Visit the PDC

Make an Appointment

Departments at the PDC offer appointments to help answer your development and permitting questions. You can book a virtual or in-person appointment on the PDC Appointment Scheduler webpage. Appointments are available the next business day, but same-day appointments are not offered. Appointment timeframes vary based on the type of service requested. If you need help scheduling an appointment or determining the correct appointment type, please call 512-978-4504 during business hours.

Walk-In Services

We’ve expanded our services, appointments, and ways to connect with us at the Permitting and Development Center (PDC), giving you more flexible options and opportunities to meet with staff and walk away ready to start your next project.

Available in-person Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.:

• Walk-in Appointments: Walk-in appointments are available for Residential and Commercial Plan Review, Building and Trade Contractor Services (BTCS), Land Use Assistance, Land Use Review, Community Trees, and Public Projects. Simply check in with the reception desk when you arrive. You can also continue to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment on our website.
• Building & Trade Contractor Services (BTCS): Get registered as a contractor, renew your license registration, activate permits for approved plan reviews, or reactivate a permit (first time only).  You may activate up to three building permits per day and reactivate one project per day.
• Residential Express Permits: Qualifying minor home repair permits with no historic or floodplain review may be processed within the same day. You are limited to one permit application per day.
• Commercial Re-Roofing Permits: Re-roofing permits (shingles and re-roof overlay only) for a single building may be processed within the same day. You are limited to one permit application per day.

Getting There

The PDC is located just four miles from downtown and three miles from the University of Texas at Austin. It is easily accessible using IH-35, US-290, or US-183.

Highland is also adding trails, bike-friendly streets, and connections to the MetroRail station to enhance the existing transportation infrastructure.

Parking 

The PDC includes six levels of on-site parking for customers and employees, including 20 EV charging stations on Level 2. Please keep in mind that only Level 1 has 8 feet of clearance for taller vehicles. Other levels only have 7 feet of clearance.

All entry points to the Permitting and Development Center (PDC) parking garage are gated, and visitors will pay a parking fee for visits more than 30 minutes. Validation will be provided to City employees doing business at the PDC, people voting in an election, members of the news media, and those participating in active Board and Commission meetings conducted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and posted on the Austin City Clerk’s website. For more information on parking rates, visit the City-Owned Parking Garage webpage.

Bus and Rail Routes

MetroRail

• Red Line: service between Leander and downtown Austin

High-Frequency Routes

• 801: MetroRapid, limited-stop service
• 7: Metrobus Local, local-stop service    
• 300: Metrobus Local, local-stop service

Regular Routes

• 337: Metrobus Local, service in outlying areas
• 350: Metrobus Local, service in outlying areas
• 324: Metrobus Local, service in outlying areas
• 1: Metrobus Local, service downtown

Walk and Bike

Beyond transit and driving, you have some eco-friendly ways to access the new PDC and explore the area.

Many surrounding streets have dedicated bicycle lanes and sidewalks to support walkability.

The nearby Red Line Trail is accessible from near the new PDC. This trail, part of a City of Austin mobility initiative, is expected to expand in the coming years. Access the Red Line Trail from either the Highland Station end or from the Lamar Blvd. end. The trail provides a 0.7-mile one-way distance for walking, biking, and everything in between.

To learn more about new ways to get to the building, visit the Commute Solutions website.

For more information on public transportation near the PDC, visit the Austin Capital Metro website.

Within a short walk from the PDC:

• Highland Station (Red Line MetroRail)
• The Linc
• Gold’s Gym
• Austin Community College Highland Campus
• Galaxy Highland 10 Theatre
• Red Line Trail

Checking in for an Appointment

Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in.  

• Reception: The receptionist checks you in and contacts staff to escort you to your appointment. Meet staff near the elevators at least five minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Self Check-In (DSD only at this time): The check-in kiosk, located in the waiting area, allows you to check in online for your appointment. Staff escorts are still required when you arrive for your appointment.
• Help: For appointment assistance, please call 512-978-4504.

Paying for Services

You can make payments for development-related and code compliance fees with Austin Development Services at the PDC. 

In-Person Payment Options

• Cashier: Cashiers can accept payment via credit card (less than $10,000) and check. The PDC Appointment Scheduler allows customers to “get in line” to make a same-day payment.
• Kiosk: Our kiosk will accept on-site cash payments. 

Online Payments 

Customers may continue to pay for development-related services online through the Austin Build + Connect Portal, using a credit card or direct bank (ACH) draft. 

For more information on making payments with Austin Development Services, visit our Bill Payment and Cashier Services webpage.