Building Inspections

The Building Inspection Division (BID) performs inspections on new construction, remodels, and trades (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) to ensure compliance with applicable building codes. Building codes are designed to ensure the health and safety of structures for the benefit of everyone.

Inspections, which may occur during construction or upon completion of the permitted work, are the final steps in the development and permitting process. Depending on the scope of work, a final inspection may lead to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, which ensures a structure is safe for occupancy.

Who can schedule a Building Inspection?

It is the responsibility of the permit holder and owner-general contractor to ensure the proper sequence of inspections. Anyone associated with the permit can schedule an inspection: the general contractor, the homeowner (if listed as the general contractor on the permit), the trade contractor, or their official agents. Click here for more information on scheduling a building inspection.

Code Information

The City of Austin follows the 2015 International Building Codes and the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code.

Local amendments to the International Building Codes are included in the City's Building Technical Codes View the Technical Codes and code interpretations for each discipline.

Building Inspection is the approval authority for all inspections regulated by the following Technical Codes:

Commercial Building Code (International Building Code) – Applies to all structures other than one-and-two-family-dwellings and townhomes, and applicable to construction when a building is remodeled or there is a change of occupancy.
Residential One-and-Two-Family Dwelling Code (International Residential Code) – Applies to all one-and-two-family-dwellings and townhouses, and includes mechanical, plumbing and energy system requirements.
Plumbing Code (Uniform Plumbing Code) – Applies to all plumbing system installations. Natural gas installations are also regulated by the plumbing code.
Commercial Mechanical Code (Uniform Mechanical Code) – Applies to all mechanical systems regulated by the Commercial Building Code.
Electrical Code (National Electrical Code) – Applies to all electrical systems installed in the jurisdiction.
The Energy Code (International Energy Conservation Code) – Applies to all commercial and residential projects.

Appeals of code interpretations may be heard before the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals; the Electric Board; or the Mechanical, Plumbing and Solar Board.

New Policies and Procedures

Fire Protection Systems Program - New Fire safety requirements have been added to the inspection process. Non-compliance with these requirements may delay your final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy. Learn more about the Fire Protection Systems Program (FPS).

Special Inspections Process - Effective February 13, 2017, a new process will be implemented for commercial projects requiring special inspections. Under the new process, a "Statement of Special Inspections" form must be completed for projects submitted on or after February 13, 2017. When a special inspection is required, a field folder will be issued with the permit. The field folder must be kept on site at all times and will include a special inspections log and other forms to be completed by the special inspector/testing agency. View the Special Inspections process. View the Special Inspections forms.

Alternative to onsite inspection of Concrete Encased Electrode Installation (UFER) - Per the National Elctrical Code (NEC), this checklist may be completed as an alternative to an onsite inspection. View the Concrete Encased Electrode Installation (UFER) Checklist. Upload the checklist to the electrical permit application on the Austin Build + Connect online portal.

Standing Room Occupancy (SRO) Policy for A-2 and A-3 (Assembly) Venues - This new policy allows venues to make certain changes to an approved Standing Room Occupancy (SRO) Load Card without requiring submittal of the changes to the Development Services Department. SRO Load Cards establish maximum level occupancy of a venue and are issued upon commercial building plan approval. For A-2 and A-3 (assembly) venues, the new policy provides that tables/bars with chairs/stools may be added, but the addition of each table/bar will reduce the occupancy level by 6 occupants per table/bar. This policy will allow venue owners/management to make changes for specific or temporary events without having to resubmit for approval. The Occupant load Card must be posted during final building inspection, and compliance with approved occupancy levels is subject to verification by the Fire Department.