Volume Builder Program

The Volume Builder Program is an optional expedited review process that enables volume builders to receive a faster turnaround on residential permit applications for new construction.

Builders interested in participating must complete an initial registration form and submit the required documentation.

Once the required documentation is submitted, it is assigned to review staff for acceptance into the program. If accepted, the builder will be eligible to submit building permits through the Volume Home Builder Program.

Initial Registration

• The builder must sign and notarize a Home Builder Certification Affidavit ^(PDF).
• Registration is renewed annually for continuance in the program.
• An appointment is required to establish an initial registration.

Master Review Application submittal requirements

The Volume Builder Status is unique to every new subdivision or site plan, section, and phase.
A new application form is required for every new subdivision or site plan, and before starting permitting in a new section or phase of a volume builder approved subdivision or site plan.
A new application form is also required to add prototypes to an approved volume builder subdivision or site plan. View/download Master Review Application ^(PDF).

The following documents are required in PDF form with your Master Review Application:

1. PDF of the recorded plat or approved Site Plan
   Including general notes, address plat or address log, and lot split.
   Concurrent reviews are possible but the Master Review will not be approved until the Subdivision or Site Plan is approved.
    
2. A vector-based PDF file of the Left and Right-hand versions of the prototype plans to be built in separate files.
   Each prototype should include all architectural and structural drawings for the prototype. The prototypes must show all elevation types and all possible options (if prototypes will have optional features).
   • Architectural Plans (Floor, Ceiling, Roof, Visitability Diagram), Elevations and Sections as applicable and required to show compliance with code.
      
   • Structural Plans for Framing and Wind Bracing, including associated details and notes.
      
   • Truss Layouts when pre-engineered floor and roof systems are employed. The truss package is not necessary at plan review but will be required by the field inspector. The truss layout needs to indicate the truss depth, span direction, and spacing at a minimum.

Residential Volume Builder Applications

After the Master Review Application is approved, the applicant will be able to start submitting applications for a permit in the volume builder approved subdivision(s) or site plan(s).

• View/download the Residential Volume Builder Permit Application ^(PDF) 
• View/download the Residential Volume Builder Condominium Application ^(PDF) 
• View/download the Residential Volume Builder New Townhouse Application ^(PDF) 

The submittal process is paperless. All applications must be submitted through the Austin Build + Connect website.

Follow the Austin Build + Connect Application Guidelines and Requirements to speed processing and ensure that all required materials are submitted.

Supplementary Forms

• Billing Information Form  ^(PDF) 
• Austin Energy - Building Service Planning Application (BSPA)  ^(PDF) 
• Austin Water - Water & Wastewater Service Plan Verification  ^(PDF) 
• Owner's Authorization Letter ^(PDF) 
• Plan Review Revision Form ^(PDF) 
• Request for Extension, Withdrawal, or Reactivation ^(PDF) 
• Request for Modification or Alternate Method of Compliance Form ^(PDF) 

Residential Plan Review Checklists (For Reference Purposes)

• Residential Zoning ^(PDF) 
• Technical Review ^(PDF) 
  • Technical Review Handout ^(PDF) 

Residential Inspection Checklists (For Reference Purposes)

• Building Final ^(PDF) 
• Building Foundation ^(PDF) 
• Building Framing ^(PDF) 
• Building Insulation ^(PDF) 
• Building Layout ^(PDF) 
• Building TCO ^(PDF) 
• Building Wallboard ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Final ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Ground ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Rough ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Slab ^(PDF) 
• Electrical Temporary ^(PDF) 
• Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction ^(PDF) 
• Mechanical Final ^(PDF) 
• Mechanical Rough ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Final ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Rough ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Sewer Yard Line ^(PDF) 
• Plumbing Top-Out ^(PDF) 
• Swimming Pool and Spa ^(PDF) 

Review Times

Current review times are 10 business days for Master Review and 5 business days for permit applications.

Excluded lots are subject to a 15-business-day turnaround. View current review times.

Fees

Initial registration and annual registration renewal fees are required.

The Master Review application requires a Zoning Review and a Prototype Technical Review per prototype, left and right garage orientation. Individual applications for permit obtain a reduced review fee for processing.

A resubmittal fee per Master Review case applies after the second resubmittal.
View Residential Review fees.

Audits

Audit reviews will be performed. Documented findings of non-compliance are notified to the applicant.

Major errors on 5% or more (not exceeding 10) of the dwelling units per calendar year could cancel registration for one year.

Exclusions

Lots with potential conflicts or requiring external reviews may be disqualified from the program at staff discretion. The applicant will be notified of excluded lots. View a list of lots with potential conflicts.

Model homes and other non-residential uses shall be submitted through the standard residential permitting process.

Contact Information

To set up a meeting to see if your project qualifies, or if you have any further questions, please e-mail one of the following staff members:

Gary Stubbins, Plans Examiner C