Interior Remodel

Overview | 1. Define | 2. Consult | 3. Apply | 4. Review | 5. Inspect

Apply

Residential permit applications, revisions, and updates can now be submitted with the Residential Intake Request Form. The form provides step-by-step guidance and links to download any required forms, and you will be able to upload completed forms and other documents directly in the form.

What Happens in Residential Plan Review?

Once you apply, a staff member will use a checklist called a Gold Sheet to perform a completeness check. Your application will be moved into the Review process. Reviewers will either approve your application or send you any required changes in the form of comments. This process typically takes about 15 business days.

What Documents Will I Need to Submit?

All interior remodel applications require:

1. Application

The Residential Interior Remodel Application can be filled out by you, an architect, or an engineer.

You’ll also need a demolition application if your project involves more than 50% of exterior walls. Learn more about the Demolition Permit process and requirements.

2. Plot Plan

A plot plan is a drawing that shows your home’s current footprint and any existing structures on your property. The plot plan must be drawn to scale by hand or on a computer. It can be prepared by you or a licensed professional. Use graph paper if you’re drawing your plot plan by hand to make it easier to draw to scale. If applicable, include any power lines that run above your property.

3. Floor Plan

The floor plan must be drawn to scale either by hand or on a computer. The floor plan can be prepared by you or a licensed professional. If possible, use graph paper to make it easier to draw to scale. We strongly recommend drawing your floor plan on 3 pages to help reviewers understand your drawings. If the reviewers can’t understand the drawings, your project will be rejected.

Use a separate page for:

  • existing walls and features that will be demolished,
  • existing walls and features that will remain intact,
  • and your proposed floor plan.

View sample exist/demo plan (PDF).

View sample proposed floor plan (PDF).

4. Elevation Plan

You don’t need an elevation plan for an interior remodel.

5. Structural Drawings

You’ll need structural drawings if you are removing a load-bearing wall or changing any structural components. Structural drawings refer to any bracing, framing or structural verification reports and should be completed by a licensed Texas engineer or architect.

Other Commonly Requested Documents
  • Owner’s Authorization Form: This form is only required if you are not signing the application. An engineer, architect, or any other hired professional will need your permission to submit your application. Use this form if they will submit your application for you.
  • Certified Tax Certificate or Warranty Deed: This form serves as proof of ownership of the property being work on.
  • Austin Water Utility Form: This form is required if you are adding bathrooms or doing any work that will promote you to the next water meter size. An example of this can be increasing from 3 to 3.5 bathrooms.
  • Homeowners Authorization Letter: There is a space for a homeowner’s signature on the application. You can choose to sign there instead of submitting a letter.
  • S.M.A.R.T. Housing Project Information: You were probably told if your home was part of the S.M.A.R.T. Housing initiative when you purchased it. If you participate in S.M.A.R.T. housing, you will need to include both a signed certification letter from Neighborhood Housing and Community Development (NHCD) and a signed conditional approval letter from Austin Energy Green Building.
  • Demolition Application: This is only required if your project involves more than 50% of exterior walls. Learn more about the Demolition Permit process and requirements.