Development Services News

This page contains a library of Development Services Department correspondence about various topics, including editions of the monthly Building Connections e-newsletter. Don't miss out on an issue, sign up today to receive Building Connections directly in your inbox.

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Development Services Department News

Read previous issues of Building Connections, Important Updates, and other stakeholder communications.

2024
2023

July 2024

July 15 | Austin Center for Events Update

Sent to 796 Austin Center for Events stakeholders

Austin Resource Recovery: Zero Waste Event Workshop on August 7

July 15 | Important Update

Sent to 5,746 email subscribers

Updates to Site Plan Master Comment Report Template Launching Next Week

July 5 | Weather Update

Sent to 5,546 active permit holders

July 2 | Invitation: Help Envision Austin's Future Tree Canopy

Sent to 6,975 email subscribers and engagement stakeholders

July 1 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch and Learn

Sent to 5,767 email subscribers

June 2024

June 27 | Important Update

Sent to 9,618 email subscribers, stakeholders, and active permit holders

Proposed Amendments to International Residential and Building Codes Now Available for Review and Input

June 24 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,741 email subscribers

Transforming Site Plan Review
DSD Communications Team Wins Awards
Learn about Proposed Tree Regulations and HOME
2024 Technical Code Engagements Continue
City Council Adopts Land Development Code Changes for Housing, Transit
Code Campaign for a Summer Ready Home
City of Austin Gearing Up for FY 2025 Budget
Have Your Voice Heard with DSD

June 18 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,471 email subscribers and active permit holders

June 11 | Weather Update

Sent to 8,818 email subscribers and active permit holders

June 10 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch and Learn

Sent to 5,775 email subscribers

May 2024

May 31 | Important Update

Sent to 5,742 email subscribers

June Webinars to Cover Variety of Development Updates

May 29, 2024 | Come Learn from City Experts About Environmental Inspections

Sent to 672 engagement stakeholders

May 28, 2024 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,740 email subscribers

Transforming Site Plan Review
More Time for Pending Building Permits
Tree Protections Webinar Moves to July 16
Technical Building Codes Meeting on May 30
Feedback on Sound Assessment Proposal
June Virtual Stakeholder Meetings
Adopting a Smoke-Free Housing Policy
Construction and Demolition Recycling Reminder
Safety Tips Working Around Power Lines

May 28, 2024 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,560 email subscribers and active permit holders

May 23, 2024 | New Rule to Allow More Time to Activate "Pending" Building Permits

Sent to 3,413 pending permit holders and other stakeholders

May 21, 2024 | Lakeside Environmental Inspections Lunch and Learn

Sent to 5,756 email subscribers and active permit holders

May 16, 2024 | DSD Limited Services on May 22 for Awards & Recognition Event

Sent to 5,737 email subscribers

May 14, 2024 | Invitation: Technical Building Codes Engagement

Sent to 3,156 engagement stakeholders and permit holders

May 13, 2024 | Weather Update

Sent to 8,718 email subscribers and active permit holders

May 9, 2024 | Weather Update

Sent to 8,727 email subscribers and active permit holders

May 8, 2024 | Update on Transforming Site Plan Review: Case Management and Review Processes

Sent to 5,744 email subscribers

May 6, 2024 | Important Update

Sent to 4,218 active permit holders and other affected stakeholders

New Bedroom Window Requirements Effective May 20

May 1, 2024 | Update on Transforming Site Plan Review: Completeness Check Process

Sent to 5,246 email subscribers

May 1, 2024 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,576 email subscribers and active permit holders

April 2024

April 29, 2024 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,745 email subscribers

Transforming Site Plan Review
Building Safety Month
Input on More 2024 Technical Building Codes
Bedroom Window Requirements Effective May 20
Formal Signature Process Update
Transportation and Public Works Improves Process
Webinar on Recommended Changes to Tree Protections
Learn about Transit Supportive Code Amendments
Webinars for Austin Small Business Week
Virtual Stakeholder Meetings on June 11-12
Austin Celebrates Tree City USA Designation

April 25, 2024 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch and Learn

Sent to 5,766 email subscribers

April 18, 2024 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,565 email subscribers and active permit holders

April 16, 2024 | Commercial Environmental Inspections Lunch and Learn

Sent to 5,757 email subscribers and active permit holders

April 10, 2024 | Update on Transforming Site Plan Review

Sent to 5,736 email subscribers

April 1, 2024 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch and Learn

Sent to 5,748 email subscribers

April 1, 2024 | Expansion of the City of Austin’s Structural Review Services

Sent to 3,024 email subscribers

March 2024

March 29, 2024 | Invitation: Technical Building Codes Engagement

Sent to 3,322 engagement stakeholders and permit holders

March 27, 2024 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,726 email subscribers

Transforming Site Plan Review Update
DSD Operational Changes for Total Eclipse
Technical Code Amendments Webinar
Potential Residential Inspection Delays in April
Feedback Needed for Engagements
Equity-Based Preservation Plan Open House
ProjectDox Coming Soon for Expedited Review

March 20, 2024 | Invitation Reminder: Sound Assessment and Disclosure Requirements Engagement

Sent to 73 engagement stakeholders

March 19, 2024 | Residential Environmental Inspections Lunch and Learn

Sent to 5,741 email subscribers and active permit holders

March 15, 2024 | Invitation: Sound Assessment and Disclosure Requirements Engagement

Sent to 68 engagement stakeholders

March 14, 2024 | Weather Update

Sent to 8,345 email subscribers and active permit holders

February 2024

Feb. 28, 2024 | Important Update

Sent to 3,499 active permit holders and other affected stakeholders

Reminder: Feb. 29 Meeting on Bedroom Window Requirements

Feb. 26, 2024 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,706 email subscribers

Transforming Site Plan Review Update
Rules Change Proposed for Expired Building Plan Applications
Update on New AB+C Portal
New Affordable Housing Newsletter for Developers
Austin Energy Meeting Scheduled for March
Draft Preservation Plan Available for Review

Feb. 23, 2024 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch and Learn

Sent to 5,725 email subscribers

Feb. 20, 2024 | Lakeside Environmental Inspections Lunch and Learn

Sent to 5,754 email subscribers and active permit holders

Feb. 6, 2024 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch and Learn

Sent to 5,698 email subscribers

Feb. 5, 2024 | Important Update

Sent to 5,676 email subscribers

FY 2023 Annual Report: Celebrate New Beginnings with DSD

Feb. 1, 2024 | Important Update

Sent to 8,733 email subscribers, active permit holders, and other affected stakeholders

Learn about Proposed Requirements for Bedroom Windows

January 2024

Jan. 30, 2024 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,655 email subscribers

Transforming Site Plan Review Update
Director Roig in ABJ Top 100
HOME Amendment Applications Begin
Public Engagements for Bedroom Window Proposal
Technical Code Amendments Coming in 2024
Online Site Plan Correction Requests
Commercial Environmental Inspection Lunch & Learn
Update to Proposed Watershed Protection Rules
Onsite Water Reuse System Webinar
New LDC Updates Newsletter
Austin Energy March Planning Meeting

Jan. 26, 2024 | Important Update

Sent to 5,623 email subscribers

Changes to Site Plan Review Completeness Check

Jan. 22, 2024 | Environmental Inspections Team Expanding Educational Trainings

Sent to 1,142 active Environmental Inspection permit holders

Jan. 19, 2024 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,349 email subscribers and active permit holders

Jan. 18, 2024 | Important Update

Sent to 5,648 email subscribers

Update on Feb. 5 HOME Amendment Implementation and New Applications

Jan. 11, 2024 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,360 email subscribers and active permit holders

Jan. 9, 2024 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,363 email subscribers and active permit holders

Jan. 8, 2024 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,366 email subscribers and active permit holders

Jan. 4, 2024 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch and Learn

Sent to 5,624 email subscribers

December 2023

Dec. 22, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,630 email subscribers

Transforming Site Plan Review
Service Center to Change Name
Customer Experience Teams to Offer Wednesday Meetings and Chat Services
HOME Amendments Webpage
New Web Form Now Available for Residential Express Permits
Updates to Parkland Dedication Fees
Changes to Subdivision Review Process Take Effect Jan. 1
Environmental Inspection Lunch & Learn
New LDC Updates Newsletter

Dec. 8, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 5,620 email subscribers

Process Improvements for Subdivision Review

November 2023

Nov. 30, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,622 email subscribers

Transforming Site Plan Review Update
Winter Weather Preparedness Tips
Service Center Changes Coming Soon
New Site Plan Parking Requirements
2024 Drought Contingency Plan Input
Dec. 5 Driveway and Sidewalk Info Session
Dec. 7 Environmental Inspections Lunch and Learn

Nov. 21, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 9,342 email subscribers and active permit holders

Nov. 16, 2023 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Sent to 5,638 email subscribers

Nov. 8, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 9,339 email subscribers and active permit holders

Nov. 7, 2023 | Some Building Inspections Limited by Training Nov. 14-15

Sent to 3,691 active permit holders

October 2023

Oct. 31, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,615 email subscribers

Site Plan Improvements Initiative Launches
Public Hearings Begin for Land Development Code Amendments
Inspections Limited on Nov. 14-15
Council to Consider Revised Parking Requirements on Nov. 2
Tree Smart Lunch & Learn Returns
Amended Electrical Requirements Now in Effect
Fast Track Certification Requires Renewal
Property Profile Provides Info at a Glance
New Green Building Ratings in Effect

Oct. 30, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 9,312 email subscribers and active permit holders

Oct. 27, 2023 | New Website: Transforming Site Plan Review

Sent to 5,604 email subscribers

Oct. 25, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 9,307 email subscribers and active permit holders

Oct. 20, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 9,304 email subscribers and active permit holders

Oct. 5, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,391 email subscribers and active permit holders

Oct. 4, 2023 | October Stakeholder Meetings Invite

Sent to 5,604 email subscribers

September 2023

Sept. 26, 2023 | A Message from Austin Water

Sent to 4,781 active permit holders

Sept. 26, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,608 email subscribers

Building Connections Wins National Award
DSD is in the News for Archistar Pilot
Changes Coming to AB+C Portal
FY 2024 Budget Updates
October Virtual Stakeholder Meetings
Changes to the Taps Process
Virtual Session about Recent Legislative Changes
New Law to Change Calculations for Parkland Dedication Fees
Webinar to Offer Guidance on New Onsite Water Reuse and Reclaimed Water Requirements
Environmental Inspections Lunch and Learn on Oct. 5
Growing a Better Community with Expanding Tree Canopy
Citywide Roots & Wings Festival Returns
New Grant Available to Assist Low-Income Homeowners
Reminder: The Development Process Team is Here for You

Sept. 26, 2023 | Environmental Inspections Brown Bag

Sent to 5,624 email subscribers and active permit holders

Sept. 21, 2023 | Tree Smart Brown Bag

Sent to 5,624 email subscribers

Sept.14, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 12,199 email subscribers and active permit holders

Prepare Active Construction Sites for Severe Weather

Sept. 14, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 5,611 email subscribers

Learn More about Development-Related Changes from the 88th Legislative Session

Sept. 6, 2023 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Sent to 5,627 email subscribers

Sept. 1, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 5,613 email subscribers

Legislative Impacts on DSD Policies

August 2023

Aug. 29, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,621 email subscribers

National Electric Code Amendments
New Commercial Plumbing Permit
AI in the Development Process
New Austin Energy Green Building Ratings
Using Web Forms to Activate Permits
National Preparedness Month
One Austin Survey: Shaping Future Resilience
Grant Funding for Historic Sites

Aug. 21, 2023 | Safe Fencing Update

Sent to 6,309 safe fencing stakeholders

Safe Fencing Regulations Now in Effect

Aug. 8, 2023 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Sent to 5,624 email subscribers

July 2023

July 31, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,613 email subscribers

New Safe Fencing Regulations
2023 National Electric Code Updates
Active Land Development Code Amendments
Legislative Impacts on Development Process
Water Testing on PVC Water Supply Lines
One-Time Inspections Reminder
Environmental Inspections Brown Bag Lunch and Learn
Provide Input on Future Water-Saving Requirements for Landscapes

July 25, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 9,670 email subscribers and active permit holders

Prepare Active Construction Sites for High Winds

July 21, 2023 | Invitation: Environmental Inspections Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Sent to 3,067 active permit holders

July 20, 2023 | Notice to ACE Stakeholders

Sent to 801 ACE stakeholders

Provide Feedback on Proposed Event Rule Change

July 19, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 2,642 contractors and electrical contractors

Give Feedback on Adoption of 2023 National Electrical Code

July 7, 2023 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Sent to 9,517 email subscribers and permit holders

June 2023

June 30, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,610 email subscribers

José Roig Officially Named DSD Director
Director Roig Appoints Leaders to Three Key Positions
Assistant Director Rick Holloway Retiring in January
New Contact List Improves Accessibility of DSD Employees
Right-of-Way Services Transition to Transportation and Public Works
Council Postpones Safe Fencing Discussion
City Preparing to Adopt 2023 Updates to National Electrical Code
Update on Proposed Rules Change for Expired Applications
Roots & Wings to Return All Over Austin in October
Trees Need Water, Too
Weathering Another Austin Summer Safely
Recycling Ordinance Saves Resources and Money

June 26, 2023 | Appointment of DSD Assistant Directors

Sent to 5.614 email subscribers

June 21, 2023 | Appointment of Building Official

Sent to 5,612 email subscribers

June 14, 2023 | Invitation: Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Sent to 10,419 email subscribers and permit holders

June 14, 2023 | A Message from the New DSD Director

Sent to 5,615 email subscribers

May 2023

May 30, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,607 email subscribers

Supporting Construction Safety
Council to Consider Safe Fencing Regulations
Proposed Rules for Expiration Dates
Do I Need a Permit?
Public Project Team Update
New Service Center Webpage
Beat the Heat with Required Breaks
Watch Recent Stakeholder Meetings
Austin Energy Securing Equipment
Help Ensure Correct Address

May 19, 2023 | Invitation: Environmental Inspections Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Sent to 4,820 email subscribers and active permit holders

May 19, 2023 | Safe Fencing Reminder

Sent to 2,849 safe fencing stakeholders

Meeting Details Now Available for Safe Fencing Presentation

May 17, 2023 | Safe Fencing Update

Sent to 2,849 safe fencing stakeholders

Proposed Safe Fencing Regulations to be Considered by Planning Commission Next Week

May 8, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,609 email subscribers and active permit holders

Prepare Active Construction Sites for Severe Weather

May 8, 2023 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Sent to 6,262 email subscribers and active permit holders

May 5, 2023 | Invitation: Virtual General Stakeholder Meetings

Sent to 5,604 email subscribers

April 2023

April 28, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,647 email subscribers and active permit holders

Prepare Active Construction Sites for Severe Weather

April 27, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,630 email subscribers

May Stakeholder Meetings
Austin Energy Green Rating Updates
Updated DSD Homepage
Building Safety Month 2023
Upcoming Webinars for Austin Small Business Week
Restored Forest Spotlight
Air Quality Goals

April 18, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,656 active permit holders and email subscribers

Prepare for Intermittent Rainfall over Next Two Weeks

April 4, 2023 | Weather Update

Sent to 10,691 active permit holders and email subscribers

Prepare Active Construction Sites for Wind and Rain

March 2023

March 28, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,627 email subscribers

Changes to DSD and Austin Code
Executive Team Updates
Emergency Permits Wrapping Up
DSD Closure on April 24
Weather-Ready Construction Sites
Sprucing Up Without Permits
Spring Tree Care
Spring Cleaning

March 24, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 5,630 email subscribers

Consolidation of Development Services and Austin Code

March 15, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 10,695 active permit holders and email subscribers

Prepare Active Construction Sites for Severe Weather

March 10, 2023 | Invitation: Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Sent to 5,735 active permit holders

March 2, 2023 | Invitation: Environmental Inspections Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Sent to 4,919 active permit holders

March 1, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 7,042 email subscribers and active permit holders

Prepare Active Construction Sites for Rain

February 2023

Feb. 28, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,639 email subscribers

Message from the Interim Director
Emergency Permitting Options through March
Subdivision Web Form Updates
Pop-Up ATX this Saturday
Construction and Demolition Recycling

Feb. 9, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 5,765 email subscribers and registered electricians

Emergency Permitting Fees and Some Electrical Permitting Requirements Waived through March 31

Feb. 8, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 10,606 email subscribers and active permit holders

Prepare Active Construction Sites for More Rain

Feb. 6, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 8,903 email subscribers and recent electrical permit holders

Additional Information about Emergency Repairs

Feb. 2, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 5,643 email subscribers

Information Regarding Emergency Repairs

Feb. 1, 2023 | Important Update

Sent to 10,615 email subscribers and active permit holders

City of Austin Extends Closure Through Feb. 2

January 2023

Jan. 31, 2023 | Building Connections

Sent to 5,650 email subscribers

New beginnings for 2023
Parking Changes Coming to the Permitting and Development Center
Updated Land Use and Site Plan Applications and Resources Now Available
Environmental Criteria Manual Updates Clarify and Simplify Tree and Natural Area Preservation
New Web Form Simplifies Requests for Temporary Certificates of Occupancy
New Parkland Dedication Calculator Now Available
City of Austin BizAid Series Offers Guidance for Small Businesses