Active or expired building or trade permits can be modified by the property owner or the contractor listed on the permit. The types of changes for a building or trade permit that you will find on this page include:
- Add or Remove a Contractor Assigned to a Permit
-
The property owner or contractor listed on the specific building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permit can add or remove a contractor from that permit. To revise the contractor for a driveway/sidewalk permit, visit the Right of Way Permits: Driveway/Sidewalks webpage.
There are two options to change the assigned contractor on a building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permit:
- Option 1: Transfer the Permit to a Different Contractor
- Option 2: Remove Contractor and Repurchase the Permit With a New Contractor
Option 1: Transfer the Permit to a Different Contractor
To transfer a permit from one contractor to another, the following requirements must be met:
- The permit status must be “Active.”
- The transfer must be between contractors of the same type (e.g., general contractor to general contractor, electrical contractor to electrical contractor, etc.).
- The permit is not for a Demolition or Relocation Permit.
- If the trade permit was issued to the homeowner under the Homestead Permit Trade requirements, the permit cannot be transferred. Please see Option 2 to assign a new contractor and repurchase the trade permit.
To transfer the permit to a different contractor, complete these steps.
Complete and Sign the LetterBoth the previous and current contractors or their listed permit agent(s) must complete and sign the Transfer Contractor Letter (PDF).
Fill Out the Web FormUse our Modify an Existing Permit web form and select "Transfer from one contractor to another." Follow the prompts, upload the completed letter, and enter the applicable information. The permit number is needed for submission.
Modify an Existing Permit Web Form
Submit Online Web FormOnce you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission, including the approximate wait time. Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays.
If the listed contractor cannot sign the Transfer Contractor Letter, then option 2 is available.
Option 2: Remove a Contractor and Repurchase the Permit With a New Contractor
If the previous contractor refuses to sign or cannot be reached, the owner of the property or the general contractor over the project may remove the contractor and repurchase the permit under the new contractor. A contractor may also submit this letter to remove themselves from the permit.
To process the contractor removal and repurchase the permit, complete these steps.
Complete and Sign the LetterComplete and sign the Remove Contractor Letter (PDF).
Submit the Web FormUse our Modify an Existing Permit web form and select "Remove a contractor (without transferring)". Follow the prompts, upload the completed letter, and enter the applicable information. The permit number is needed for submission.
Modify an Existing Permit Web Form
Wait for ConfirmationOnce staff confirms the previous contractor has been removed, the newly registered contractor can repurchase the permit by visiting our Activating a Permit webpage.
- To register as a general contractor, trade contractor, or homeowner, submit a web form request on the Building and Trade Contractor Services webpage.
Once you submit each web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission, including the approximate wait time.
Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays. - Reactivate an Expired Permit
-
The property owner is responsible for any expired permits on the property even if they did not own the property at the time the permit was issued. An expired permit may need to be resolved before issuing any new permits.
The property owner, general contractor or trade contractor listed on the permit can request reactivation of the expired permit.
There are two options to reactivate an expired permit:
- Option 1: Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal (if Your AB+C Account is Assigned to the Permit)
- Option 2: Submit a Web Form (if Your AB+C Account is Not Assigned to the Permit)
Option 1: AB+C Portal (if Your AB+C Account is Assigned to the Permit)
If the assigned general or trade contractor’s AB+C account is linked to the permit, they may have the ability to reactivate the permit through their AB+C account. Follow the steps to learn how to reactive an expired permit through the AB+C Account or see Page 51 of these AB+C User Manual.
Expiration Notification The permit holder will receive an auto-generated notification 30 days before the permit expires.
Select Your Permit Select the Permit number that is expired.
Request Permit ChangesScroll past "Permit Work Flow" and click "Permit Change Request."
Choose Request TypeThe "Request Type" will appear with a drop-down box. Select "Request For Reactivation" from the drop-down menu. Type in permit comments in the "Comments" section. Click "Submit Request."
Answer QuestionsAnswer the four Permit Reactivation Consent Questions. Click "I agree."
Request ConfirmationA screen will populate that shows the reactivation request has been received. Click "Done."
Email Follow-UpAn auto-generated email from noreply@austintexas.gov will be sent to the email that is listed on the contractor record stating that the reactivation of the permit has been granted.
EXAMPLE EMAIL - Austin Build + Connect Reactivation of Permit Confirmation
Pending Permit StatusClick "My Bills". The permit status has changed to Pending Permit. Click "Pay Selected."
Pay the Permit FeeClick "Pay Now". Proceed to pay the expired permit fee. Explore more payment options at the Bill Payments and Cashier Services webpage.
Option 2: Submit a Web Form (if your AB+C account is not assigned to the Permit)
Fill Out ApplicationComplete a Request for Extension, Withdrawl, or Reactivation Application (PDF) and mark “Yes” within Section E as shown. The permit number is needed for submission.
Submit Web FormUse the Modify an Existing Permit web form and select "Reactivate, Withdraw, or Extend." Upload your completed application and permit number when prompted.
Modify an Existing Permit Web Form
Email Follow-UpOnce you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission, including the approximate wait time.
Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays.
- Withdraw an Active or Pending Permit
-
Existing permits with an “Active” or “Pending” status may be withdrawn by a property owner or the contractor assigned to the permit. If the project is in an “Active” status, additional documentation showing proof that work has not been completed under that permit may be required before the permit can be withdrawn.
Submit the Web Form for Your Withdrawal Request
Fill Out ApplicationComplete the Request for Extension, Withdrawal, or Reactivation Application (PDF), select “Yes” within Section D as shown, state the reason for the request, and sign the application. The permit number is needed for submission. Staff will inform you if additional documentation is required before they can withdraw the permit.
/modify_permit_withdraw_option_2_step_1.jpg)
Submit Web FormUse the Modify an Existing Permit web form and select "Reactivate, Withdraw, or Extend." Follow the prompts, and upload your completed application and permit number when prompted.
Modify an Existing Permit Web Form
Email Follow-UpOnce you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission, including the approximate wait time.
Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays. - Extend the Expiration Date of an Active Permit
-
Expiration dates for existing permits in an “Active” status can be extended by a property owner or the contractor assigned to the permit, but you may only request an extension one time for each permit. Please note, if structural or other conditions exist that do not allow for intervals of inspections within the given 180 days, the permit may be kept “Active” by scheduling a #114 Continuance of Work Inspection. The inspector will determine if progress has been continued on the site, and if so, the expiration date will be extended 180 days. If the inspector determines that progress has not been made on the site, then you can request to extend the Active permit by utilizing the following two options.
There are two options for submitting a request to extend an Active Permit:
- Option 1: Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal (if Your AB+C Account is Assigned to the Permit)
- Option 2: Submit a Web Form (if Your AB+C Account is Not Assigned to the Permit)
Option 1: AB+C Portal (if Your AB+C Account is Assigned to the Permit)
If the assigned general or trade contractor’s AB+C account is linked to the permit, they may have the ability to extend the permit through their AB+C account. See below to learn how to extent an “Active” permit through the AB+C Account or see Page 48 of the AB+C User Manual (PDF).
Choose PermitSelect the permit with the soon-to-expire expiration date.
/modify_permit_extend_step1.png)
Request ChangeGo into the permit. Scroll past the Permit Summary, Property Details, Permit Details, Persons Associated With Permit, and Permit Work Flow and click on "Permit Change Request."
/modify_permit_extend_step2.png)
Reason for RequestSelect the drop-down box for "Request Type." Click "Request for Extension" and type in the "Comments" the reason for the extension. Click "Submit Request."
/modify_permit_extend_step3.png)
Agree to DisclaimerA pop-up screen will appear to check the box that says "I understand that prior to the expiration date, the building official is authorized to grant a one-time extension for a period not to exceed 180 days." Click "I agree" and a pop-up message will appear once the extension request has been granted.
/modify_permit_extend_step4.png)
ConfirmationA confirmation will populate stating that the extension request has been granted.
/modify_permit_extend_step5.png)
Email Follow-UpAn auto-generated email from noreply@austintexas.gov will be sent to the email that is listed on the contractor record.
/modify_permit_extend_step6.png)
EXAMPLE EMAIL - Austin Build + Connect Request for Extension Confirmation
Option 2: Submit a Web Form (if Your AB+C Account is NOT Assigned to the Permit)
Fill Out ApplicationComplete the Request for Extension, Withdrawal, or Reactivation Application (PDF), mark “Yes” within Section C as shown, state the reason for the request, and sign the application. The permit number is needed for submission.
/modify_permit_extend_option2_step1.png)
Submit Web FormUse the Modify an Existing Permit web form and select "Reactivate, Withdraw, or Extend." Follow the prompts, and upload your completed application and permit number when prompted.
Modify an Existing Permit Web Form
ConfirmationOnce you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission, including the approximate wait time.
Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays. - Change the Address of a Permit
-
To change the address associated with a permit, use the Modify an Existing Permit web form. Select "Change Address," follow the prompts, and enter the applicable addresses in the fields. The permit number is needed for submission.
Modify an Existing Permit Web Form
Please note additional reviews or fees may be required to change the permit's address.
Once you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission, including the approximate wait time.
Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays.
- Change Scope of Work
-
To change the scope of work, including adding or removing a trade permit, use the Modify an Existing Permit web form, select "Change the Scope," and follow the prompts. Enter your request in the "detailed description of your change" field. The permit number is needed for submission, and additional documents may be required to process the request.
Modify an Existing Permit Web Form
Please note that additional reviews or fees may be required to change the permit scope of work.
Once you submit the web form, you will receive an automatic email confirming your submission, including the approximate wait time.
Please do not resubmit a form, as this will create delays.
- Appointments
-
Questions About Modifying an Existing Permit
Ask Building and Trade Contractor Services staff general questions regarding modifying an existing permit. Appointments are not for submitting a form or letter to modify a permit.
Expected Appointment Duration: 20 minutes (appointment time based on single permit request)
