Certain things can prevent you from receiving a permit.

Having an expired permit, maxing out your impervious cover, or both can prevent you from getting your building permit. If you have one of the following permit types and they have expired, you’ll need to get them resolved before you can move forward with your project.

  • Building Permit (BP)
  • Mechanical Permit (MP)
  • Electrical Permit (EP)
  • Plumbing Permit (PP)

When Does My Permit Expire?

Permits have a 180-day lifespan starting on the day they are issued or from the most recent in-progress inspection. Permits close on the day you pass your final inspections. Your permit will expire if your project hasn’t been inspected or approved by day 181.

How can I check for expired permits?

You can visit Austin Build + Connect to search for an expired permit.

The City of Austin makes every effort to produce and publish the most current and accurate information possible. No warranties, expressed or implied, are provided for the data herein, utilization of the search facility indicates understanding and acceptance of this statement by the user.

Create a New User Profile:

Visit Austin Build + Connect. Click on “Login/Register” to create an online profile.

  • If you are already have a profile, enter your email and password in the Registered User field.
  • If you are a Registered User but forgot your password, click on “Reset Password” and follow the prompts sent to your email address.

Continue creating a New Profile. Enter your personal information on the following page and click on “Submit.”

You will receive an email with your unique PIN number and a link. Follow the link to finish setting up your profile.

  1. Open the email you receive from web.registration@ci.austin.tx.us and copy or write down your PIN.
  2. Click on the link in the email to complete your profile. You can also copy and paste the link into your browser, then press “Enter” on your keyboard. The link will take you back to the Austin Build + Connect page.
  3. Log In with your email, password and PIN on Austin Build + Connect to access your profile.
  4. You will see several navigation links on the Austin Build + Connect page. Your permit information will automatically appear on the center of the page under “My Permits”. If your permit is not found, you will see the following information:
  5. Follow the instructions to find your permit.

To search for permit information:

Visit Austin Build + Connect.

Enter at least one search field to find a permit:

  • Permit Number
  • FolderRSN or Row ID
  • Case Number
  • Property/Project Name/Types/Date Range: If you use this option, enter as much information as possible and enter a large date range. Ex: 1920-2017

I Have Expired Permits

There are two ways to resolve expired permits.

1. Re-permit the project with a new permit application

This is the best option if the old project is impacted by the new project. For example, if you are working on the same structure but it now has an expired permit, you will need to get a new permit. It’s important to let the reviewer know you intend to resolve the expired permit under the “project description” of the new permit application.

2. Get a separate inspection

You may still need a separate inspection even if your old project won’t be impacted by the new work. If the new project doesn’t impact the old project, or you want a separate inspection, you need to fill out the following two forms and include them with your new application:
Request for a Permit Extension, Withdrawal, or Reactivation,
And Acknowledgement of Expired Permits form.

Be sure to include the expired permit numbers and property address where necessary.

What If I Maxed Out on Impervious Cover?

Building a deck or shed, or adding square footage to a current structure will increase your amount of impervious cover. If this sounds like your project, then you will need to schedule a free 20 minute in-person consultation to review your options. Reviewers may be able to help you adjust your plans so that you meet the impervious cover limits.

If your project will not increase impervious cover, then your permit will most likely be approved.