The Development Services Department, 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:
Work Exempt From Permits
Visit the Work Exempt From Building Permits webpage for a list of work that does not require a permit. Work exempt from a permit 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:
- Development Process Team - Offers consultations for homeowners to help them get started on a project
- New Construction - Permits for new buildings and additions
- Remodel - Permits for interior remodels
- Garage Conversion or Carport/Porch Enclosure - Permits for the conversion of garages, carports, and porches
- Demolition - Permits for the total demolition of an individual structure or building
- Relocation - Permits for relocating or moving a building
- Building and Trade Contractor Services - Building and trade permit-related services for general contractors, licensed trade contractors, and homeowners
- Express Permits - Permits for minor repairs
- Permits for Emergency Repairs - Process for making urgent repairs after an emergency
- Boat Dock Registration - Boat dock registration, renewal, and information on boat dock addressing
- Trees Reviews and Permitting (City Arborist) - Permits to remove or affect regulated trees
- Code Compliance - Team that ensures ongoing compliance with Property Maintenance Code
- Short-Term Rental Licenses - Licenses for renting out a home for under 30 days
- Land Development Information Services - Provides support and services related to land use review
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 Development Services.
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.
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.
- Interactive Guide to the Residential New Construction and Addition Application
- Interactive Guide to the Residential Express Permit Application
- Interactive Guide to the Pool and/or Uncovered Deck Application
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:
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.
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.
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.