The Residential Plan Review Division reviews new construction, additions, interior remodeling and demolition of single-family, duplex or two-family houses and/or accessory buildings on one lot. Residential construction projects are reviewed for compliance with Chapter 25-2 of the Land Development Code, the 2021 International Residential Code, and Chapter 25-12, Technical Codes (local amendments).
Submit Your Application Online
The Residential Building Permit Web Form lets you:
- Submit residential building permit applications, revisions, and updates.
- Upload large project files directly through the web form.
- See tips and guidance along the way.
Submit Your Residential Building Permit Application
Residential Building Permit Web Form
Use Online Chat for Further Assistance
If you have a quick question or need more guidance, try the Chat feature on the bottom right corner of this page. Using Chat, Residential Intake staff can help you:
- Determine if a plan review is required for your project
- Learn what to expect during the plan review process
- Know what is needed for your application submission
- Link your project to your Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) account
Chat is available 7:45 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The Residential Intake Team will be unavailable on Wednesdays for chat in an effort to focus on catching up on previous requests to reduce overall wait times.
Services Provided by Residential Plan Review
- Preliminary Plan Review
-
A Preliminary Plan Review (PPR) allows the owner or owner's agent(s) to meet with plan reviewers to discuss preliminary design or code issues.
These meetings are designed to identify items that need to be addressed or modified before construction plans are submitted to the City for permit review.
All PPRs are coordinated by the Expedited Building Plan Review Program. Prices for a PPR vary depending on the disciplines involved and the number of disciplines requested. The fees are charged by each discipline’s hourly rate. Refer to the Expedited Review Website for a complete list of fees by review discipline.
- Express Permit (Minor Repairs)
-
Visit Express Permits to learn more about the types of projects that qualify for Express Permits. The residential property must not be located in a floodplain. The turnaround time to issue Express permits is one business day.
-
The following application types qualify as a Small Project:
-
Fence (PDF)
-
Residential Pool and/or Uncovered Deck Permit Application (PDF)
An uncovered wood deck does not qualify as a small project due to the extensive technical review that is required.
Small Projects will be billed at the Small Projects Plan Review rate as per the adopted fee schedule:
Residential Building Plan Review & Permit Fees (PDF)If the scope of the project exceeds that of a small project(s), the plan review (PR) will need to be withdrawn and the project resubmitted using the New Construction and Addition permit application:
Residential New Construction and Addition (PDF)
The review fees for the small project will not be refunded per the fee schedule or applied to the new permit application.
-
- New Construction / Addition / Remodel
-
- New Construction and Addition (PDF)
- New Condominium (PDF)
- New Townhouse (PDF)
Projects that exceed the limitations of an express permit or small project will be reviewed per the Residential Review Times. The chart below reflects new review times which became effective on May 16, 2017. These review times will be reviewed on an annual basis beginning in Fiscal Year 2018 and may be adjusted based on the availability of additional resources, the mandate of additional code requirements without additional resources, or a reduction of development within the City of Austin.
The review times are published in Section 15.7 of the Building Criteria Manual, and include the review times reflected below:
RESIDENTIAL PLAN REVIEW TYPE REVIEW TIMES
(Business Days)New Construction & Additions 15 Interior Remodels 5 Update Submittals and Revisions Matches Original Application Review Time Express Typically Same Day Demolition 5 Relocation 5 S.M.A.R.T. Housing 5 New Construction, Volume Builder Master Set*
Effective October 1, 201710 New Construction, Volume Builder Participant with approved Master Set* 5 * Volume Builder application review times revert to New Construction review times when an additional review group, such as Tree or Fire review is required. Master Sets are for Zoning and Technical review only as other reviews are performed during Subdivision, Site Plan, or formal review.
- New Construction and Addition (PDF)
- Homeowner’s Permit
-
For information about how to obtain a homeowners permit, please visit the Homeowner's Permit page.
- Volume Builder Program
-
As outlined in the BCM 4.5.0, the Volume Home Builder Program is an optional, expedited residential review process that enables volume builders to receive a faster turn around on residential permit applications for new construction. Learn more about the requirements and guidelines on how to apply for the Volume Builder Program.
- Demolition / Relocation Requirements
-
- Demolition Permit webpage
- Demolition Permit Application (PDF)
- Relocation Permit webpage
- Relocation Permit Application (PDF)
Relocation and demolition applications are forwarded to the Historic Preservation Office for review of historic applicability if the structure is 45 years old or older.
- Demolition Permit webpage
Processes and Requirements
- Work Exempt from Permit
-
A permit is not required for certain types of work. Please reference the Work Exempt section for each adopted code listed. Work exempt from permit must still comply with applicable Building Codes, City Codes, and all other applicable ordinances.
- Certificate of Compliance Program
-
Self-Certification for Certified Building Designers and Texas-licensed Architects is offered for certain qualifying projects.
Learn more about the Certificate of Compliance Program - The Permitting Process
-
- Preliminary Meeting. If an owner and/or the owner’s agents wish to meet with staff to discuss preliminary design and/or construction issues, request a Preliminary Plan Review Meeting (PPR) at any time before submitting a permit application to Residential Plan Review. These meetings, conducted by the Expedited Building Plan Review team, are designated to assist the owner and/or design team in identifying items that need to be addressed or modified before construction plans are submitted to the City for permit review. The PPR does not guarantee approval of plans. The Preliminary Plan Review meeting is required for any general pre-application consultation that needs more than 20 minutes.
Preliminary Plan Review Request Form (PDF)
- Prepare. Download the appropriate application and review checklists to determine what documentation you will need to gather for your permit application. View Residential Building Review applications and checklists.
- Expired Permits. All expired permits (building permits and trade permits (BP, MP, EP, PP) must be resolved. Click here to view permit history (complete "Search by Property" fields and date range.)
- Apply with the Residential Building Permit Web Form - Once your project is accepted for review, you will receive an invoice and link to upload all the required documents and drawings outlined within the application. The invoice can be paid on the AB+C portal. Once the invoice is paid, your project will be distributed for review, and your review time will start.
- Plan Review. Review staff reviews plans in the order they are received and based on the mandated review times. Once a review is complete, you will receive an approval notification or a Master Comment Report via email, which must be addressed by the owner or owner’s agent before permit application approval.
- Submit any corrections (Update) with the Residential Building Permit Web Form. Make corrections to the required documentation as outlined in the Master Comment Report. If you have questions about comments, reach out to the assigned reviewer for clarification, and they will respond to your email or call within 24 hours. If you need more than 20 minutes or need to meet with more than one review discipline, please schedule a Plan Review Consultation by contacting your reviewer directly. The coordinating reviewer will review your request and create an invoice. Once your update is accepted for review, you will receive an invoice (if applicable) and need to upload the updated documents and drawings. Please note that the full plan set must be submitted, not just the updated sheets, when submitting an update. The invoice can be paid on the AB+C Portal. You may have to repeat this step if deficiencies remain.
- Permit Issuance. Once the final reviewer approves your application, the plans go back to our coordinating reviewer, who finalizes the process. This step can take one to two days. Once the required permits have been created, you will receive an email indicating that the permit(s) are pending activation. To activate permits, please use the Service Center Request Form.
- Inspections. Once your permits have been activated, you may schedule a pre-construction meeting and then start construction and the inspection process. Visit Building Inspections for more information.
- Submit any Revisions with the Residential Building Permit Web Form. We understand changes can arise in the field for various reasons. Or you may have deferred submittals for certain items as allowed by code.
- Preliminary Meeting. If an owner and/or the owner’s agents wish to meet with staff to discuss preliminary design and/or construction issues, request a Preliminary Plan Review Meeting (PPR) at any time before submitting a permit application to Residential Plan Review. These meetings, conducted by the Expedited Building Plan Review team, are designated to assist the owner and/or design team in identifying items that need to be addressed or modified before construction plans are submitted to the City for permit review. The PPR does not guarantee approval of plans. The Preliminary Plan Review meeting is required for any general pre-application consultation that needs more than 20 minutes.
- Drawing Requirements
-
Drawing requirements depend on your project's work and scope and can be found on the Forms & Applications webpage.
- Review Times
-
These review times will be reviewed on an annual basis beginning in Fiscal Year 2018 and may be adjusted based on the availability of additional resources, the mandate of additional code requirements without additional resources, or a reduction of development within the City of Austin.
The review times are published in Section 15.7 of the Building Criteria Manual, and include the review times reflected below:
RESIDENTIAL PLAN REVIEW TYPE REVIEW TIMES
(Business Days)New Construction & Additions 15 Interior Remodels 5 Update Submittals and Revisions Matches Original Application Review Time Express Typically Same Day Demolition 5 Relocation 5 S.M.A.R.T. Housing 5 New Construction, Volume Builder Master Set*
Effective October 1, 201710 New Construction, Volume Builder Participant with approved Master Set* 5 * Volume Builder application review times revert to New Construction review times when an additional review group, such as Tree or Fire review, is required. Master Sets are for Zoning, and Technical review only as other reviews are performed during Subdivision, Site Plan, or formal review.
- Project Status
-
The status of your application can be checked online through the Austin Build +Connect (AB+C) Portal.
- Fees
-
The cost of a project depends on the scope of work. Please note that the permit fees are separate from the permit application fees.
- Revisions
-
Revisions are required for changes to construction permits, for adding or removing a trade permit, and for changes to the approved design, after the application for a permit has been approved and permits have been created and before the structure has passed final inspection. Submit any revisions with the Residential Building Permit Web Form.
- Standalone Trade Permits
-
Most Standalone Trade Permits can be requested directly through the AB+C Portal. Please visit the Stand-alone Building or Trade Permit webpage for any questions or issues.
- Variances
-
To request variances (or modifications) of Zoning site development regulations, off-street parking requirements, and sign regulations, visit the Board of Adjustment support web page.
Additional Reviews that may be required
- Visitability
-
The construction of a new dwelling unit with habitable space on the first floor must comply with the Visitability Ordinance.
Visitability Plan Sample (PDF)
- Zoning and Overlays
-
Check the zoning to determine if the property is within a zoning district that allows for that use.
- Tree Ordinance compliance
-
View submittal requirements and application instructions
- Subdivision Plat / Legal Lot Status
-
If the project is on a tract of land not platted in a subdivision filed on record with the City of Austin, the applicant will be directed to Land Development Information Services to determine if the project qualifies for a platting exception.
- Floodplain proximity
-
Projects within 100’ of the 100-year floodplain will require additional floodplain review.
- Erosion Hazard Zone
-
An Erosion Hazard Zone review is required whenever the property is within 100’ from the centerline of a creek/stream bed.
- Grading and Drainage
-
A Grading and Drainage review is needed when a storm inlet is within 10’ of a driveway curb cut.
- Austin Water Utility Taps
-
An Austin Water Utility Tap is needed whenever a new tap is added to the property.
- On-site Sewage Facility (OSSF)
-
An OSSF review is needed whenever a property has a septic system, and conditioned space is being added to the property, adding bedrooms, or increasing the footprint of development of the property (adding a pool, patio, garage, etc.).
- Fire Prevention
-
A Fire review is needed whenever the area of a structure exceeds 3,600 SF total under the roof, the property is located within 200’ of a hazardous pipeline, or a property owner wants to add a sprinkler system regardless of code requirements.
- Historic Applicability
-
Any structures 45 years old or older will be forwarded for review by the Historic Preservation Office. Properties that are zoned historic or are in a historic district will also be forwarded for review by the Historic Preservation Office.
New Procedures or Requirements
- Private Restrictive Covenants, City Zoning Laws, and City Permit Applications
- Residential Plan Review Appointment (Consultation) Fee
Though this is not a new fee, clarity on its administration is needed. The consultation fee will be used when staff spends extra time with an applicant to assist them in getting their permit application approved. The addition of this fee will be communicated to the applicant before it is added to the project and is only applicable to projects that are in the review process.
Forms and Applications
For a complete list of forms and applications visit the Residential Plan Review section of the Forms & Applications webpage.
FAQs
- What are setbacks?
-
Setbacks are the area of a property to remain free and open to the sky above. Limited items can be built in the setback and are outlined in the LDC section 25-2-513.[BS1]
However, other residential zoning classifications have different setbacks. Please refer to LDC section 25-2-492 for setbacks per zoning classification.
- What can encroach into a setback?
-
Limited items can project or be built in a setback. The City of Austin’s Land Development Code section 25-2-513 outlines these allowances. Please note that mechanical units and pool equipment are allowed in a required yard setback.
- What is Floor Area Ratio (FAR)?
-
FAR is the ratio of floor area to lot size. It determines how much building area can be built on certain properties.
- Can I do an interior remodel with a garage conversion?
-
The answer is yes. However, you will be required to fill out a Residential Interior Remodel Application and a Garage Conversion and Carport/Porch Enclosure application. The same drawings will be used for both applications; there is no need to duplicate the required submittal copies. We will create one folder for the review of both applications. The project’s plan review fees will be assessed under the Interior Remodel Plan Review Fee schedule based on the project's square footage. Only one Plan Review (PR) folder will be created in our database, and only one set of permits will be created for both applications. The review time will match the review time of the application type with the longest review time. Current information for review fees and review times can be found on our website.
- How many sides of a carport can I close with walls?
-
Carports shall be open on not less than two sides. Carports not open on two or more sides shall be considered a garage and comply with code requirements for garages. Reference code section: 2021 IRC R309.2 Carports.
- Is raising the roof of my house still considered an interior remodel?
-
Raising the roof of a house is considered an addition. When raising the roof of a house, a Residential New Construction and Addition Application shall be submitted. If the house is located in a condominium regime site plan, a Residential New Condominium Permit Application shall be submitted, and a Site Plan exemption may be required. Check with the Land Development Information Services (LDIS) if your home is in a condominium regime site plan to determine if your work requires a site plan exemption.
- Do I need a permit to build a deck less than 200 sq. ft. in an area not attached to the dwelling and less than 30” in height above the ground?
-
A deck with this description is not required to file an application for a building permit as long as it is not located in a flood-hazard area. Reference code section: R105.2 Work exempt from permit, Local Amendments to the 2021 International Residential Code. Be aware that work exempt from permit must still comply with the Residential Code and all other applicable laws and City Code requirements.
- When do I need a Structural Verification Report?
-
We require foundation plans, wind bracing plans, and framing plans for new construction. However, we allow a Structural Verification Report instead of structural drawings for the following project types:
- Conversion of a carport with an existing foundation open on no more than two sides to a single-story habitable space
- Interior remodels where no additions to the building are proposed
- Changes of use with remodel only where no additions to the building are proposed
- Verification of existing foundations less than ten years of age
- Verification of existing framing and wall bracing for structures between 5-10 years of age
- At the discretion of the reviewer or the building inspector as necessary to determine compliance with technical code requirements.
Reference code section: Building Criteria Manual (BCM) 4.4.4.6.
- Do I need a permit to build walkways (Flatwork) on my property?
-
Sidewalks and driveways not located in the Public Right of Way do not require a building permit. However, be aware that work exempt from permit must still comply with the Residential Code and all other applicable laws and City Code requirements. Reference code section: R105.2 Work exempt from permit, Local Amendments to the 2021 International Residential Code.
- What items need to be shown on a floor plan? Can I draw the drawings myself?
-
Floor plans are to include (but are not limited to) the following items: drawing scale, room labels, wall measurements, ceiling heights, doors and windows including sizes or schedule, smoke detector and carbon monoxide locations, dimensioned locations of new plumbing fixtures, handrail/guardrail locations, and room square footages. Drawings can be done by hand as long as they are legible, drawn to scale and provide the required information to perform a responsible review. A complete list of submittal requirements can be found in the Building Criteria Manual (BCM) 4.4.0: Residential Submittal Requirements.
- What are the requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units in Austin?
-
Visit Accessory Dwelling Units to learn more.
- Do I need a permit to build a fence?
-
Learn more on our Fencing Regulations webpage.
Questions?
Call Austin 3-1-1 (inside the city limits) or 512-974-2000 (outside the city limits).
Schedule an appointment for general questions.
The Residential Plan Review Team will be unavailable for phone and email inquiries on Fridays. To reduce overall project review times, team members will be focused exclusively on reviewing project updates.
If an appointment is needed to address review comments, please schedule with your assigned Reviewer.
We respond to calls and emails in the order received. Under normal conditions, we typically respond within 24 hours. We are experiencing unusually high volume results in longer response times for initial application processing. We appreciate your patience.