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The Volume Builder (VB) Program is an optional review process that enables volume builders to receive a faster turnaround on residential permit applications for new construction. After registering and being approved for the VB Program, builders can submit a Master Plan application for the subdivision or site plan for review and approval before moving forward with submitting applications for individual building permits. Yearly renewal is required. The VB Program is monitored for quality control of the program by an audit process. 

What you will find on this page:  

Volume Builder Program Registration and Renewal

Program Eligibility

To participate within the Volume Home Builder Program, subdivisions/or site plan must meet the following criteria: 

  • Have at least five single- or two-family dwelling units ready to be built on lots within the same subdivision, townhouse complex, or multi-family zoned lot designated for single- or two-family dwellings.
  • The subdivision must have a minimum of 10 lots, with the exception of amended plats already in the program. 
  • All developable lots must front a paved street.
  • Must have access to water/wastewater service and may not have a septic connection.

The following conditions will disqualify a subdivision from the program: 

  • Lots zoned within Subchapter F.
  • Lots that require a variance or waiver to any zoning or criteria manual requirement.
  • Lots that require a land status determination.
  • Within a specialized Zoning Designations (LA, DR, RR, MU, etc.).
  • Are subject to Airport or other Conditional Overlays.
  • Proximity to a floodplain, pipeline and curb inlet. 
  • Fall under a Neighborhood Plan (NP) or Neighborhood Conservation Combining District (NCCD).
  • Are within a National Registered Historic District (NRHD).
  • Model homes and other non-residential uses shall be submitted through the standard residential permitting process.
  • Lots within the subdivision or site plan with potential conflicts or requiring external reviews may be disqualified from the program at staff discretion.  

For additional information, refer to the Building Criteria Manual 4.5.5 - Lots not qualified for program inclusion.

Apply for the Volume Builder Program

If this is your first time submitting a Volume Builder Program registration, you must schedule an appointment with Volume Builder Team Lead, Gary Stubbins, Plans Examiner C reviewer to review the program guidelines and registration steps.  
 

  Prepare the required documentation

  Submit documentation 

Email the VB team lead, Gary Stubbins, Plans Examiner C, the following:

  1. Home Builder’s Certification Affidavit  
  2. A copy of the Letter Authorization  

The VB team lead will contact you about your approval into the program and provide further information for next steps.

 

Renewal

Near the end of the fiscal year, you will receive a notification with instructions for renewing your registration.

Audits

Audit Process & Requirements

To maintain quality control, audits will be conducted on each subdivision participating in the Volume Builder Program. The number of lots audited will be determined by calculating 5% of the total lots a builder is developing.

  • Volume Builder permit applications will be selected at random for audit.
  • Each audit will review compliance at the individual permit level, ensuring that the plans and documentation submitted match the approved Master Plan, including the Zoning Review Sheet (ZRS), application, and construction documents.

Audit Outcomes

Audits will result in either a Pass or Fail classification:

  • Minor Failures – Small errors such as typos, missing sheets, or other issues that do not affect the structure. Builders will be required to correct these issues, but they will not immediately impact participation in the program.
  • Major Failures – Occur when there are modifications to an approved prototype, the use of a non-approved prototype within a subdivision, or applications submitted for a subdivision that has not been approved. If audit failures exceed 5% of dwelling units within a calendar year (up to 10 findings), the builder’s registration in the program may be canceled for the remainder of the year.

If a builder’s registration is canceled due to non-compliance with the program, they may still submit applications through the Residential Plan Review Standard process.

Program Reinstatement

  • Builders removed from the program due to excessive failures may reapply starting January 1st of the following year.
  • To rejoin, the builder must attend a reinstatement meeting to confirm understanding of the program's compliance requirements.
  • If the builder chooses not to rejoin, they may proceed through the Residential Intake Process, which requires a 15-day review for individual permit approvals.

For additional information, refer to the Building Criteria Manual (BCM). 

Master Plan Application

The Volume Builder program is unique to every new subdivision or site plan, section, and phase. 

A new application submittal is required for:

  • Every new subdivision or site plan
  • A new section and phase to an approved Volume Builder subdivision or site plan
  • A new subdivision or site plan with prototypes to be rolled over from a previously approved subdivision

Before applying for a Master Plan, you must register and be approved for the Volume Builder Program and receive your Volume Builder ID. The team lead will provide the ID upon registration approval. 

Apply for a Master Plan

The applicant must have an AB+C Portal account to complete the application process for the City of Austin. If you do not have an AB+C account, please register for an AB+C Portal account as a first-time user. If you need help, please call Austin 3-1-1 or refer to the AB+C Manual. 

  Prepare required documentation

Prepare the following required documents for new applications. 

Supporting Documents

In the Supporting Documents section, you will need to upload the following:

  1. Master Review Application  (PDF)
  2. Address List - indicate lot split with details on plat plan or site plan
  3. Recorded Plat or approved Site Plan - in PDF format
  • Concurrent reviews with site plan reviews are allowed, but Master Review approval is contingent on Subdivision or Site Plan approval. 

Construction Documents

In the Construction Documents section, you will need to upload the following:

Prototype files

File naming convention of each prototype must indicate the plan name, number L or R, and elevations. For an update, include cycle 2 at the end of the file name. Submit vector-based PDFs of the architectural and structural drawings for the prototype. The prototypes must show all elevations options (if prototypes will have optional features).

Each prototype must include:

  • Architectural Plans - Plot plan, floor plan, visitability plan, elevations, and roof plan with ventilation and calculations
  • Supporting diagrams - Diagrams with options and/or fire resistant walls or firewalls, etc. showing what can be built with that prototype
  • Structural Plans - For framing and wind bracing, including associated details and notes.
  • Truss Layout Sheets (using pre-engineered floor and roof systems)
    • Sheets must include an engineering seal.
    • Truss depth, span direction, and spacing must be indicated. (BCM 4.4.4.2)
    • Full truss package is required by the field inspector but not during plan review
Additional documents, if applicable
  • Address plat
  • Lot split
  • Site specific construction plans with proper file name

The documents must be submitted in the appropriate sections (Supporting Documents and Construction Documents) in the AB+C Portal, as listed in this section.

  Submit Required Documentation

  1. Login to your AB+C Portal account.
  2. Click on "Apply for Permit/Cases".
  3. Select the "Plans Review - Residential" application type.
  4. Select "Volume Builder Master Plan Set" for the work type.
  5. Follow the prompts and fill in the information requested.
  6. Upload the required documents and select the correct description for your attachment (Supporting Documents and Construction Documents) as listed in Step 1.
  7. Continue to follow the prompts and submit.
     

  Pay Invoice

The application will be reviewed for completion within one business day of submission. 

If accepted, you will receive an email with a link to the AB+C Portal for invoice payment. 

If rejected, the email will include an explanation, such as missing documentation. Visit the How to Resubmit an Incomplete/ Rejected Application section for more information on how to resubmit.
 

  Plan Review

Once the payment has been made, the case will be distributed for review. Master Plan applications are reviewed within 10 business days.

Zoning Review Sheet

A Zoning Review Sheet will be issued detailing all compliance requirements for the subdivision as part of the address-specific submittal process. The builder must review the Zoning Review Sheet for accuracy, confirm compliance with applicable requirements, then sign and date it. This must be returned via email before the review can be completed and approved.

Technical Review

When the technical review is completed and additional information is needed, the applicant will receive the Master Comment Report. Any comments in the report must be addressed by the applicant and then reviewed by staff before the Master Plan is approved. If you have questions about the comments or need clarification, reach out to the assigned reviewer noted in the Master Comment Report. 
 

  Approval

When both technical and zoning review staff have approved the subdivision, an email notification is sent to the applicant with information for the approved subdivision. Applicants can then begin applying for address-specific volume builder permits.

Resubmit an Incomplete/Rejected Permit Application

To avoid duplicating a new plan review, please follow these instructions and do not submit it as a new application.

  1. Log in to your AB+C Portal account

  1. Go to "My Permits and Cases"

  1. Go to "My Applications"

  1. Select the incomplete application

  1. Scroll down to the "Edit & Continue" option.

  1. Re-submit your newly corrected PDF files as a whole set for the final record set. 

Volume Builder Permit

Once the Master Plan Application is approved, builders may submit individual building permit applications for the approved subdivision(s) or site plan(s).  

Apply for a Volume Builder Permit

  Prepare required documentation

General Requirements

  • Have an approved Master Plan application, you will need the reference number to submit your application.
  • All construction documents must be vector PDF files. 
  • Security settings applied to PDFs must allow reviewers to mark up, merge and apply stamps to the record set.  
    • If security settings do not allow for markup, such as approval stamps, the applicant must resubmit the application.
  • Submissions must be legible and free from pixelation, overlapping text, or mirrored/reversed content. 
  • Submittals must be address-specific, Master Plan sets will not be accepted.
  • Construction documents with an electronic seal by the design professional should be flattened to ensure compatibility with the reviewer's software. 
  • The AB+C  Portal account used by the applicant must match the applicant's details provided in the application. This is important because all automatic emails will be sent to the email address associated with the applicant's AB+C user account. 
  • If materials include design options that don't apply to this project, follow these steps: 
    • Mark all the applicable design options with a rectangle to avoid disrupting the drawing's design. 
    • Cross out any design options that shouldn't be included. 
    • Flatten all markings. 
  • Builders are responsible for handling changes in business details such as applicant names, general contractor details, tradesmen, or alterations in the business name by submitting updates through Building and Trade Contractor Services (BTCS). 

Construction Documents

Please keep in mind the following when submitting construction documents:

  • A truss package should not be submitted with the application. However, a stamped version is needed for inspections.
  • REScheck documents should not be submitted. These are not relevant to the City of Austin.
  • While relevant to the City of Austin, the IC3 document should not be submitted since it is not required for plan review. It will need to be uploaded to the Building Permit during insulation inspection. 
  • More detailed information for residential construction submittal requirements can be found in the Building Criteria Manual. 

Prepare the following required construction documents for new applications. Save them as vector PDFs in the order specified here:

  • Plot plan and relevant sheets of the site plan. Site plans are required for condominium projects.
  • Architectural plans, including floor plans, elevations, visitability exhibits, roof plans with ventilation calculations, and any other relevant submittals.
  • Structural plans, including foundation plans and details, framing plans and details, wind-bracing plans and details, and truss-placement layout stamped by a Texas Registered Engineer when floor and roof trusses are used. 

Supporting Documents

Please keep in mind the following when preparing the supporting documents:

  • Watch for overlapping papers during scanning and preparing the PDF files for submittal. 
  • Supporting documents may include vector or raster images and text. 
  • A Water/Wastewater Service Plan Verification (WWWSPV) form is not needed for the Volume Builder Permit application. 

For faster processing of your application, please save the supporting documents in the following order in a single vector or raster PDF file: 

  1. Signed Zoning Review Sheet - This is the Zoning Review Form signed by the applicant and the zoning reviewer during the Volume Builder Plan application process. 
  2. Application - Download and complete the appropriate application based on the type of new construction building project.  Save the signature using Adobe Acrobat or another software package and flatten the signature.
  3. BSPA and Plot Plan - These documents are not required for condominium applications.  
  4. Green Building Form, if applicable 
  5. S.M.A.R.T. Housing Certification, if applicable
     

  Submit Required Documentation

  1. Login to your AB+C Portal account.
  2. Click on "Apply for Permit/Cases".
  3. Select the "Plans Review - Residential" application type.
  4. Select "Volume Builder - Building Permit Application" for the work type.
  5. Follow the prompts and fill in the information requested. 
    • Follow these instructions for completing the description and scope of the work field:
      • When entering the details into the description box on the AB+C Portal, please write the plan name and number, elevation, left (L) or right (R) swing, and description of work. 
        • Here are examples of well-written descriptions:
          • Alexander 9563-A-L Is a New one-story single-family residence with (3) bedrooms, (2.5) bathrooms, an attached two-car garage, and a covered entry porch and patio.
          • Alexander 9563-A-L New 2-story Duplex. Unit A to have (2) bedrooms, (1.5) bathrooms, attached 1 car garage, covered entry porch and patio. Unit B to have (3) bedrooms, (2) bathrooms, attached 2 car garage, covered entry porch and patio.
          • New 3-story Townhouse Condominium
            • Units A and D are to have (3) bedrooms, (2.5) bathrooms, an attached 2-car garage, a covered entry, a porch, and a patio. Units B and C are to have (2) bedrooms, (1.5) bathrooms, an attached 2-car garage, a covered entry, a porch, and a patio. Plan Type Units A and D: Academy- 2088 L/R. Plan type Units B and C: Morelia -4261 L/R FR Building Height: 27 ft- 2 ½, Maximum Height: 27 ft- 8 1/2. Required Parking: 2. Required FFE: 898.46- above MSL. Site Plan #: SP-2015-0000C. Expiration Date: 03-8-2019.
          • New 2-story Duplex Condominium
            • Units A & B will have (3) bedrooms, (2.5) bathrooms, an attached 2-car garage, a covered entry porch and patio, and a balcony. Plan type Units A & B: Alexander 9563-A-L/R. FR Building Height: 19ft, Maximum Height: 19ft- 2 1/2. Required Parking: 2. Required FFE: 898.46- above MSL. Site Plan #: SP-2015-0000C. Expiration Date: 03-8-2019. 
  6. Upload the required documents and select the correct description for your attachment (Supporting Documents and Construction Documents) as listed in Step 1.
  7. Continue to follow the prompts and submit.

You will receive an email once fees have been posted.  
 

  Pay Invoice

After the invoice has been paid, the application will be released for plan review.

  Plan Review

Permit applications are reviewed within 5 business days after the invoice has been paid. 

Approved

You will receive an email once the permit application has been approved.

Rejected

If your application has been rejected, you will receive an email with a rejection notification and instructions on how to submit updates. 

Resources

Supplementary Forms
Residential Plan Review Checklists (For Reference Purposes)
Residential Inspection Checklists (For Reference Purposes)
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 permits obtain a reduced review fee for processing.

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

Contact Information

To set up a meeting to see if your project qualifies, or if you have any further questions, please e-mail the following Volume Builder Team Lead:
Gary Stubbins, Plans Examiner C

Related Links

Building Criteria Manual: Volume Builder Program
Volume Builder Forms & Applications