Which permit you need
- Express Permits for qualifying work: windows replaced size for size, siding, insulation, drywall and like for like kitchen or bath work.
- Interior Remodel or Addition permits for layout, structural or system changes.
- An Acknowledgment of Expired Permits when earlier permits were never closed.
Austin application and review time
| Application | Review time |
|---|---|
| Express Permit | typically same day to one business day |
| Interior Remodel | 5 business days |
| New Construction or Addition | 10 business days |
| Update submittal after comments | 7 business days |
What to submit
- Permit history from the city's Public Search, reviewed before closing
- Scope split into Express and full review items
- Complete floor plans for any layout change
Austin permit fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Express Permit plan review | $112.76 |
| Interior remodel, 500 sq ft of work (review fee) | $1,048.15 |
| Reinspection, per failed or incomplete inspection | $83.85 |
| 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
- Unpermitted additions and garage conversions show up in appraisals and buyer inspections
- Failed inspections cost a reinspection fee and days on the calendar
- Contractors must be registered with the city to activate permits
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 an investor and flip renovation in Austin?
Flips and rental renovations need the same permits as any remodel, and they run into one problem more often: old work that was never permitted or closed out. Check the permit history before you buy, use Express Permits where the scope allows, and permit the rest so the sale and the buyer's financing are not held up.
How long does investor and flip renovation permit review take in Austin?
Express Permit: typically same day to one business day. Interior Remodel: 5 business days. New Construction or Addition: 10 business days. Updates after comments take about 7 business days each.
What does an investor and flip renovation 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, 500 sq ft of work (review fee) $1,048.15; reinspection, per failed or incomplete inspection $83.85. 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.