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Building Permit in Austin, Texas

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.

Reviewed 2026-09-06 · Source

When you need this permit

    Required documents

    Check off what you have — your progress is saved on this device.

      Fee schedule

      Filing fee
      Not published — contact the department

      Review timeline

      Plan reviewAustin’s published plan-review target
      10–10 business days

      How long did your Building Permit permit actually take in Austin?

      Anonymous — one question, no email. Answers are combined and only shown once at least 5 people have reported.

      Inspection process

      1. 1

        Building Pre-Construction

        Austin publishes a named inspection checklist for this stage.

      2. 2

        Building Layout/Foundation

        Austin publishes a named inspection checklist for this stage.

      3. 3

        Building Framing

        Austin publishes a named inspection checklist for this stage.

      4. 4

        Building Insulation

        Austin publishes a named inspection checklist for this stage.

      5. 5

        Building Interior Wallboard

        Austin publishes a named inspection checklist for this stage.

      6. 6

        Building Final

        Austin publishes a named inspection checklist for this stage.

      See the full Austin inspection guide — scheduling & re-inspection fees →

      Tips

      • Austin publishes 10 business days for New Construction & Additions.
      • Volume Builder review times revert to New Construction times when an additional review group, such as Tree or Fire review, is required.

      Frequently asked questions

      Austin requires a building permit for: . If your project isn't listed, confirm with Austin Development Services Department - Permitting and Development Center (PDC) at 512-978-4000 before starting work.

      Austin's published plan-review target for a building permit is 10–10 business days.

      Austin requires 6 inspection(s) for a building permit, in order: Building Pre-Construction, Building Layout/Foundation, Building Framing, Building Insulation, Building Interior Wallboard, Building Final. Schedule each through Austin Development Services Department - Permitting and Development Center (PDC) (512-978-4000).

      Apply through Austin Development Services Department - Permitting and Development Center (PDC) at 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.. Official information: https://www.austintexas.gov/development-services.

      Austin, Texas has adopted: 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. 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). Local amendments apply — see the Austin overview page for the full list.

      Sources & verification

      Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-06.

      Checklists & handouts

      Department & other records

      Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Austin building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

      Property Access

      Austin's permit history is searchable by address

      2,373,173 permits on record for Austin, 1921–2026 — searchable by street address, with permit type, status, issued date and valuation where the city publishes them.

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      Other permits in Austin

      Interior Remodel Building PermitMinor Repairs (Express Permit)DemolitionFence (Small Projects) Building PermitPool and/or Uncovered Deck Building PermitGarage Conversion / Porch EnclosureRelocation

      Building Permit in other cities

      El Paso, TexasSan Antonio, TexasAk-Chin Indian Community, ArizonaClifton, ArizonaDuncan, ArizonaEnglewood, ColoradoGunnison, ColoradoKanab, Utah

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