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Land Development Information Services

Land Development Information Services (LDIS) provides one-on-one coaching in our office, virtually and by phone, to Land Development applicants, small business owners, and homeowners who are planning to submit an application to the Development Services Department and exceptions from certain Land Development application processes.

Development Compliance Letters

A Development Compliance Letter is intended to provide official confirmation that development on a site was completed to approved plans, confirm that there are no zoning code violations, and provide information about re-constructability in the event of a loss.
 

How to Apply

step 1   Submit an Application

Download and complete the Development Compliance Letter (PDF), and obtain a site survey. Then, submit the documents using the Development Compliance Letter Web Form.

Development Compliance Letter Web Form 

step 2   Pay your Fee

Once we review your submission, the fee must be paid on the AB+C Portal before the review can begin.
 

step 3   Receive your Letter

The Development Compliance Letter will be processed and emailed to the requester. If staff cannot process the letter for any reason, we will notify the applicant via email.

Land Status Determination (Platting Exception)

A Land Status Determination is an exception to the Land Development Code’s platting requirements. Approval of a Land Status Determination is NOT a building permit. Please visit the Subdivision webpage for detailed information about the Land Status Determination process and how to apply. 

Sign Permits

Visit the Sign Permits webpage for helpful information to assist you with determining your sign district, what the submission requirements are, how to apply for Austin sign permits, and how to request more information.

Site Plan Correction

Site Plan Corrections are minor changes to an approved site plan while the site is actively under construction. Please visit the Site Plans, Corrections, and Exemptions webpage for detailed information about how to apply for a Site Plan Correction.

Site Plan Exemption

A Site Plan Exemption is a small-scale development or zoning compliance review conducted before filing for or obtaining a building permit. Approval of a Site Plan Exemption is NOT a building permit but is a requirement before a building permit can be approved. A Site Plan Exemption should meet the criteria outlined in Section 25-5-2 of the Land Development Code. Please visit the Site Plans, Corrections, and Exemptions webpage for detailed information about how to apply for a Site Plan Exemption.

Site Plan Housing Case Management

The Development Services Department assigns case managers to all site plan applications to support you through the site plan application review process, set clear expectations, and address your questions and concerns. LDIS offers dedicated case managers and optional pre-submittal and post-review cycle consultations for applicants submitting a site plan for an affordable housing project or residential-only project with five units or more. Visit the Site Plan Housing Case Management webpage to learn more and request a consultation before submitting your application for Completeness Check review.

Additional Resources

Many applications will require review from staff outside of the Development Services Department. For your convenience is a listing of the most common ones below: 

Austin Energy: Visit the Service Design & Planning webpage to learn more about their processes, standards, and code. 

Austin Water Development Services: Visit the Utility Development Services webpage to learn about the programs that assist developers and landowners in obtaining water, reclaimed, and wastewater services for existing and future development.  

Austin Water Industrial Waste: Visit the Industrial Waste webpage for information on Wastewater Regulations.

Austin Water Taps Office: Visit the Taps Permitting Office webpage for information about the services it provides.

Floodplain Regulations: Visit the Floodplain Regulation webpage to learn more about local and federal development rules.

Transportation and Public Works: Visit the Transportation Development Services webpage to learn more about review services to developers/applicants and their consultants on all aspects of transportation associated with a proposed development/redevelopment. 

Forms and Applications

For a complete list of forms and applications, visit the Land Development Information Services section of the Forms & Applications webpage.

Contact & Appointments

Subdivision / Land Status Determination Questions

The Land Development Information Services staff, previously known as the Development Assistance Center (DAC), can answer general questions regarding the subdivision application process, requirements, and land status determinations (i.e., exceptions to subdivision platting) and determine if the property is a platted lot. 

For questions on a Subdivision project currently in review, please contact the Case Manager. 

Expected Appointment Duration: 30 minutes  

 Schedule Virtual AppointmentSchedule In Person AppointmentCita VirtualCita en persona

Site Plan Review, Exemptions, Corrections, and Revision Questions

The Land Development Information Services staff, previously known as the Development Assistance Center (DAC), can answer general site plan questions such as which Site Plan Application to submit, the site plan process and requirements, Site Plan Exemptions, Corrections, Revisions, and Conditional Use Permits for commercial and multi-family properties, as well as residential and commercial boat docks.

  • For questions regarding submitting a formal Site Plan Application, see the “Site Plan Application (Formal) Submission Questions” appointment below.
  • For zoning questions for commercial, multi-family, or residential properties, see the “Zoning (Land Use)” appointments section.

Expected Appointment Duration: 20 minutes

Schedule Virtual AppointmentSchedule In Person AppointmentCita VirtualCita en persona

In addition to offering consultations via appointments, the Land Development Information Services experts can be contacted via email. The standard response time is two business days.

Other important contacts that are not part of Land Development Information Services: