Building Inspections

The Building Inspection Division (BID) performs inspections on new construction, remodels, and trades (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) to ensure compliance with applicable building codes. Building codes are designed to ensure structures’ health and safety for everyone’s benefit.

Inspections, which may occur during construction or upon completion of the permitted work, are the final steps in the development and permitting process. Depending on the scope of work, a final inspection may lead to issuing a Certificate of Occupancy, which ensures a structure is safe for occupancy. Visit Certificate of Occupancy for information on obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO).

For general questions or emergency inspections, please email Building Inspections.

What you will find on this page:
 

General
 

Resources

• Find Your Inspector - search by address, find inspectors, and contact information.
• Virtual Inspection Program ^(PDF) 

Printing Approved Plan Set 

The permit holder and owner-general contractor must ensure that a paper copy of the approved plan set is available on-site for review by the City inspections staff. Failure to provide the City-approved set of plans may result in failed inspections and delays in receiving a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy. 

 

Permits Issued before COVID Operations (before March 16, 2020)

An approved plan set was provided to the individual who picked up and paid for the permits. 

If the plan set has been misplaced, please submit a Public Information Request (PIR) to retrieve the original from off-site storage. Staff will provide a cost estimate for this retrieval and will work with customers directly to send the original for copying/scanning. Payment of the copies and scans will be the customer’s responsibility at the reprographics company of choice.

Permits that have expired under City Orders

Please reference the latest City Order. Permits that have expired during an extension of development deadline dates can be reactivated by submitting a request using the online Service Center Request Form. The Service Center will reactivate permits that fall within the deadline extension range.

• If you cannot locate the plans, please contact Commercial or Residential Intake. Staff will verify that plans are available for download on the AB+C portal.

Permits Issued DURING COVID Operations (after March 16, 2020)

Plans that were approved during COVID operations can be downloaded from the AB+C Portal using the original Plan Review number (PR#) or address:

 

  Visit the Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal

Log into the AB+C Portal

 

  Enter your PR number

In the Search by Permit number, please enter your Plan Review (PR) number, as shown below:

 

  Select Permit/Case Number

Select the applicable Permit/Case number associated with your scope of work:

 

  Select Permit/Case Number

Scroll to the bottom of the page and select the item you would like to download in the Folder Attachment section:

 

How to Schedule an Inspection Online

The permit holder and owner-general contractor are responsible for ensuring the proper sequence of inspections. However, anyone associated with the permit can schedule an inspection: the general contractor, the homeowner (if listed as the general contractor on the permit), the trade contractor, or their official agents.

 

  Register and Log In

You must be a registered AB+C portal user. If not registered, you can register online at the AB+C portal.

Once you are registered, log in.

 

  Navigate to “My Inspections”

Clicking My Inspections will display permits with available inspections to be scheduled.

 

   Select Your Permit

Select the permit you want to schedule an inspection for by checking the box to the left of it.

A list of inspections needed for that permit will appear.

 

   Select Your Permit

Check the box for the inspection you want to schedule. Then, use the Requested Date column drop-down to pick a day within five days of scheduling the inspection. You can also leave comments/notes for the inspector. Once done, click Request Inspections.

 

 

   Get Confirmation

You will receive a confirmation once the inspection is successfully sent.
 

 

For additional instructions on how to navigate AB + C Portal, refer to this web-help guide. 

 

Note: Inspections are usually performed 24 hours after scheduling, but an inspector’s workload can delay a scheduled inspection until the next business day or 48 hours after scheduling.

How to Schedule an Inspection by Phone

The permit holder and owner-general contractor are responsible for ensuring the proper sequence of inspections. However, anyone associated with the permit can schedule an inspection: the general contractor, the homeowner (if listed as the general contractor on the permit), the trade contractor, or their official agents.

 

  Get an IVR PIN

To get your Interactive Voice Response System Personal Identification Number, complete the form Inspection Agent Letter of Authorization and Request for IVR PIN Number ^(PDF). 

Upon completion, email the form to building.inspections@austintexas.gov, and a PIN will be assigned. 
 

  Gather Additional Required Information

In addition to your IVR PIN, you will need your ten-digit permit number and three-digit inspection code. Your required inspections and related codes are noted on your printed permit. See the graphic below. 

 

  Call the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Number

Call the IVR Number at 512-974-9405 and choose Schedule Inspection. Enter the requested information.

You can also schedule an inspection online by registering at the AB+C portal. 

If the IVR Number is not functional, send an email to: building.inspections@austintexas.gov.

 

Note: Inspections are usually performed 24 hours after scheduling, but an inspector’s workload can delay a scheduled inspection until the next business day or 48 hours after scheduling.

Code Information 

The City of Austin follows the 2021 International Building Codes  and the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code .

Local amendments to the International Building Codes are included in the City’s Building Technical Codes View the Technical Codes and code interpretations for each discipline.

Building Inspection is the approval authority for all inspections regulated by the following Technical Codes:

Commercial Building Code (International Building Code)
It applies to all structures other than one-and-two-family dwellings and townhomes and applies to construction when a building is remodeled or there is a change of occupancy.

Residential One-and-Two-Family Dwelling Code (International Residential Code)
It applies to all one-and-two-family dwellings and townhouses and includes mechanical, plumbing, and energy system requirements.

 

Appeals of code interpretations may be heard before the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals, the Electric Board, or the Mechanical, Plumbing, and Solar Board.

• Plumbing Code (Uniform Plumbing Code)
  Applies to all plumbing system installations. In addition, natural gas installations are also regulated by the plumbing code.
   
• Commercial Mechanical Code (Uniform Mechanical Code)
  Applies to all mechanical systems regulated by the Commercial Building Code.
   
• Electrical Code (National Electrical Code)
  Applies to all electrical systems installed in the jurisdiction.
   
• The Energy Code ^(PDF) (International Energy Conservation Code)
  Applies to all commercial and residential projects.

 

For more information about codes and regulations, visit Codes, Resources, and Tools.

New Policies and Procedures 

Special Inspections Process
Effective February 13, 2017, a new process for commercial projects requiring special inspections will be implemented. Under the new process, a “Statement of Special Inspections” form must be completed for projects submitted on or after February 13, 2017. In addition, a field folder will be issued with the permit when a special inspection is required. The field folder must be kept on-site at all times and include a special inspections log and other forms to be completed by the special inspector/testing agency.
View the Special Inspection process ^(PDF).
View the Special Inspection forms.

Top 10 Tips for a Successful Inspection

1. Verify work is complete before the scheduled inspection.

2. Verify all deficiencies have been corrected for re-inspections.
    
3. Schedule the inspection on Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) and use the Inspection Comment Tool.
    
4. Ensure jobsite is accessible and special access information is provided directly to the assigned inspector or listed on inspection request comments.
    
5. Ensure the job site address is posted and visible from the street, including identification of all units on site.
    
6. Ensure the latest city-approved plans are accessible for inspection staff.
    
7. Ensure all required documentation is uploaded to the permit.
    
8. Ensure all prerequisites inspections are completed before requesting a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy or final building inspection.
    
9. Ensure someone familiar with the project is available during the inspection and communicate with your inspector.
    
10. Review the building inspections webpage for the latest updates. 

One-Time Inspections Phone List

 

Name		Email	Phone
Environmental Inspections		environmental.inspections@austintexas.gov	512-974-2278
Landscaping Inspections			512-974-6486
Fire Department		fireprevention@austintexas.gov	512-974-0153
Water Tap		awtaps@austintexas.gov	512-972-0000
Health Inspections (located at RLC, 1520 Rutherford Ln.)		ehsd.service@austintexas.gov	512-978-0300
Tree Inspections		keith.mars@austintexas.gov cityarborist@austintexas.gov
OSSF			512-972-0050
Atmos Energy			888-286-6700 Emergency: 866-322-8667
Centerpoint Energy		servicepermit@centerpointenergy.com
Texas Gas Services			866-206-9587

Commercial 

Commercial Process Flowcharts

• Commercial Building Inspection Flowchart ^(PDF) 
• Commercial Mechanical Inspection Flowchart ^(PDF) 
• Commercial Plumbing Inspection Flowchart ^(PDF) 
• Commercial Electrical Inspection Flowchart ^(PDF) 
• Tree Protection and Erosion/Sedimentation Controls Flowchart ^(PDF) 
• Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Process Flowchart ^(PDF) 

Commercial Inspection Checklists

• Building Final ^(PDF) 
• Building Framing ^(PDF) 
• Building Insulation ^(PDF) 
• Building Interior Wallboard ^(PDF) 
• Building Layout/Foundation ^(PDF) 
• Building Pre-Construction ^(PDF) 
• Building TCO ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Final ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Grounding ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Rough  ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Slab ^(PDF) 
• Electrical TCO ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Temporary ^(PDF) 
• Mechanical Cooler/Freezer Rough ^(PDF) 
• Mechanical Final ^(PDF) 
• Mechanical Rough ^(PDF) 
• Mechanical Stove Hood Rough ^(PDF) 
• Mechanical TCO ^(PDF) 
• Mechanical Temporary Gas ^(PDF) 
• Mechanical Vent ^(PDF) 
• Multifamily Dwelling Permanent Power ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Final ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Fire Line Rough ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Gas Rough ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Gas Yard Line ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Interior Water Lines ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Pre-Pour ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Rough ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Sewer Yard Line ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing TCO ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Temporary Gas ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Top-Out ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Water Yard Line ^(PDF) 

Commercial Building Inspector Phone List

 

Commercial | Administration | Right of Way (ROW) 

Commercial Building Inspectors

Name		Email	Phone
Tim Taylor - Supervisor		tim.taylor2@austintexas.gov	Office: 512-974-9042 Cell: 512-669-6119
John Brown		john.brown2@austintexas.gov	512-577-2109
Jay Juarez		jay.juarez@austintexas.gov	512-264-5106
Jose Leyva		jose.leyva2@austintexas.gov	512-450-4962
Jesus Licerio		jesus.licerio@austintexas.gov	512-576-9457
Ruben Salinas		ruben.salinas@austintexas.gov	512-599-0341
Joshua Williams		joshua.williams3@austintexas.gov	512-665-0400

 

Commercial Plumbing Inspectors

Name		Email	Phone
Chad Watson - Supervisor		chad.watson@austintexas.gov	Office: 512-974-2946 Cell: 512-228-6146
Phillip Cantrell		phillip.cantrell@austintexas.gov	512-577-9501
Aaron Hibbs		aaron.hibbs@austintexas.gov	512-264-4013
Chris Phillips		chris.phillips@austintexas.gov	512-228-2697
Michelle Riffe		michelle.riffe@austintexas.gov	512-299-3857
Christopher Rogan		christopher.rogan@austintexas.gov	512-599-7705
Jason Samsel		jason.samsel@austintexas.gov	512-300-9823
Philip Sughrue		philip.sughrue@austintexas.gov	512-293-6300
Charles Wilson		glen.wilson@austintexas.gov	512-999-4051

 

Commercial Mechanical Inspectors

Name		Email	Phone
Charles Ablanedo - Supervisor		charles.ablanedo@austintexas.gov	Office: 512-974-9027 Cell: 512-665-1581
Ryan Buchanan		ryan.buchanan@austintexas.gov	512-584-3149
Gentre Fowler		gentre.fowler@austintexas.gov	512-521-4922
Leonard Gonzales		leonard.gonzales@austintexas.gov	512-299-7179
Jonathan Herrin		jonathan.herrin@austintexas.gov	512-999-2419

 

Commercial Electrical Inspectors

Name		Email	Phone
Marty Starrett - Supervisor		martin.starrett@austintexas.gov	Office: 512-974-3488 Cell: 512-228-8387
Darrell Bellinghausen		darrell.bellinghausen@austintexas.gov	512-287-0210
Hyatt Dunn		hyatt.dunn@austintexas.gov	512-226-3396
Martin Johnsen		martin.johnsen@austintexas.gov	512-366-0546
Gaynell Wilson		gaynell.wilson@austintexas.gov	512-999-6853
Tim York		timothy.york@austintexas.gov	512-905-1749

 

Commercial Division Manager

Name		Email	Phone
Todd Wilcox - Manager		todd.wilcox@austintexas.gov	Office: 512-974-1681

 

Inspection Administration

Name		Email	Phone
Rick Arzola - Business Process Specialist		rick.arzola@austintexas.gov	Office: 512-974-2417 Cell: 512-550-5836
Lisa Martinez - Business Process Specialist		lisa.martinez@austintexas.gov	Office: 512-974-1289 Cell: 512-775-1968

 

Service Center Administration

Name		Email	Phone
Maria Jaramillo - Manager		maria.jaramillo@austintexas.gov	512-974-2907
Josh Davis - Supervisor		joshua.davis@austintexas.gov	512-974-2940
Tanya Romero - Team Leader		tanya.romero2@austintexas.gov	512-978-1672
Anna (Chelsea) Azille - Team Leader		anna.azille@austintexas.gov	512-974-1432

 

Right of Way (ROW)

Name		Email	Phone
Right of Way Division		rightofway@austintexas.gov	512-974-7828

Commercial Appointments and Contact

Contact Us

For general questions, email us at building.inspections@austintexas.gov

For Commercial and technical inspections questions for your approved and active permit, please email the appropriate contact below:

Building - tim.taylor2@austintexas.gov
Mechanical - charles.ablanedo@austintexas.gov
Electrical - martin.starrett@austintexas.gov
Plumbing - chad.watson@austintexas.gov
 

Appointments

Appointments are only for questions about general inspection policies and procedures for Commercial Inspections.

• Not for permitting questions. You will be redirected to the Service Center web page.

Expected Appointment Duration: 15 minutes
 

 

Residential 

Residential Process Flowcharts

• Manufactured Homes Flowchart ^(PDF) 
• Residential Building Inspection Flowchart ^(PDF) 
• Tree Protection and Erosion/Sedimentation Controls Flowchart ^(PDF) 

Residential Inspection Checklists 

• Building Final ^(PDF) 
• Building Foundation ^(PDF) 
• Building Framing ^(PDF) 
• Building Insulation ^(PDF) 
• Building Layout ^(PDF) 
• Building TCO ^(PDF) 
• Building Wallboard ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Final ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Ground ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Rough ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Slab ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Temporary ^(PDF) 
• Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction ^(PDF) 
• Mechanical Final ^(PDF) 
• Mechanical Rough ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Final ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Rough ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Sewer Yard Line ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Top-Out ^(PDF) 
• Swimming Pool and Spa ^(PDF) 

Residential Building Inspector Phone List

 

Residential | Administration | Right of Way (ROW) 

 

Residential Inspections - Northwest Austin Territory

Name		Email	Phone
Pat Wheeless - Supervisor		patrick.wheeless@austintexas.gov	512-905-1403
Jim Richerson		jim.richerson@austintexas.gov	512-571-7930
Anthony Andrews		anthony.andrews@austintexas.gov	512-545-3441
Victor Acquarola		victor.acquarola@austintexas.gov	512-363-0772
Mike Franke		mike.franke@austintexas.gov	512-203-3662
Charles MacConnell		charles.macconnell@austintexas.gov	512-647-8034
Ryan Palumbo		ryan.palumbo@austintexas.gov	512-203-2178
Bob Reed		bob.reed@austintexas.gov	737-240-1866
Michael Reeves		michael.reeves@austintexas.gov	512-903-0022
Danny Summerlin		danny.summerlin@austintexas.gov	512-550-5236

 

Residential Inspections - Northeast Austin Territory

Name		Email	Phone
Nick Petry - Supervisor		nicholas.petry@austintexas.gov	512-228-7258
Chris Ruddell		chris.ruddell@austintexas.gov	512-576-6096
Randall Fields		randall.fields@austintexas.gov	512-665-9740
Bill Grassick		william.grassick@austintexas.gov	512-415-6131
Joe Hernandez		joe.hernandez2@austintexas.gov	512-905-1972
Dan Kiser		dan.kiser@austintexas.gov	512-903-8919
Byron Kurka		byron.kurka@austintexas.gov	512-300-5429
Felicia Milligan		felicia.milligan@austintexas.gov	737-231-6292
Noe Rodriguez		noe.rodriguez@austintexas.gov	512-574-2543
David Perez		davidc.perez@austintexas.gov	512-457-1820
Anthony Rainey		anthony.raineyz@austintexas.gov
Jerron Wilburn		jerron.wilburn2@austintexas.gov	512-903-1066

 

Residential Inspections - Southwest Austin Territory

Name		Email	Phone
Aaron Finney - Supervisor		aaron.finney@austintexas.gov	512-767-2134
DeeAnn Afra		deeann.afra@austintexas.gov	512-351-2631
Chelon Bihon		chelon.bihon@austintexas.gov	512-999-6845
Ernest Cordova		ernest.cordova@austintexas.gov	512-705-3927
Dale Heberling		dale.heberling@austintexas.gov	512-351-1438
Joey Martinez		joey.martinez@austintexas.gov	512-545-3154
April Mamoe		april.mamoe@austintexas.gov	512-788-1531
Sean McMullen		sean.mcmullen@austintexas.gov	512-774-2872
Grant Neeley		grant.neeley@austintexas.gov	512-287-1824

 

Residential Inspections - Southeast Austin Territory

Name		Email	Phone
Brent Finney - Supervisor		brent.finney@austintexas.gov	512-983-6868
Stein Antonsson		steinberg.antonsson@austintexas.gov	512-228-8196
Derek Jacob		derek.jacob@austintexas.gov	512-203-3596
Jimmy Juarez		jimmy.juarez@austintexas.gov	512-560-4085
Carl Lind		carl.lind@austintexas.gov	512-665-0389
Ralph Martinez		ralph.martinez@austintexas.gov	512-665-0177
Frank Nanyes		frank.nanyes@austintexas.gov	512-599-7705
Hector Nava		hector.nava@austintexas.gov	512-940-7426
Robin Quick		robin.quick@austintexas.gov	512-457-1003
Kyle Welch		don.welch@austintexas.gov	512-545-3521

 

Inspection Administration

Name		Email	Phone
Rick Arzola - Business Process Specialist		rick.arzola@austintexas.gov	Office: 512-974-2417 Cell: 512-550-5836
Lisa Martinez - Business Process Specialist		lisa.martinez@austintexas.gov	Office: 512-974-1289 Cell: 512-775-1968

 

Service Center Administration

Name		Email	Phone
Maria Jaramillo - Manager		maria.jaramillo@austintexas.gov	512-974-2907
Josh Davis - Supervisor		joshua.davis@austintexas.gov	512-974-2940
Tanya Romero - Team Leader		tanya.romero2@austintexas.gov	512-978-1672
Anna (Chelsea) Azille - Team Leader		anna.azille@austintexas.gov	512-974-1432

 

Right of Way (ROW)

Name		Email	Phone
Right of Way Division		rightofway@austintexas.gov	512-974-7828

Residential Appointments and Contact

Contact Us

For general questions, please email us at building.inspections@austintexas.gov.

 

Appointments

For approved and active permits, ask inspection questions related to residential building codes, plumbing, electrical and mechanical codes. Also, ask questions regarding building and trade inspection policies and procedures. 

Expected Appointment Duration: 30 minutes 

 

Residential Building Inspections Questions

 

Residential Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Inspections Questions