| Where to apply | Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) |
|---|---|
| Adopted codes | 2024 International Residential Code with City of Austin local amendments, effective July 10, 2025 |
| Review time | Express about one business day; interior remodels and small projects 5 business days; new construction and additions 10 business days; updates 7 business days (from July 1, 2026) |
| Contact | Austin 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 |
What Austin requires
- Homeowners can act as their own general contractor and, on their own homestead, pull electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits, except for the main electric service, refrigerant work on ducted systems, LP gas and auxiliary water systems.
- The city does not inspect residential foundations; a registered design professional's report confirming the foundation must be provided at the final inspection.
- Insulation cannot be installed until the framing inspection is approved.
- A permit expires on the 181st day if no inspection has been scheduled or received.
- Trees 19 inches or more in diameter on or next to the lot trigger tree review; floodplain review applies within 100 feet of the 100 year floodplain; historic review applies to houses 45 years or older when the exterior is demolished or modified.
- New dwelling units can owe Austin Water capital recovery (impact) fees, set by meter size and the plat date.
Austin permit fees
| Permit | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plan review, addition or remodel | From $197.23, rising with square footage |
| Plan review, new home | From $986.15 (up to 1,000 sq ft) |
| Small project review (garage conversion, pool, deck, fence) | $146.15 |
| Express permit review | $112.76 |
| Resubmittal after comments | $585.77 |
| Reinspection | $83.85 |
From the city's published fee schedule as of October 18, 2026. Fees are usually updated each fiscal year starting October 1.
Before you apply
- Confirm the address is inside Austin city limits. Land in the extraterritorial jurisdiction or unincorporated county follows Travis County rules instead of the city's building permit.
- Check the deed restrictions and get HOA approval if the neighborhood has one; cities do not enforce private restrictions, and HOA review is a separate step.
- Find out whether the lot is in a floodplain, on a septic system or near protected trees, since each adds a review.
- Pull the property's permit history so open or expired permits are dealt with before a new application.
How the process works
- Prepare the application and plans for the project type: a site or plot plan, floor plans and any structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical plans the city asks for
- Submit through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) and pay the review fee
- Answer the reviewer's comments, revising the plans where needed, and resubmit
- Once the permit is issued, schedule each required inspection in order and keep the approved plans on site
- Pass the final inspection; new homes and added living space then receive their certificate of occupancy or final approval
Texas licensing for remodeling trades
| Who | What Texas requires |
|---|---|
| General contractors | Texas has no state license for general contractors; cities register contractors locally (Austin, Cedar Park and Marble Falls, for example). |
| Electricians | Electrical work requires a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (apprentice, residential wireman, journeyman or master, working under a licensed electrical contractor). |
| Plumbers | Plumbing work requires registration or a license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (apprentice, tradesman, journeyman or master). |
| Air conditioning and refrigeration | TDLR registers technicians, certifies technicians who pass an exam, and licenses contractors, who need 48 months of experience and an exam. Registered technicians work under a licensed contractor. Handling refrigerant also requires EPA Section 608 certification. |
| Homeowners | Many cities let homeowners pull permits for their own homestead. In Austin that includes electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, with exceptions such as the main electric service and refrigerant work. |
Sources: TDLR: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors; TDLR: Electricians; Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners; City of Austin Homeowner's Permit.
Project permit guides
Our project guides go deeper on each type of work, with City of Austin review tracks, documents and fees that are a useful reference for any city in the metro: kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, whole home renovation, home addition, ADU (additional dwelling unit), garage conversion, new garage, deck and patio cover, swimming pool, new home and investor and flip renovation.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply for a building permit in Austin?
Through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C). Questions go to Austin 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000.
Which building code does Austin use?
2024 International Residential Code with City of Austin local amendments, effective July 10, 2025.
How long does permit review take in Austin?
Express about one business day; interior remodels and small projects 5 business days; new construction and additions 10 business days; updates 7 business days (from July 1, 2026).
Sources
- City of Austin Residential Plan Review
- City of Austin Homeowner's Permit
- City of Austin Building Inspections
- City of Austin Building Technical Codes
- City of Austin fee schedule (FY 2026–27)
- Austin Water rates and fees
Related
General information gathered from official sources on October 18, 2026, not legal advice. Codes, fees and procedures change; we confirm them for your address during the free consultation and handle the permit for you.