Austin Development Services, along with our partner departments, leads the development process in the City of Austin. We provide consultations, reviews, inspections, and support for all applicants. There are three main phases of the development process: Create Your Project, Review and Revise, and Build and Inspect. While each project is unique, our Understanding the Development Process webpage and video series provide an overview of each phase.

Visit the Understanding the Development Process webpage to learn more. 

What you will find on this page:

Why Permitting is Important

Permitting is an important step in keeping your home safe and investing in your future. Here are the top five reasons you should get a permit:

  1. Safety: Our reviewers and inspectors ensure your home’s structural integrity and check electrical, plumbing, and fire-safety systems. This reduces risks such as fire hazards, gas leaks, and other dangerous issues.   
  1. Insurance: Some insurers will not cover claims for work done without permits. Getting the right permits helps protect your coverage.
  1. Financial: Unpermitted work is often not done correctly, and you would have to pay someone else to redo it. This wastes time and money. 
  1. Investment: Unpermitted work can affect your ability to refinance, get a loan, or sell your home. It may raise safety concerns for future buyers.
  1. Stewardship: Building codes help protect our built environment. They keep our community safe and thriving.   

Getting a permit now paves the way for your home’s future. We're here to help you with consultations, reviews, and inspections. 

Work Exempt From Permits

Not sure if your project needs a permit? Use the Do I Need a Permit? Guide for guidance before you start. 
If you think your work might be exempt, visit our quick-view list of work exempt from building permits. Even if your work is exempt, it must still comply with applicable Building Codes, City Codes, and other applicable ordinances. 

Development Services

We offer a variety of permits, inspections, and support throughout the development process. Depending on your project, you may want to use one of the following permit types or consultations:

We offer virtual and in-person appointments for these groups. Visit our PDC Appointments webpage to schedule your appointment. 

How to Apply

This section includes basic information on applying for permits through Austin Development Services. 
 

1   Determine the type of permit you need

New Construction, Remodel, Pool and Uncovered Deck, Homeowner's (Homestead) Permit, Standalone, and Building and Trade Contractor Services are some of the permit types that you might need for your home project. Visit the Residential Building and Trade Permits section on the Types of Permits webpage to learn more about each, including how to apply.

Types of Permits webpage

If you are unsure of which type of permit you need or have questions, schedule an appointment with the Development Process Team. 
 

2   Download the application and gather the required documents

All applications and supplemental forms are available on the Forms & Applications webpage in the Residential Building Plan Review section. Interactive guides are available for specific applications, providing more detailed information.

The Residential Plan Review webpage explains the steps and requirements for these applications. 

The following permit types have their own webpages with more specific details:

3   Set up your AB+C Portal account

An AB+C Portal account is required to manage your permit application, pay fees, and schedule some inspections. Visit the AB+C Portal Manual to view the section on Registration for First-Time Users.  
 

4   Submit your application

Visit the appropriate webpage and follow the instructions. You can apply for many permits through a web form, but they still require a PDF application to be submitted as part of the required documents. If you are unsure which page to visit, the Types of Permits webpage has information on where to submit.
 

5   Optional Contractor Registration 

Homeowner's Permit and Registration

As a homeowner, you can register as a contractor and be responsible for requesting/activating permits and scheduling/passing inspections for your property. Visit the Homeowner's Permit and Registration webpage to learn more.

Registering a Contractor

Before beginning any construction associated with a building or trade permit, trade contractors, general contractors, and homeowners acting as contractors must register as a Contractor with Building and Trade Contractor Services. Visit the Contractor Registration & Licenses webpage to learn more.

Resources