cathodic Protection System. You must submit a copy of the 60-day Rectifier Log covering the previous year’s recorded readings. This does NOT apply to Cathodic-Protection Systems using Sacrificial Anodes. 

Use the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Storage Permit Web Form to submit the completed application and required documents.
 

HAZMAT Storage Permit Web Form
 

If you cannot submit the web form or need additional support, please contact us. 

Step 2: Make Payment

Once you submit your permit application through the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Storage Permit web form, we will generate an invoice for the permit cost and email it to the email address listed on the permit application.  Visit the Bill Payments and Cashier Services webpage to learn more about your payment options. After you complete your payment, please notify us at UST@austintexas.gov. 

Step 3: Application Review, Processing, and Approval

The review process begins when we receive the permit application and confirm payment. The reviewer may contact you if additional documents are required. Once the Hazardous Materials Storage Permit is approved, we will email it to you, and you should display it at the UST Facility. The permit is valid for three years. 

Step 4: Environmental Monitoring and Records Management

As a permitted UST Facility, you will be required to maintain leak detection (e.g., tanks, lines, and line leak detectors (LLDs)), Cathodic Protection, spill-overfill protection, and other required financial and training documentation. A City of Austin UST Inspector may request any of this documentation anytime.

The Hazardous Materials Storage permit cost includes three compliance inspections conducted annually at the UST Inspector's discretion. During a compliance inspection, the UST inspector will visually inspect all aspects of the UST system and request environmental monitoring data. 

UST Storage Permit Transfer of Ownership

If the ownership of the Underground Storage Tank(s) is conveyed to a new owner, Austin Development Services must be notified. 

In accordance with Chapter 6-2-17 of the City of Austin Code, the Hazardous Materials Storage Permit may be transferred to a new owner of the business only if the new owner amends the permit, accepts responsibility for all obligations under this Code, and documents such transfer and acceptance on the Application for Transfer of a Hazardous Materials Storage Permit. This must be completed within 30 calendar days of the business transfer.

If the City of Austin does not receive the Application for Transfer of a Hazardous Materials Storage Permit form by the required date, the existing Permit to store fuel will not be transferred, and the new UST owner will be required to obtain a new Permit (link to new permit section). The existing permit holder will remain the responsible party for upholding the requirements of this City Code until the Permit is transferred or the tank system is removed and the site is issued a clean closure.

AB+C Portal Account

The applicant must have an AB+C Portal account to complete the application process for the City of Austin. If you do not have an AB+C account, please register for an AB+C Portal account as a first-time user. If you need help, call Austin 3-1-1 or refer to the AB+C Manual. 

How to Apply for a Transfer of Ownership

Step 1: Submit Permit Transfer Application

Required Documents

  • Application for Transfer of a Hazardous Materials Storage Permit (PDF)
  • Proof of Pollution Liability Insurance - This must be a current, signed certificate, and show the Name, Address, and Expiration Date of the insured party, as well as a listing of tanks and tank location(s). If you are self-insuring, please include a copy of documents furnished to TCEQ to demonstrate self-insurance.
  • Proof of TCEQ Class A/B Operator Training Certification - This must be a current certificate by a TCEQ-approved provider. TCEQ rules require that there must be at least one A/B Trained Operator to cover no more than 50 sites.  If applicable, also provide a list of all facility addresses covered by this A/B trained Operator. 

Submit the Application for Transfer of a Hazardous Materials Storage Permit through the Transfer of Ownership for UST Hazardous Materials Storage Permit Web Form.
 

Transfer of Ownership Web Form
 

If you cannot submit the web form or need additional support, please contact us.
 

Step 2: Application Review, Processing, and Approval

We will process your request within 10 business days. Once the Transfer of a Hazardous Materials Storage Permit is approved, we will email you the approved permit, and you should display it at the UST facility. The permit is valid for the duration of the existing permit. 

UST Hazardous Materials Storage Permit Suspension and Revocation

In accordance with Section 6–2-18 of the City of Austin Code, 1992, this Permit may be suspended or revoked at any time where it is determined that the permittee is in violation of any provision of Chapter 6-2 of the City Code. 

Register your Boat Dock

City code requires proper addressing of boat dock structures on Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and Lake Walter E. Long. The City of Austin's Boat Dock Registration Program improves boat dock visibility for public safety personnel when responding to emergency calls for service.

Environmental Inspection Resources
Stop Work Order

Under the Stop Work Order (SWO), all work must cease, except for development explicitly authorized by Austin Development Services and performed under the Direction of the City of Austin Inspector identified on the SWO.

Contact the Inspector identified on the SWO and correct all violations identified in the SWO before proceeding with further development. Failure to do so may result in further legal actions by the City of Austin, including criminal charges and fines of up to $2,000 per violation per day.

You may receive a violation for the following reasons:

  • No permit for development or other related construction activities
  • Failure to follow the Sequence of Construction
  • Any disturbance outside the Limits of Construction
  • Failure to perform maintenance and/or repair temporary erosion and sedimentation controls after a disturbance or rainfall event, or as directed by the Environmental Inspector
  • Failure to make plan revisions to temporary environmental and sedimentation controls as directed by the Environmental Inspector
  • Clearing, grading, or filling beyond what is delineated on the approved site plan resulting in damage to trees, natural areas, Critical Environmental Features (CEFs), or immediate water quality degradation
  • Removal of protected trees without a permit
  • No water quality controls or failure to maintain the water quality pond
  • Occupancy of a building, parking lot, or proposed improvement prior to final inspection and release from the Environmental Inspector
  • Offsite discharge of silt or other pollutants, particularly in the Barton Springs Zone. Tracking of soil, base materials, gravel, or paving materials onto roadway
  • Obstruction of waterway
  • Development in the critical water quality zone
  • Failure to have a pre-construction meeting
  • Failed to obtain a Right of Way Permit & No Right of Way construction license, No Right of Way Permit on-site
  • Structure in Right of Way
  • Disregarded Stop Work Order
  • Other

Appeal Process   

Step 1: Submit Appeal Request

To appeal a Stop Work Order, you must submit a written appeal postmarked within three days of the date on the Stop Work Order to:

Director - Austin Development Services
COA-DSD-PDC
PO Box 1088
Austin, TX  78767

The appeal must contain the following:

  • The name and address of the appellant;
  • A statement of facts;
  • The decision being appealed; and
  • The reason the decision should be set aside

Be advised that the Stop Work Order remains effective during the appeal process.

Step 2: Appeal Hearing is Conducted

A hearing will be held no later than three business days after the appeal is filed. The appellant, the appellant's expert, and the department may testify before the accountable official.

Step 3: Accountable Official Decision is Issued

The accountable official will provide written notice upholding or reversing the department's decision no later than two working days after the hearing.

Step 4: Appeal of Accountable Official Decision

To appeal the accountable official's decision to the Land Use Commission or appropriate technical board, written notice must be provided to the accountable official and the presiding officer of the Land Use Commission or appropriate technical board no later than three working days after receiving notice of the decision. The appeal must contain the following:

  • The name and address of the appellant;
  • A statement of facts;
  • The decision being appealed; and
  • The reason the decision should be set aside
Step 5: Land Use Commission or Appropriate Technical Board Appeal Hearing is Held

The Land Use Commission or appropriate technical board will hear the appeal at the next regularly scheduled meeting after receiving notice of the appeal.

An appeal is automatically granted if the Land Use Commission or appropriate technical board does not hear the appeal before the 21st day following receipt of the notice to appeal.

Inspectors Phone List
INSPECTIONS & ENFORCEMENT:
TREE/ ENVIRONMENTAL, 
GENERAL PERMIT, LANDSCAPE,
UST, AND SOUND ENFORCEMENT
Inspection Area
Name
Office
Cell
Division Manager Eagan, Brian 512-550-6440
Permit and License Review Analyst VACANT  
Business Process Specialist Sophia Baltierra512-978-4687 
INSPECTIONS & ENFORCEMENT
Inspection Area
Name
Office
Cell
EV Compliance Supervisor Wyrick, Amanda 512-999-4535
EV Enforcement Lee, Derrick 737-230-4744
EV Enforcement Cruz, Reynaldo 512-952-0304 
Boat Dock Collins, Troy 512-367-3472
UST Goodwin, Hunter 512-565-8863
UST Osvaldo Martinez 512-496-3453
COMMERCIAL/LANDSCAPING INSPECTIONS
Inspection Area
Name
Office
Cell
EV Compliance Supervisor Donahue, Dale 512-902-3280
 1Bogard, Michael 512-605-9705
 2McMillan, Scott 512-450-8537
 3VACANT  
 4Mendoza, Marco 512-909-6645
 5VACANT  
 6Bill Evans 737-262-4903
 7Ramirez, Felix 512-608-6932
 8Ruiz, Robert L. 512-665-2484
 9Urrutia, Hugo 512-623-9505
 10Swain, Shana 512-298-9316 
RESIDENTIAL/LANDSCAPING INSPECTIONS
Inspection Area
Name
Office
Cell
Compliance Supervisor Smith, Eric 512-506-1938
 11Lawrence, Paul 512-645-4725
 12Deskin, Doug 512-300-1752
 13Setliff, Rebecca 512-660-1019
 14VACANT  
 15Randle, Arester 512-665-2964
 16Iruegas, Alonso 512-596-9528
 17VACANT  
 18VACANT  
Contacts

Questions? Please email Environmental.Inspections@austintexas.gov or call 512-978-4687 for assistance.