Building Inspections

The Building Inspection Division (BID) performs inspections to ensure construction is in compliance with applicable Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy and Zoning Codes, and any special inspections needed to address unusual hazards. Building codes are designed specifically to ensure the health and safety of structures for the benefit of everyone.

Inspections are generally the last steps of the development process. After a building permit is issued, inspections are performed based upon the scope of work and the construction requirements. Completion of the inspections leads to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, which ensures a structure is safe for occupancy.

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. Click here to learn about the Fire Protection Systems Permit (FPS).

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.

New - Special Inspections - 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. Click here to view the Special Inspections process. Click here to view the Special Inspections forms.

Code Information

The City of Austin follows the 2012 International Building Codes and the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code.

Local amendments to these codes (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire, solar, property maintenance, residential) are also available. Click here to view local amendments 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.