Austin building permits

Building department

Address

6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, TX 78752

Phone

512-978-4000

Email

GeneralPermits@austintexas.gov

Office hours

Chat and phone staffed 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Thursday; on Fridays staff are unavailable for online chat and phone inquiries. 3-1-1 after hours.

Website

Official site

Permit portal

Apply online at Austin's portal

Inspection guide

See how inspections work in Austin — sequence, scheduling & re-inspection fees.

Codes adopted

Texas adopts the International Residential Code as it existed on May 1, 2012 as the municipal residential building code, by statute rather than through a state agency. A municipality may adopt local amendments that add, modify, or remove requirements set by that code, and may review and consider later International Code Council changes but is not obliged to. The statutory edition does not advance on a cycle.

• 2024 International Building Code (ICC), adopted at City Code 25-12-1 with the deletions listed in that section
• 2024 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (ICC), with Appendices BA, BB, BF, BI, BJ, BK, BL, BM and BO
• 2026 National Electrical Code and Annex H (NFPA), adopted at City Code 25-12-61. Show full textShow less

  2026 National Electrical Code and Annex H (NFPA), adopted at City Code 25-12-61. The electrical edition is set at STATE level, not by Austin: TDLR adopts the NEC as the statewide electrical code under the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act, so this differing edition is a state mandate rather than a local choice. NOTE A LIVE DISCREPANCY: TDLR's own compliance guide still states the 2023 edition, effective 1 September 2023, while Austin's ordinance and Houston's permitting-centre notices both carry the 2026 edition. Recorded as a disagreement between official sources rather than resolved by picking one.

• 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (IAPMO) - Austin adopts the UMC, not the International Mechanical Code
• 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO) - Austin adopts the UPC, not the International Plumbing Code
• 2024 International Fire Code (ICC), with Appendices B and F
• 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (ICC), with Appendices CG, CH, CI, CJ, RE, RF, RJ and RK
• 2024 International Existing Building Code (ICC)
• 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (ICC)
• 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (ICC), with Appendices A, B, C and D
• 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ICC)

Permit types & fees

• Building Permit

  Required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, or convert a building or structure. Covers new construction and additions to single-family, duplex and two-family houses and accessory dwelling buildings on one lot.

  Fee not published→

• Interior Remodel Building Permit

  Required if a project changes structural components and/or adds or relocates plumbing, mechanical or electrical work inside an existing residence.

  Fee not published→

• Minor Repairs (Express Permit)

  Required for small residential projects including bathroom and kitchen remodels, drywall and foundation repair, insulation, roofing, siding, window replacement, and fire or vehicle damage repair.

  Fee not published→

• Demolition

  Required for all total demolitions and qualifying partial demolitions.

  Fee not published→

• Fence (Small Projects) Building Permit

  Required if a fence is located in a flood hazard area or is over 8 feet high.

  Fee not published→

• Pool and/or Uncovered Deck Building Permit

  Required for a prefabricated swimming pool accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, and for uncovered decks.

  Fee not published→

• Garage Conversion / Porch Enclosure

  Required to convert a garage or enclose a carport or porch on a residential property.

  Fee not published→

• Relocation

  Required to relocate a structure.

  Fee not published→