Which permit you need
- Express Permit: tub or shower conversions and remodels that only remove tub, shower or sink surround drywall, without moving or adding fixtures.
- Interior Remodel permit: relocating drains or supply lines, changing walls, enlarging the bathroom or adding a new one.
- A plumbing permit pulled by a licensed plumber is needed for most fixture work.
Austin application and review time
| Application | Review time |
|---|---|
| Express Permit | typically same day to one business day |
| Interior Remodel | 5 business days |
| Update submittal after comments | 7 business days |
What to submit
- Existing and proposed floor plans with dimensioned plumbing fixtures
- Ceiling heights, door and window sizes, and exhaust fan location
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm locations as required
- Structural information if walls change
Austin permit fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Express Permit plan review | $112.76 |
| Interior remodel, 100 sq ft of work (review fee) | $197.23 |
| Application processing fee | $112.76 |
| Resubmittal after comments, if needed | $585.77 |
Plan review fees from the City of Austin Residential Building Plan Review and Inspection Permit Fees, effective October 1, 2026. Building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspection permit fees are charged separately by square footage; see the city fee schedule.
What to watch for
- Moving a drain on a slab means saw cutting and trenching, inspected before the slab is patched
- Bathroom exhaust must vent outdoors
- Shower waterproofing is not a permit item, but it decides whether the job lasts
How to get approved faster
Check the permit history first. Search the property on the City of Austin Public Search. If old permits expired, file the Acknowledgment of Expired Permits with your application; unresolved permits are a common reason for delays.
Know which rules apply to the lot. Use the city's Property Profile to see zoning, Subchapter F (the residential design standards that set height and setback planes in much of central Austin), floodplain and historic status. Floodplain review is required within 100 feet of the 100 year floodplain.
Check deed restrictions and the HOA yourself. The city does not enforce private deed restrictions; the applicant is responsible for them, and HOA approval is a separate step.
Make the floor plans complete. The city lists what reviewers look for: scale, room labels and square footage, wall dimensions, ceiling heights, door and window sizes, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm locations, plumbing fixtures, and handrail and guardrail locations, with existing and proposed plans when anything changes.
Get the structural documents right. New construction needs foundation, wind bracing and framing plans. For some projects, such as interior remodels without additions, a Structural Verification Report from an engineer can be used instead.
Deal with trees up front. Trees 19 inches or more in diameter on or next to the lot trigger tree review. Locating them on the site plan before design avoids redesigns later.
See all approval tips and review times.
Outside the City of Austin
| City | Where to apply | Review time |
|---|---|---|
| Austin | Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) | 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) |
| Round Rock | City of Round Rock permit portal | About 30 business days for a single family remodel after the application is accepted; no expedited review |
| Cedar Park | MGO Connect | Not published; ask Building Inspection |
| Georgetown | MGO Connect | Not published; ask Building Inspections |
| Pflugerville | Public Access Permitting Portal | Not published; ask Building Inspection and Permits |
| Leander | Development Hub | About 10 days for the first review of an addition or remodel; about 5 days per review for pools |
| Hutto | City of Hutto building permits | Not published; ask Building & Code Enforcement |
| Manor | MyPermitNow (GovWell), since May 27, 2026 | Not published |
| Lakeway | Civic Self Service | Not published |
| Bee Cave | City of Bee Cave Building Permits & Inspections | Not published |
| West Lake Hills | City of West Lake Hills Building & Development | Not published; the development coordinator can say whether a pre-application meeting is needed |
| Dripping Springs | City of Dripping Springs Building Department | Not published |
| Kyle | Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal | Not published |
| Buda | City of Buda Building Codes & Inspections | Typically 10–15 business days, with more rounds if there are compliance issues |
| San Marcos | MGO Connect | Not published |
| Liberty Hill | City of Liberty Hill Building Permits & Inspections | Not published |
| Taylor | City of Taylor Building Permits | Not published |
| Bastrop | City of Bastrop Building & Permitting | Not published |
| Lockhart | City of Lockhart Development Services | Not published |
| Marble Falls | City of Marble Falls Building Division | Not published |
Outside city limits: Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Bastrop County and Caldwell County permits for unincorporated land.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel in Austin?
In Austin, a tub to shower conversion or bathroom refresh that keeps fixtures in place can use an Express Permit. Moving the toilet, shower or vanity drain, or changing walls, needs an Interior Remodel permit with a 5 business day review.
How long does bathroom remodel permit review take in Austin?
Express Permit: typically same day to one business day. Interior Remodel: 5 business days. Updates after comments take about 7 business days each.
What does a bathroom remodel permit cost in Austin?
Plan review fees under the City of Austin schedule effective October 1, 2026 include: express permit plan review $112.76; interior remodel, 100 sq ft of work (review fee) $197.23; application processing fee $112.76. Inspection permit fees for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work are separate.
Related
General information gathered from official city sources on October 18, 2026, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, usually each October; we confirm them for your address during the free consultation and handle the permit for you.