Framing provides structure and support to a building, which is exactly how we think of Development Services Department (DSD) communications. The goal of every newsletter, email, social media post, and engagement opportunity is to provide you with tools and updates to help you navigate the development process. This page contains a library of DSD correspondence about various topics, including editions of the monthly Building Connections e-newsletter. Don't miss out on an issue, sign up today to receive Building Connections directly in your inbox.
The Development Services Department Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts also feature development content. We encourage you to follow those and visit this page periodically for all the latest in DSD news.
- March 2023
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March 24, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 5,630 email subscribers
Consolidation of Development Services and Austin Code
March 15, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 10,695 active permit holders and email subscribers
Prepare Active Construction Sites for Severe Weather
March 10, 2023 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn
Sent to 5,735 active permit holders
March 2, 2023 | Invitation: Environmental Inspections Brown Bag Lunch & Learn
Sent to 3,066 active permit holders
March 1, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 7,042 email subscribers and active permit holders
Prepare Active Construction Sites for Rain
- February 2023
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February 28, 2023 | Building Connections
Sent to 5,639 email subscribers
- Message from the Interim Director
- Emergency Permitting Options through March
- Subdivision Web Form Updates
- Pop-Up ATX this Saturday
- Construction and Demolition Recycling
February 9, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 5,765 email subscribers and registered electricians
Emergency Permitting Fees and Some Electrical Permitting Requirements Waived through March 31
February 8, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 10,606 email subscribers and active permit holders
Prepare Active Construction Sites for More Rain
February 6, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 8,903 email subscribers and recent electrical permit holders
Additional Information about Emergency Repairs
February 2, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 5,643 email subscribers
Information Regarding Emergency Repairs
February 1, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 10,615 email subscribers and active permit holders
City of Austin Extends Closure Through Feb. 2
- January 2023
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January 31, 2023 | Building Connections
Sent to 5,650 email subscribers
- New beginnings for 2023
- Parking Changes Coming to the Permitting and Development Center
- Updated Land Use and Site Plan Applications and Resources Now Available
- Environmental Criteria Manual Updates Clarify and Simplify Tree and Natural Area Preservation
- New Web Form Simplifies Requests for Temporary Certificates of Occupancy
- New Parkland Dedication Calculator Now Available
- City of Austin BizAid Series Offers Guidance for Small Businesses
January 31, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 10,634 email subscribers and active permit holders
City of Austin Closes Remainder of Jan. 31 and Feb. 1
January 31, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 10,638 email subscribers and active permit holders
DSD Suspends In-Person Services Jan. 31
January 31, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 10,634 email subscribers and active permit holders
DSD Offices Open Late Jan. 31
January 30, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 10,638 email subscribers and active permit holders
DSD Offices Close Early on Jan. 30
January 25, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 5,934 active permit holders
Prepare Active Construction Sites for More Rain
January 18, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 5,665 email subscribers
Parking Changes Coming to Permitting and Development Center
January 11, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 5,668 email subscribers
Water Quality and Drainage Review Changes to Address Impact of Staff Shortages
January 10, 2023 | Message from the Director: FY 2022 Annual Report
Sent to 5,677 email subscribers
January 5, 2023 | Invitation: Safe Fencing Design Engagement | Invitación: Reunión pública sobre las Regulaciones de Cercas Seguras
Sent to 2,900 safe fencing stakeholders
January 4, 2023 | Important Update
Sent to 9,916 active residential permit holders
Limited Residential Building Inspections Availability from January 10 to January 13
- December 2022
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December 15, 2022 | December 2022 Spring Festival Season Deadline Reminder
Sent to 800 Austin Center for Events email subscribers
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November 2022
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November 30, 2022 | Building Connections
Sent to 5,695 DSD email subscribers
- Workshop on New Commercial EV Process Set for Dec. 6
- Neighborhood Assistance Center Wants to Be Your DSD Neighbor
- New Water Quality Rules Now in Effect
- Housing and Planning Department Seeks Feedback on Equity-Based Preservation Plan
- False Alarm Awareness Month Reminders
November 10, 2022 | Important Update
Sent to 10,143 active residential permit holders
- Residential Building Inspections Not Available Nov. 14 & 16
November 4, 2022 | Important Update
Sent to 5,702 DSD email subscribers
- Prepare Active Construction Sites for Expected Storms
- October 2022
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October 31, 2022 | Building Connections
Sent to 5,715 DSD email subscribers
- New DSD Webpages Offer Easy Access to Development Guidance, Resources
- Council Updates City’s Parkland Dedication Requirements
- Nature in the City Invites You to Schedule Tree-Off Time
- Get Tree Smart Lunch & Learn Wait List Available
October 20, 2022 | City Invites Community to 5th Annual Roots & Wings Festival
Sent to 488 City of Austin Public Information Office media contacts
October 13, 2022 | DSD Offering November and December Get Tree Smart Sessions
Sent to 3,567 DSD email subscribers
October 7, 2022 | Environmental Criteria Manual Proposed Rule Updates Now Posted
Sent to 4,484 DSD email subscribers
- September 2022
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September 27, 2022 | Building Connections
Sent to 5,709 DSD email subscribers
- FY 2023 Budget Brings Additional Resources and Lower Fees for Many Processes
- Chat Features, Hours Change to Improve Service
- Wait List Now Open for Future Get Tree Smart Sessions
- Roots & Wings Branches Out, Schedule Now Available
- August 2022
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August 29, 2022 | Building Connections
Sent to 5,710 DSD email subscribers
- Directory of Services Finds the Right Page
- Pre-Submittal Options Help to Get Right Info in Queue
- New BSPA Form Now Required by Austin Energy
- 2021 Community Tree Report Branches Out
August 19, 2022 | Prepare Construction Sites for Rain
Sent to 6,037 active permit holders
August 11, 2022 | AB+C Portal Access Restored (message from City CIO Chris Stewart)
Sent to 5,714 DSD email subscribers
August 5, 2022 | Special Event & Outdoor Music Venue Fee Engagement Notification
Sent to 788 special event and outdoor music venue stakeholders
- July 2022
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July 25, 2022 | Building Connections
Sent to 5,717 DSD email subscribers
- DSD Announces Executive Team Updates
- Former DAC Team Gets New Structure and Name
- Permitting System Upgrade Coming August 1
- Applications to Host Roots & Wings Events Due Aug. 5
- Rest Break Reminder for Construction Sites
- Leafing through Tree Smart Plans
July 7, 2022 | Tree Smart Lunch and Learn Notification
Sent to 3,601 tree permit holders
July 13, 2022 | Notice of Upcoming AMANDA Upgrade
Sent to 9,523 AMANDA users and DSD stakeholders and 512 members of Community Registry
- June 2022
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June 30, 2022 | Building Connections Update
Sent to 5,727 DSD email subscribers
- Proposed Parkland Dedication Fees for FY 2023 Reflect Higher Land Costs
- DSD Simplifies Appointment Scheduling Process
- New Carbon Monoxide Detector Rules
- Commercial Intake Launches Customer Dashboard Tool
- Tree Smart Educational Meetings Restarting in July
- Parkland Early Determination Process Improvements
- Roots & Wings Festival to Return
- Nature in the City Blog Post
- Upcoming Key Dates
June 27, 2022 | Building Connections
Sent to 5,731 DSD email subscribers
- DSD Simplifying Appointment Scheduling Process
- New Carbon Monoxide Detector Rules
- Commercial Intake Launches Customer Dashboard Tool
- Tree Smart Educational Meetings Restarting in July
- Parkland Early Determination Process Improvements
- Roots & Wings Festival to Return
- Nature in the City Blog Post Upcoming Key Dates
June 22, 2022 | New Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements
Sent to 5,166 mechanical and general contractors
June 13, 2022 | Contractor Registration Update
Sent to 1,412 contractor registration stakeholders
- May 2022
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May 31, 2022 | Building Connections
Sent to 5,736 DSD email subscribers
- Building Safety Month
- Now Schedule Environmental and Tree Inspections Online
- Tenant Notification and Relocation Ordinance in Review
- Parkland Dedication Fees for Commercial Development
- Tips for Using Expedited Plan Review Service
- Street Impact Fee Collection Begins in June
- Top 10 Tips for a Successful Inspection
- Dust Off Your Air Quality Knowledge
- Upcoming Key Dates
May 13, 2022 | Environmental Inspections Stakeholder Engagement Reminder
Sent to 432 neighborhood environmental protection stakeholders
May 12, 2022 | Safe Fencing Stakeholder Engagement Reminder
Sent to 1,651 safe fencing stakeholders
- April 2022
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April 26, 2022 | Safe Fence Regulations Code Amendment Process Underway
Sent to 1,653 safe fencing stakeholders
April 25, 2022 | Building Connections
- Revisions to Service Center Request Form
- Land Use Team Upgrades Intake Process
- Site Plan Exemption Simplified for Tree Permits
- Safe Fence Regulations Code Amendment Process Underway
- Get Registered: Upcoming Street Impact Fee Webinars
- Save Water and Money with Austin Water Rebates
- Small Business Week: Permitting Guidance for Small Business Owners
- Two New Programs Replace Shop the Block Pilot
- Urban Forest Grants Grow Opportunities to Support Austin Trees
- Building Safety Month is Coming Soon!
Sent to 5,739 DSD email subscribers
April 22, 2022 | You Are Invited: Understanding Environmental Protections in Neighborhoods
Sent to 432 neighborhood environmental protection stakeholders
April 5, 2022 | Continue Outdoor Operations Through Austin Transportation Department
Sent to 7 Shop the Block permit holders
- March 2022
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March 30, 2022 | Introducing New Parking Lot Patio Program
Sent to 14 Shop the Block permit holders
March 28, 2022 | Building Connections
- Get Registered to Learn About New Street Impact Fees
- Wednesday Workdays
- Alarm Administration Payments Move to CityBase
- Time Saving Pro Tip: One-Time Inspections
- Register for Tomorrow's Free Fire Code Symposium
Sent to 5,735 DSD email subscribers
March 28, 2022 | You Are Invited: Learn About Proposed Improvements to the Solar & Energy Storage Systems Permitting & Inspections Process
Sent to 230 solar energy stakeholders
March 22, 2022 | Important Update: Preparing Construction Sites for Severe Weather
Sent to 2,027 Building Permit holders
March 4, 2022 | Important Update: DSD Returns In Person + Modifies Intake to Reduce Backlog
Sent to 5,740 DSD email subscribers
- February 2022
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Feb. 28, 2022 | Building Connections
- New Asbestos Options
- City Launches CityBase Payment Portal
- Stakeholder Meeting Recap & New Resources
- PDC Receives City's First WELL Gold Certification
- Permitting ATX Moves to City Website
- How Preliminary Plan Review Can Help You
- Planting Seeds for the Future
Sent to 5,739 DSD email subscribers
Feb. 11, 2022 | Comment on Proposed Changes to Tree Rules Through Feb. 28
Sent to 4,547 tree permit holders and neighborhood associations
Feb. 3, 2022 | Important Update: DSD Offices Closed Due to Winter Weather Friday, Feb. 4
Sent to 5,734 DSD email subscribers
Feb. 2, 2022 | Important Update: DSD Offices Closed Due to Winter Weather Thursday, Feb. 3
Sent to 5,735 DSD email subscribers
Feb. 1, 2022 | Expired Permit Reminder: Austin-Travis County Permit Extension Orders Expire March 1, 2022
Sent to 8,131 permit holders
- January 2022
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Jan. 31, 2022 | Building Connections
- Building New Foundations for You - Read the FY 2021 Annual Report
- Remote Operations to Continue in February
- Inaugural Affordable Housing Planning Officer Selected
- Alarm Permits Now Available through DSD
- DSD Releases Code Interpretation Library
- AB+C Portal Offline Evening of Feb. 2 for Maintenance
- Comment on Proposed Changes to Tree Rules by Feb. 28
- Stay Weather Aware This Week
- Stakeholder Meeting Resources Now Available
- Online Resources Can Help with Inspection Questions
- Environmental Inspections Team Tackles Removal of Ghost Underground Storage Tanks
- Moving Healthy Heritage Trees
Sent to 5,722 DSD email subscribers
Jan. 28, 2022 | Stakeholder Materials Now Available on DSD Webpage
Sent to 79 attendees of Jan. 26, 2022, stakeholder meeting
Jan. 27, 2022 | New Volume Builder Resubmittal Temporarily Unavailable
Sent to 36 volume builder customers
Jan. 26, 2022 | Reminder: New Demolition Notification Process in Effect
Sent to 1,602 demolition permit holders and contractors + Community Registry
Jan. 24, 2022 | DSD Continues Remote Operations Until Further Notice
Sent to 5,724 DSD email subscribers
Jan. 19, 2022 | Volume Builder Portal Enhancement to Simplify Resubmittals, File Management
Sent to 36 volume builder customers
Jan. 10, 2022 | Important Update
- New Online Form Simplifies Building Application Process
- Virtual Stakeholder Meeting Scheduled for Jan. 26
- New CityBase Payment Portal Scheduled to Launch Jan. 20
- Key Dates at a Glance
Sent to 5,725 DSD email subscribers
Jan. 3, 2022 | DSD Returns to Remote Operations Due to Omicron Surge
Sent to 5,716 DSD email subscribers
- December 2021
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Dec. 20, 2021 | Important Update
- New Orders Extend Permit & Development Application Deadlines
Dec. 13, 2021 | Important Update
- New Site Plan Exemption Process Form Improves Access and Visibility
- New Asbestos Requirements Affect Some Renovations, Demolitions
- Building Connections to Return in 2022, Important Updates to Continue
- Appointments Now Available for Austin Public Health Reviews
- Stakeholder Meeting Coming in January
- Happy Holidays from DSD!
- November 2021
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Nov. 22, 2021 | Important Update
- Staff to Update Commission on Environmental Rules, Enforcement
- Permitting and Development Center Honored by Local Organizations
- Water Benchmarking Offers Conservation Opportunities for Developers
- City to Retire Zoning Profile Tool, Rely on Property Profile for Zoning Info
- DSD Development Process Team Featured in CityView Episode
- October 2021
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Oct. 18, 2021 | Important Update
- New Residential Permit Application Process
- Commercial Building Plan Review Delays
- Erosion Control in Inclement Weather
- September 2021
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Sep. 27, 2021 | Important Update
- New Demolition Requirements Begin This Friday, Oct. 1
- FY 2022 Fees Become Effective Friday, Oct. 1
- Previous Editions of Important Update Now Available Online
- Share Your Story to Help Shape the Next Historic Preservation Plan
Sep. 13, 2021 | Important Update
- Information About New Demolition Notification Requirements Available
- Choosing Correct Meetings for Plan Review Questions and Guidance
- Development of Proposed Contractor Registration Program Underway
- Intake and Service Center Positions Filled, Training in Progress
- Updated Parkland Fees Become Effective October 1
- Housing and Planning Department to Offer Affordable Housing Training
- New Legal Documents for Fiscal Surety Now Available
- August 2021
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Aug. 30, 2021 | Important Update
- Reminder: New Technical Codes Go into Effect This Week
- Virtual Preview of New Code Interpretation Library Coming Wednesday
- New Site Concept Plan Option Offers Feedback Before Formal Submittal
- FY 2022 City Fees Begin October 1, Development Fees Remain Flat
Aug. 16, 2021 | Important Update
- AB+C Portal Reverts to Previous Version to Address Performance Issues
- Multiple Initiatives Underway to Improve Development Process Timelines
- Council Approves City Budget for FY 2022, Development Fees Stay Flat
Aug. 9, 2021 | Important Update
- Austin Build + Connect Portal Replacement to Go Live August 16
- Preview Code Interpretation Library Sept. 1, Launch Planned for October
- Revised Technical Codes Go Into Effect September 1
- July 2021
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July 16, 2021 | Important Update
- Weigh In Now on Proposed Rules for Expanded Timed Inspections
- Training Available in August for Revised Technical Codes
- Revised Legal Forms Available for Easements and Restrictive Covenants
- Use PDC Appointment Scheduler for Virtual and In-Person Meetings
- June 2021
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June 28, 2021 | Important Update
- Permitting and Development Center (PDC) to Open July 6
- Making Appointments
- Arrival and Check-In
- General Information about the PDC
June 14, 2021 | Important Update
- Free Vaccination Event this Saturday, June 19 (English)
- Clínica de Vacunación, Junio 19 (Español)
June 7, 2021 | Important Update
- New Positions Approved to Support Growing Housing Needs in Austin
- Updated Technical Codes Approved by Council, Effective September 1
- DSD Stakeholder Meetings Postponed
- Material Shortages Call for Radiant Roof Barrier Options
- Residential Projects Get More Time to Adapt to New Austin Energy Rule
- Some 2020 National Electric Code Requirements Postponed
- Additional Notation Requested on Solar-Ready Construction Applications
- Preservation Program Accepting Applications Through June 14
- Permitting and Development Center (PDC) to Open July 6
- May 2021
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May 17, 2021 | Important Update
- Service Center Requests Just Got Easier
- April 2021
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April 23, 2021 | Important Update
- Proposed Technical Code Addition Combines Flood-Related Building Requirements
- International Fire Code Amendments Also Open for Comment
- Upcoming Milestones for Codes and Building Criteria Manual Rules
- City Council Votes to Extend Fee Waivers Until June 1
- Delays in Site Plan Corrections and Exemptions
April 9, 2021 | Important Update
- Proposed Building & Environmental Criteria Manual Updates Available
- March 2021
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March 29, 2021 | Important Update
- New Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal is Live
March 15, 2021 | Important Update
- Austin Build + Connect Portal Replacement Postponed
March 14, 2021 | Important Update
- Proposed Technical Code Amendments Comment Period to Close March 14
March 8, 2021 | Important Update
- Austin Build + Connect Portal Replacement On Track for March 15
- February 2021
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Feb. 15, 2021 | Important Update
- Registration Now Open for February 24 Stakeholder Meeting
- More Proposed Technical Codes Coming Next Week
- Intake Processing Timelines Updated Weekly
- Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal Update Postponed
- Equity Assessment Now Available
- Residential Plan Review Intake to Reserve Fridays for Project Updates Through June
- Services Closed for Presidents Day
Feb. 1, 2021 | Important Update
- Proposed 2021 Mechanical and Plumbing Codes Now Available for Review
- January 2021
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Jan. 25, 2021 | Important Update
- Pilot Offers Opportunity to Resolve Conflicting Comments Quickly
- Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal Update Moved to February
- Payment Required with Site Plan Corrections
- Residential and Commercial Intake Delays
- Stakeholder Meeting Coming Next Month
Jan. 12, 2021 | Important Update
- Environmental Criteria Manual Amendments Available for Review
- Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal Update on Track for Feb. 1
- Residential Plan Review Team to Reserve Fridays in January for Project Updates
- Other Rulemaking and Stakeholder Opportunities
Jan. 8, 2021 | Important Update
- Opportunity to Provide Input on Development Rules Now Available