Building plans for Residential Houses
The Residential Plan Review Division reviews new construction, additions, interior remodeling and demolition of single-family, duplex or two family houses and/or accessory buildings on one lot. Residential construction projects are reviewed for compliance with Chapter 25-2 of the Land Development Code, the 2015 International Residential Code, and Chapter 25-12, Technical Codes (local amendments).
Depending on the type of construction and location, residential plans may also be reviewed for compliance with the following applicable regulations:
New!
Review Times - New review times became effective on May 16, 2017. Click here to view updated times
Updated Instructions for Residential Tree Reviews - Click here to view new requirements
Openings in Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) - Click here to view new requirements
Reasonable Accommodations under the Fair Housing Act - On February 16, 2016, the City Council adopted Chapter 2-14 of the City Code which allows City staff to modify a City of Austin requirement (related to residential property) for a person with a disability, and outlines a process for how to request reasonable accommodations. Click here for more info
Express Permits
Certain projects qualify for an Express (same day) permit provided there are no unresolved issues. View a list of projects that qualify as Express projects.
An Express Permit application may be submitted in person during Walk-In Hours (see below), or via email at pdrdexpresspermits@austintexas.gov. Please allow 3-5 business days for processing if submitted via e-mail.
Before submitting an application:
- Separate permits are required for plumbing, mechanical (air conditioning and heating), and electrical work.
- After a building permit is issued, inspections must be performed.
- All necessary forms and documents must be submitted with each application.
- Relocation and demolition applications are forwarded to the Historic Preservation Office, 5th Floor, for review of historic applicability if the structure is over 40 years old.
Office Hours:
All services available Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8am to Noon.
Consultations: For general questions regarding Residential Permit Application review processes and procedures, or for basic development-related questions, the Residential Review Division will continue to provide free walk-in sessions. To manage the large volume of customers, walk-in sessions are limited to 20 minutes. Customers may seek a one-hour consultation by paid appointment ($67 + 4% surcharge) for project-specific feedback or interpretation of the Austin City Code. For a one-hour consultation, please complete the Consultation Request Form and submit during Intake Hours (see below) or e-mail your form to Daniel.Word@austintexas.gov.
Don't want to wait in line for service? Use our Customer Service Check-In feature to check in for services remotely from home, office or mobile device. You can also check-in for service by clicking on the image on the left side of this page.
