Escrow Accounts

A Development Services (DSD) Escrow Account can be established by depositing money in an account to pay ONLY for DSD building plan reviews, permitting, and inspection fees (does not include Site Plan fees). Once an account is established, contractors and their designated agents can pay for DSD permit and inspection fees online with the escrow account. The DSD Escrow account cannot be used to pay other department fees (i.e, Fire Department, Right-of-Way, Austin Water, etc).

How to Set Up a New DSD Escrow Account

 Do you have an Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal Account?

(If yes, go to step #2)

To set up an escrow account, you need an Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal account. If you do not have an AB+C account, please register for one. If you need help, please call Austin 3-1-1 or refer to the AB+C Manual ^(PDF). Please note the email address associated with this account. 

 

 Are you registered with Building and Trade Contractor Services as a contractor?

(If yes, go to step #3)

The Escrow account holder (contractor, trades contractor) must be registered with Building and Trade Contractor Services (separate from step #1 above). To register, submit a  request on the Contractor Registration webpage. After registering, we will provide you with a Contractor PIN number. You will need it for step #3.

 

 Prepare a Check

Obtain a check for the initial DSD escrow deposit. Your initial deposit amount should cover the set up fee, estimated permit fees, and monthly administration fee. Please note the following: 

• Make check payable to "City of Austin."    
   
• Setting up a new escrow account will cost $75.00. This amount will be paid out of the check, and the remaining balance will be deposited into the escrow for company use.
   
• A monthly admin escrow fee of $15.00 will automatically be deducted beginning November 1, 2024.
   
• If the existing Escrow account reaches or goes below $0.00 and the account closes, a new escrow account will be required and you will have to go through the process again to open a new account. 

 

 Prepare a Letter

Please include a letter with the following information (or use this sample template letter ^(PDF)):

• Let us know that you want to set up a new DSD Escrow Account
• Provide the AB+C name and email address (from step #1)
• Provide the registered contractor's Building and Trade Contractor Services PIN number (from step #2)
• This letter must be signed by a licensed holder or registered contractor

 

 Submit Check and Letter

Submit your check and letter to Development Services in one of the following two ways:

Mail to:	Overnight Delivery to:
City of Austin - PDC DSD - Building and Trade Contractor Services PO Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767	City of Austin - PDC DSD - Building and Trade Contractor Services 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, TX  78752

How to Add Funds to your DSD Escrow Account

   Prepare a Check

Prepare a check for the escrow deposit:

• Make check payable to "City of Austin."   

 

   Prepare a Letter

Please include a letter ^(PDF) with the following information:

• Let us know that you want to add funds to your existing DSD Escrow Account
• Provide the escrow account number
• Provide the AB+C name and email address 
• Provide the registered contractor's Building and Trade Contractor Services PIN number 

 

 Submit Check and Letter

Submit your check and letter to Development Services in one of the following three ways:

Mail to:	Overnight Delivery to:	Pay In-Person
City of Austin - PDC DSD - Cashier PO Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767	City of Austin - PDC DSD - Cashier 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, TX  78752	Find instructions for scheduling an appointment in the Appointments or Questions About Escrow section at the bottom of this page.

How to Add or Remove Agents on your DSD Escrow Account

If you need to add new agents or remove existing agents complete the following steps: 

1. Go to the Contractor Registration webpage
2. Go to the "Update Existing Contractor Registration" section of the page
3. Click the blue "Update Contractor Registration" button which opens the web form
4. Select "Update Registration Information" (name, address, agents)"
5. You will be asked to upload your Letter of Authorization ^(PDF) that includes your desired agent change.

How to Pay Fees from Your DSD Escrow Account

There are two ways to pay for DSD fees using your escrow account on the AB+C Portal (includes building plan reviews, permitting, and inspection fees, does not include Site Plan fees):

• Through the permit hyperlink (individual standalone permit)
• With Assign Permit (contractor self-assignment)

Go to the AB+C Manual ^(PDF), page 56, for more detailed instructions.

How to Close a DSD Escrow Account

 Write a Letter

Write a new letter stating your desire to close out the escrow account and to be refunded the remaining dollar amount. You may use our Close Existing Escrow Account Letter template ^(docx).

 

 Provide Account Details and Sign

Provide the escrow account number in your letter and the address to mail the check to. The letter must be signed.

 

 Upload Signed Letter with Escrow Contact Request Web Form

Use the Escrow Contact Request Web Form and select "Close Account." You will be asked to upload your letter.

Escrow Contact Request Web Form

Appointments or Questions About Escrow

For questions about Escrow Accounts, please submit a ticket using the link below. You may also schedule an in-person or virtual appointment. An agent will respond to your request within 5 business days.

Escrow Contact Request Web Form

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In-Person Cashier Appointments

Schedule an in-person appointment with the cashier to deposit funds into your DSD escrow account and pay invoices or fees.

Location: 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive
Expected Appointment Duration: 15 minutes