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Inspect 

Inspections are required as you build and when you’re finished with the project. Inspections make sure all of your work is safe and that your project will last a long time.

What Inspections Will I Need?

A list of the required inspections for your project will be printed on the permit you receive. Depending on the project scope, not all inspections will be required.

Who Can Schedule Inspections?

A licensed contractor, the homeowner (if listed as the general contractor on the permit), a Master Trade Contractor, or official agents registered under the contractor can schedule an inspection. To assign an agent, complete the Inspection Agent Letter of Authorization (PDF).

The permit holder is responsible for keeping a permit active by performing work towards completion of the permitted project by scheduling an inspection until all permits receive a "Final" status. The permit will expire if the work is completed and an inspection is not scheduled within 180 days.

How Do I Schedule My Inspections?

Inspections can be requested online, or by phone. Inspections requested before 6:00 a.m. will be scheduled for the same business day. Inspections requested after 6:00 a.m. will be scheduled for the following day.

  • Online at Austin Build + Connect

    • You must be a registered user. If not registered, you can register online.

    • Click on "My Inspections" in the Menu option and follow the prompts.

    • If you are experiencing difficulty, call 3-1-1.  If outside the City limits, please call 512-974-2000.
       

  • By Phone on the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System

    • Make sure you have your IVR personal identification number (PIN).

    • To get an IVR PIN, complete the form Inspection Agent Letter of Authorization and Request for IVR PIN Number (PDF).

    • You can also request a form by calling 3-1-1.

    • Upon completion, e-mail the form to building.inspections@austintexas.gov and a PIN number will be assigned upon submittal. 

    • Call the IVR number: 512-974-9405

    • Choose among:

      • Schedule Inspections (see requirements below)

      • Obtains status on inspections

      • Cancel the Inspection.

    • Enter your IVR PIN.

    • Enter your ten-digit permit number.

    • Enter the three-digit inspection code. Your required inspections and related Codes are noted on the printed Permit.

Note: Inspections are usually performed within 24 hours after scheduling, but an inspector's workload can delay a scheduled inspection until the next business day or 48 hours after scheduling.

Do I need to be home for my inspection?

If the home is occupied, meaning there is furniture and it looks like people are living there, someone over the age of 18 will need to be home for the inspections. If the home is completely vacant, you do not need to be home when you schedule your inspection.

If you don’t need to be home during your inspection, you must clearly post your permitted plans and your permit for your inspector.

What Happens During Inspection?

The inspector will inspect your work based on the approved building plans and their checklists. They will identify any needed improvements and use the following checklists.

Your inspector is a great source of information and can answer questions about meeting building and safety requirements.

Final Inspections

Your project is complete once you pass your final inspections. The inspector will email you your Certificate of Occupancy while they are on your property or when they return to their office. This will close your permit and mark it as complete in city records.

It is important to close your permits. If you don’t, it may prevent you or future homeowners from receiving permits on your property. Learn more about expired permits.

What if I don’t pass my final inspections?

The inspector will let you know why you did not pass. You may not have passed your inspection because:

  • you didn’t do everything you needed to do in order to pass, like following the reviewer’s comments,
  • or you did something that was not included in the plans.

You must make any needed changes and reschedule your final inspection before your permit expires.

Permits are only valid for 180 days. However, each time you get an inspection and work is done on the project, your permit is extended an additional 180 days. 

If the required changes are taking longer than 180 days to make, you may request an extension using the Service Center Request Form. This type of extension is only allowed once.

Remember, you must pass your final inspection in order to close your permits.