| Where to apply | City of West Lake Hills Building & Development |
|---|---|
| Adopted codes | Confirm the adopted code editions with the city |
| Review time | Not published; the development coordinator can say whether a pre-application meeting is needed |
| Contact | City of West Lake Hills Building & Development |
What West Lake Hills requires
- Single family lots of half an acre or more are limited to 25 percent impervious cover; smaller lots on central wastewater can qualify for a bonus.
- A remodel or addition application typically needs a current certified tree survey with size and species, and the existing and proposed impervious cover.
- Swimming pools need a separate permit.
- Under the drainage manual, projects adding 1,000 square feet or more of impervious cover, or exceeding 20 percent total, move into a more detailed review category.
Fees
West Lake Hills charges permit and inspection fees set by city ordinance. We did not find a current residential fee schedule on the city website, so we confirm the fees for your project with the city before we quote.
Before you apply
- Confirm the address is inside West Lake Hills 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 City of West Lake Hills Building & Development 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 West Lake Hills?
Through City of West Lake Hills Building & Development. Questions go to City of West Lake Hills Building & Development.
Which building code does West Lake Hills use?
Confirm the adopted code editions with the city.
How long does permit review take in West Lake Hills?
West Lake Hills does not publish a standard residential review time; the development coordinator can say whether a pre-application meeting is needed. Complete plans that answer the checklist the first time are the best way to avoid extra review rounds.
Sources
- West Lake Hills: Building & Development FAQs
- West Lake Hills: Drainage and Erosion Control Design Manual
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.