Building Permits (Service Center)

The Service Center provides the following services:

Issues building permits
Issues applicable trade permits (plumbing, electrical, mechanical, irrigation)
Provides permit payment services
Registers licensed contractors (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and irrigation) to perform work. View contractor registration requirements and payment services.

When is a Permit Required?

A building permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, remove, convert, move or demolish any building or structure within in the City’s zoning jurisdiction or in certain Municipal Utility Districts.

All building plans must be reviewed and approved by Residential or Commercial Building Plan Review before a building permit is issued. A trade permit (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, irrigation) may also be required depending on the scope of work. To learn whether your project requires a permit, call us at 512-978-4000.

What happens after the permitted work has been completed?

Depending on the type of work that is permitted, an inspection is required. Click here to learn more about the type of inspections required during construction. Once the permitted work is completed, a final inspection is required. Upon Final Inspection, a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Compliance (CC) will be issued authorizing occupancy of the structure.

Do Permits Expire?

Permits remain active for 180 days, but will expire on the 181st day if the project has not received an inspection, or after the date of the last inspection that shows progress towards completion of the project. An expired permit must be resolved before a new building permit can be issued. To check whether an expired permit exists on your property, call 512-978-4000. You can resolve expired permits by following the expired permit process.

Can the homeowner perform the work?

A person who is not licensed to perform electrical, mechanical & plumbing work may perform work within a residence and on property owned by the person if eligibility requirements are met. This type of permit is a Homestead Permit.

View Eligibility requirements for a Homestead Permit.

Download Homestead Affidavit

What type of work is Exempt from Building Permits?

Click here to view work exempt from Building Permits. Please note that all work must still comply with applicable Building Codes, City Codes and applicable ordinances.