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Permits for Emergency Repair

 

An emergency repair is an unexpected fix that needs to occur to prevent further damage or danger to a property or building. Your safety is our priority. Permits and inspections may be required depending on the type of repair.  

This page provides an overview of the permitting process based on the type of damage. It includes a definition of the type of damage, an outline of safety precautions and protocols, when repairs can start, and where to find more information. 

The types of permits for emergency repairs you will find on this page:

 

Do all repairs require a permit? 

Some types of repairs for homes and duplexes do not need a permit. Based on the repair, these may also apply to commercial structures and multi-family residences. This includes triplexes and apartment complexes. Common projects which do not need permits include: 

  • Painting, installation, and removal of papering, tiling, carpet, cabinets, countertops, etc. 
  • Small repairs to foundations, floor or roof decking, siding, and drywall. These repairs must follow applicable Building Codes, City Codes, and other ordinances. 
  • Exterior trim. 
  • Simple plumbing repairs. (e.g., stop leaks, clear clogs, or replace certain pipes if no inspection or coordination is required).  

For more information, please visit the Work Exempt from Building Permits webpage. This page provides an overview of which repairs do not need permits. 

Weather-Related Event Repairs

The City of Austin may issue guidelines for repair work related to weather events. This section has current emergency repair procedures related to a weather event.  

Currently, there are no active weather-related procedures for permitting repair work. 

Electrical Damage Repair

An emergency repair related to electrical damage is needed when: 

  • The repair work is limited to electrical work only, and  
  • Immediate repair is needed, and 
  • The repair work is not exempt from permitting requirements.  

See Do all repairs require a permit? for additional information. 

Safety Precautions and Protocols

To turn the power off to the house: 

  • Never approach downed power lines; call Austin Energy at 512-322-9100 to report outages. 
  • Locate the electric meter on the exterior of the house. It will be located near where the electric utility lines meet the house. 
  • Interior disconnects are located directly next to the electric meter for residences. For commercial properties, the interior disconnect may only be accessible to specific personnel (i.e., maintenance, Austin Fire Department, etc.). 
  • Exterior disconnects are located adjacent to the electric meter. Turn all circuit breakers or switches to the off position. 
  • If able, turn all circuit breakers or switches to the off position. 

Once the affected utilities are off, you can remove damaged materials such as drywall, siding, and finishes. Use caution and do not remove structural elements unless you are a professional.  

Per State and Federal regulations, a professional must remove and dispose of hazardous materials. This includes asbestos, lead, and refrigerant. Please contact a professional to assess the area if hazardous materials are present. 

Process

step 1   Apply for the permit 

A licensed and registered individual can apply for the permit on the Apply for a Stand-Alone Permit webpage. 

Application processing may vary based on the current application volume. For current fee schedules, please reference the Fees webpage. 
 

step 2   Call Service Center 

After applying for a stand-alone trade permit, please call 512-974-1500 during normal business hours. Confirm with Service Center staff that your permit is for emergency repair work. Staff will prioritize the permit application accordingly.  
 

step 3   Print and Post Building Permit 

Once the permit is reviewed and approved, the assigned contractor can print the permit. Visit Activating a Permit to learn how to print and post your permit (beginning with step #5). The next steps are also outlined for completing your required inspections.  
 

step 4   Begin Repair Work and Emergency Inspections 

You may call 512-974-2030 at any time to schedule an emergency electrical work inspection. Inspections are available 24/7. If an inspector does not answer, please leave a message. It is advised, though not required, to have an active permit prior to calling an emergency inspection. 

Fire Damage Repair

A permit related to emergency repairs for fire and smoke damage is needed when: 

  • A fire and/or smoke damages a structure, and 
  • Structural components are in need of repair, and 
  • The footprint and layout of the structure are not proposed to change.

Safety Precautions and Protocols

Please follow these safety guidelines if your property is damaged by fire and/or smoke. 

  • If there is a gas leak, IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE the area, and from a safe location, call 9-1-1 and your gas company. 
  • If the gas was shut off by the gas service provider or AFD, for any reason, you will need to pull a plumbing permit and follow the pulled gas meter procedures before the utility company will restore the gas. No gas work is exempt from a permit. 

If applicable, to turn the power off to the house: 

  • Never approach downed power lines; call Austin Energy at 512-322-9100 to report outages. 
  • Locate the electric meter on the exterior of the house. It will be located near where the electric utility lines meet the house. 
  • Exterior disconnects are located adjacent to the electric meter. Turn all circuit breakers or switches to the off position. 
  • Interior disconnects are located directly next to the electric meter for residences. For commercial properties, the interior disconnect may only be accessible to specific personnel (i.e., maintenance, Austin Fire Department, etc.) 
  •  If able, turn all circuit breakers or switches to the off position. 

Once the affected utilities are off, you can remove damaged materials such as drywall, siding, and finishes. Use caution and do not remove structural elements unless you are a professional.  

Per State and Federal regulations, a professional must remove and dispose of hazardous materials. This includes asbestos, lead, and refrigerant. Please contact a professional to assess the area if hazardous materials are present. 

Residential Process

step 1   Confirm Proposed Build-back Matches the Previous Footprint and Layout 

A Building Permit is required to remove the debris and build back the structure with the same footprint and layout as previously existed. To learn about the application requirements for fire damage repair, visit the What Projects Qualify section on the Express Permits webpage. 
 

step 2   Apply for the Express Building Permit 

Visit the How to Apply section on the Express Permits webpage to apply for the permit and follow the provided steps.   

The turnaround time to issue Express Permits for emergency repairs is one business day; however, the timeframe may differ if the property is within a floodplain or historic district.

For current fee schedules, please reference the Fees webpage. 
 

step 3   Print and Post Building Permit 

Once the building permit is reviewed and approved, the assigned General Contractor can print the Building Permit.

Visit Activating a Permit to learn how to print and post your permit (beginning with step #5) and the next steps for completing your required inspections. 
  

step 4   Begin Debris Removal, Build Back, and Schedule Inspections

Once the Building Permit is posted, the General Contractor can begin demolishing the necessary elements of the structure and build the structure back to the previous footprint and layout.

Visit the Building Inspections webpage to learn more about scheduling Inspections.  

Commercial Process

 step 1   Contact Staff for Guidance

To inquire about a permit for fire-related repairs to your business, please contact the Building Inspections team at Building.Inspections@austintexas.gov during normal business hours.

Mechanical Systems (Air Conditioning) Damage Repair

An emergency repair related to mechanical systems damage is needed when: 

  • The repair work is limited to mechanical work only, and 
  • Immediate repair is needed, and 
  • The repair work is not exempt from permitting requirements.

See Do all repairs require a permit? for additional information.

Safety Precautions and Protocols

  • First, locate the main electrical panel and then turn off power to both the indoor(s) and outdoor unit(s). This can be done by locating the pull disconnect or turning off the breaker panel. 
  • The Refrigerant will need to be recovered by a licensed mechanical contractor and reclaimed. 
  • During an electrical power outage, turn off power to the furnace. When the electricity is restored to your home, the electricity grid may have some power fluctuations that could damage the electrical components of the furnace. Other sensitive appliances and electronics should be unplugged as well. It is safe to leave a light in the "on" position so that you will know when the power is restored. Once the electricity is back, turning the furnace back on should be safe. 

Once the affected utilities are off, you can remove damaged materials such as drywall, siding, and finishes. Use caution and do not remove structural elements unless you are a professional.  

Per State and Federal regulations, a professional must remove and dispose of hazardous materials. This includes asbestos, lead, and refrigerant. Please contact a professional to assess the area if hazardous materials are present. 

Process

step 1   Apply for the Permit 

A licensed and registered individual can apply for the permit on the Apply for a Stand-Alone Permit webpage. 

Application processing may vary based on the current application volume. For current fee schedules, please reference the Fees webpage. 
 

step 2   Call Service Center 

After applying for a stand-alone trade permit, please call 512-974-1500 during normal business hours. Confirm with Service Center staff that your permit is for emergency repair work. Staff will prioritize the permit application accordingly.  
 

step 3   Print and Post Building Permit 

Once the permit is reviewed and approved, the assigned contractor can print the permit. Visit Activating a Permit to learn how to print and post your permit (beginning with step #5). The next steps are also outlined for completing your required inspections.  
 

 step 4   Begin Repair Work and Inspections 

Once the Permit is posted, the Contractor can begin the repair work and schedule inspections. Visit the Building Inspections webpage to learn more about scheduling Inspections.  

Natural Gas Line Repair

An emergency repair related to natural gas damage is needed when: 

  • The repair work is limited to natural gas/plumbing work only, and 
  • Immediate repair is needed, and 
  • The repair work is not exempt from permitting requirements.

See Do all repairs require a permit? for additional information.

Safety Precautions and Protocols

If there is a gas leak, IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE the area, and from a safe location, call 9-1-1 and your gas company. 

  • Don’t smoke or light a match, candle, or other flame. 
  • If the gas service provider or AFD shuts the gas off for any reason, you will need to pull a plumbing permit and follow the pulled gas meter procedures before the utility company will restore the gas. No gas work is exempt from a permit. 
  • Never use supplemental heating inside your dwelling, such as a grill, oven, or generator. 
  • Starting in mid-2013, all new homes were required to have a Carbon Monoxide alarm. In 2018 this requirement extended to existing homes. If your home does not currently have a Carbon Monoxide alarm, please be prepared and obtain them now for your home and replace any expired units. They typically last 5-7 years. The requirements for these alarms can be found in the City’s adopted Property Maintenance Code (Section 705).  
  • Ensure you have a working smoke detector prior to calling for an inspection.  

Once the affected utilities are off, you can remove damaged materials such as drywall, siding, and finishes. Use caution and do not remove structural elements unless you are a professional.  

Per State and Federal regulations, a professional must remove and dispose of hazardous materials. This includes asbestos, lead, and refrigerant. Please contact a professional to assess the area if hazardous materials are present. 

Process

step 1    Apply for the Permit 

A licensed and registered individual can apply for the permit on the Apply for a Stand-Alone Permit webpage. 

Application processing may vary based on the current application volume. For current fee schedules, please reference the Fees webpage. 
 

step 2   Call Service Center 

After applying for a stand-alone trade permit, please call 512-974-1500 during normal business hours. Confirm with Service Center staff that your permit is for emergency repair work. Staff will prioritize the permit application accordingly.  
 

step 3   Print and Post Building Permit 

Once the permit is reviewed and approved, the assigned contractor can print the permit. Visit Activating a Permit to learn how to print and post your permit (beginning with step #5). The next steps are also outlined for completing your required inspections.
 

 step 4   Begin Repair Work and Emergency Inspections 

You may call 512-974-1520 to schedule an emergency inspection for gas repair work. Inspections are available 24/7. If an inspector does not answer, please leave a message. It is advised, though not required, to have an active permit prior to calling an emergency inspection. 

Tree Damage

An emergency repair related to tree damage is needed when a tree is: 

  • Dead,
  • Diseased, or
  • Presents an imminent danger to people or property.

The tree can be removed before receiving a permit per Austin’s Tree Ordinance. 

It is recommended to contact your tree company to remove the tree.

Process

step 1   Photos & Documentation

Take photos and document the estimated diameter and size of the tree before work is performed.
 

step 2   Submit Permit Request

Submit a permit request within seven days of removal. Please follow the steps outlined on the Dead, Diseased, and Imminent Hazard Trees webpage to apply for the permit. Learn more about permits for diseased and damaged trees.  

There is no fee for a permit to remove a dead, diseased, or imminent hazard tree, but documentation will be required. 

Vehicle Damage to Structure

A permit for emergency repairs related to vehicle damage is needed when:

  • A structure is damaged by a vehicle, and
  • Structural components are in need of repair, and
  • The footprint and layout of the structure are not proposed to change.

See Do all repairs require a permit? for additional information.

Safety Precautions and Protocols

If applicable, to turn the power off to the house: 

  • Never approach downed power lines; call Austin Energy at 512-322-9100 to report outages. 
  • Locate the electric meter on the exterior of the house. It will be located near where the electric utility lines meet the house. 
  • Exterior disconnects are located adjacent to the electric meter. Turn all circuit breakers or switches to the off position. 
  • Interior disconnects are located directly next to the electric meter for residences. For commercial properties, the interior disconnect may only be accessible to specific personnel (i.e., maintenance, Austin Fire Department, etc.).
  • If able, turn all circuit breakers or switches to the off position. 

Once the affected utilities are off, you can remove damaged materials such as drywall, siding, and finishes. Use caution and do not remove structural elements unless you are a professional.  

Per State and Federal regulations, a professional must remove and dispose of hazardous materials. This includes asbestos, lead, and refrigerant. Please contact a professional to assess the area if hazardous materials are present. 

Residential Process for Emergency Repair

step 1   Confirm proposed build-back matches the previous footprint and layout 

A Building Permit is required to remove the debris and build back the structure with the same footprint and layout as previously existed. To learn about the application requirements for vehicle damage repair, visit the What Projects Qualify section on the Express Permits webpage.
 

step 2   Apply for the Express Building Permit

Visit the How to Apply section on the Express Permits webpage to apply for the permit and follow the provided steps.  

The turnaround time to issue Express Permits for emergency repairs is one business day; however, the timeframe may differ if the property is within a floodplain or historic district. For current fee schedules, please reference the Fees webpage.
 

step 3   Print and Post Building Permit

Once the building permit is reviewed and approved, the assigned General Contractor can print the Building Permit.

Visit Activating a Permit to learn how to print and post your permit (beginning with step #5) and the next steps for completing your required inspections.  
 

step 4   Begin Debris Removal, Build Back, and Schedule Inspections

Once the Building Permit is posted, the General Contractor can begin demolishing the necessary elements of the structure and build the structure back to the previous footprint and layout. Use caution and do not remove structural elements unless you are a professional.

Visit the Building Inspections webpage to learn more about scheduling Inspections.

Commercial Process for Emergency Repair

Follow this process for commercial structures and multi-family residences, such as triplexes and apartment complexes.

step 1   Contact Staff for Guidance

To inquire about a permit for vehicle-related repairs to your business, please contact the Building Inspections team at Building.Inspections@austintexas.gov during normal business hours.

Water Damage Repair

An emergency repair related to water damage is applicable when: 

  • The repair work is limited to plumbing work only, and 
  • Immediate repair is needed, and 
  • The repair work is not exempt from permitting requirements.

See Do all repairs require a permit? for additional information.

Safety Precautions and Protocols

  • A customer cut-off valve should be located just outside the water meter box. Some customers, especially commercial accounts, will require special tools. If you need Austin Water to come shut off the water for a leak, call 512-972-1000 and follow the prompts for a water/wastewater emergency. 
  • If you have an electric water heater and have no water pressure, please turn off the electric supply to the water heater. In most recent homes, there is either a switch or disconnect near the water heater. For some older homes without the disconnect near the water heater, you must use the electrical breaker to de-energize the water heater. This breaker may be located inside the breaker panel inside the home. 
  • If you have a gas water heater with no water pressure, please turn the gas control valve on the water heater to vacation mode (or VAC) until the water pressure can be restored. This will allow the pilot light to remain lit but keep the water heater from continuing to heat the water. If necessary, there is a shut-off valve at the gas meter, or you can call your gas service provider. 

Once the affected utilities are off, you can remove damaged materials such as drywall, siding, and finishes. Use caution and do not remove structural elements unless you are a professional.  

Per State and Federal regulations, a professional must remove and dispose of hazardous materials. This includes asbestos, lead, and refrigerant. Please contact a professional to assess the area if hazardous materials are present. 

Process

step 1   Apply for the Permit 

A licensed and registered individual can apply for the permit on the Apply for Stand-Alone Permit webpage. 

Application processing may vary based on the current application volume. For current fee schedules, please reference the Fees webpage. 
 

step 2   Call Service Center 

After applying for a stand-alone trade permit, please call 512-974-1500 during normal business hours. Confirm with Service Center staff that your permit is for emergency repair work. Staff will prioritize the permit application accordingly.  
 

step 3   Print and Post Building Permit 

Once the permit is reviewed and approved, the assigned contractor can print the permit. Visit Activating a Permit to learn how to print and post your permit (beginning with step #5). The next steps are also outlined for completing your required inspections.  
 

step 4   Begin Repair Work and Emergency Inspections  

You may call 512-974-1520 to schedule an emergency inspection for plumbing repair work. Inspections are available 24/7. If an inspector does not answer, please leave a message. It is advised, though not required, to have an active permit prior to calling an emergency inspection. 

Contact Information

Not sure where to start or what this means for your repair? We’re here to make the repairs to your homes and businesses as safe and quick as possible. Let us know how we can help. 

Contact us: 

Related Links

Austin Emergency Repair Resources
Resource and Information Centers
Travis County Temporary Disaster-Related Exemptions