Building and Trade Contractor Services
Important Update: We are currently experiencing delays in processing online tickets due to limited staffing. Online ticket processing for Building and Trade Contractor Services applications is currently 4 business days. We are working to improve wait times, and we appreciate your patience and understanding.
Building and Trade Contractor Services (BTCS) provides building and trade permit-related services to general contractors, licensed trade contractors, and homeowners. Most BTCS requests can be submitted online by visiting the webpages listed here. Some of these services are also available on a walk‑in basis. Visit the Types of Permits webpage for more information.
General contractors, trade contractors, and homeowners acting as contractors must register with BTCS before obtaining a Building or Trade Permit. Visit this webpage to register as a general contractor and licensed trade contractor and to update your contractor registration.
Homestead Permits allow homeowners who meet certain qualifications to perform Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing trade work for their own homes. Visit this webpage to find out if you qualify, to register as a contractor for the trade work, and to get the Homestead Trade Permit.
Stand-alone Building or Trade Permit(s) may be issued for construction for commercial, multi-family, and single-family residential properties if the complete scope of work for the project qualifies. Visit this webpage to learn what qualifies for a stand-alone permit and how to apply.
Once a Building Permit Application has been approved by Building Plan Review staff, the Building Permit and related Trade Permit(s) can be paid for and activated. Visit this webpage to activate the Permit(s) for the approved Building Permit Application.
General contractors, trade contractors, and homeowners acting as contractors must register with BTCS before obtaining a Building or Trade Permit. Visit this webpage to register as a general contractor and licensed trade contractor and to update your contractor registration.
Homestead Permits allow homeowners who meet certain qualifications to perform Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing trade work for their own homes. Visit this webpage to find out if you qualify, to register as a contractor for the trade work, and to get the Homestead Trade Permit.
Stand-alone Building or Trade Permit(s) may be issued for construction for commercial, multi-family, and single-family residential properties if the complete scope of work for the project qualifies. Visit this webpage to learn what qualifies for a stand-alone permit and how to apply.
Once a Building Permit Application has been approved by Building Plan Review staff, the Building Permit and related Trade Permit(s) can be paid for and activated. Visit this webpage to activate the Permit(s) for the approved Building Permit Application.
Building or Trade Permits with an “Active” or “Expired” status can be modified by the property owner or the contractor listed on the permit. Visit this webpage to reactivate, withdraw, extend, change a contractor, change an address, or change the scope of work for an existing Building or Trade Permit.
An Austin Development Services Escrow Account can be established by depositing money in an account to pay ONLY for ADS building plan reviews, permitting, and inspection fees (does not include Site Plan fees). Visit this webpage to learn more about Escrow Accounts.
Austin Development Services offers partial refunds for certain types of active permits including Building (BP), Electrical (EP), Mechanical (MP), and Plumbing (PP). The refund request must meet certain requirements to qualify. Visit this webpage to learn more and to submit a refund request.
Appointments & Live Chat
Make an Appointment
Appointments are available with Building and Trade Contractor Services for general questions about contractor registration, stand-alone permits, and activating permits for commercial and residential properties not related to plan review.
For a life safety emergency permit, apply on the AB+C Portal, then call 512-974-1500.
Appointment Name | Description | Make an Appointment |
|---|---|---|
Building and Trade Contractor Services (BTCS) General Questions (20 – 30 min) | Ask general questions about Building (GC) and Trade Contractor Registrations, verify trade license holder identities for initial registrations, and get permit activations for commercial, multi-family, and single-family properties. |
Live Chat
Click the blue chat bubble in the lower-right corner of this page to chat with an agent regarding the following requests. Visit the Contact Austin Development Services webpage to view chat hours.
- Answer general questions. Depending on the question, we may recommend an appointment.
- Update a registered trade license (not for a change in contractors)
Related Links
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO)