The Development Services Department offers partial refunds for certain types of permits including Building (BP), Electrical (EP), Mechanical (MP), and Plumbing (PP). The web form on this page is NOT intended for refund requests from Austin Energy (AE), Environmental Review (EV), Right of Way (ROW), Fire, Inspections or Site Plans. For refund requests from an Escrow Account, visit the Escrow Accounts webpage and submit the web form.
You may be eligible for a partial refund of your active permit fees if:
- You haven't started the work covered by the permit
- No inspections have been scheduled, requested or performed
The refund calculation is equal to 75% of the original permit fee, minus the minimum permit fee established for that specific permit type. Note that a refund is not available if only the minimum permit fee was paid.
Please be aware that requests for refunds may not always qualify for a refund, and will be at the discretion of Building and Trade Contractor Services staff.
How to Submit a Refund Request
To request a partial refund, please follow the steps below and then complete the Refund Request web form.
Fill Out an Address Verification Letter
Please complete an Address Verification Letter. You will be asked to upload this letter in the web form.
Submit Refund Request Web Form
Once you complete the Refund Request web form, Building and Trade Contractor Services staff will assess your refund submission & determine the refund amount accordingly.
- Contact & Appointments
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Live Chat:
Go to the Building and Trade Contractor Services webpage and click the blue chat bubble in the lower-right corner to chat with an agent. Visit the About Development Services webpage to view chat hours.
Make an Appointment:
Appointments are only for questions with any of the above requests.
Expected Appointment Duration: 15 minutes (appointment time based on single permit request)
