AB+C Manual

Table of Contents

• AB+C Portal Assistance
• AB+C Portal Payment Assistance: CityBase & Wallet
• AB+C Portal Navigation
• Public Search (AB+C user registration not required)
• Registration for First-Time Users
• Password Reset
• Change Password
• Address Management Services: Address Verification
• Apply for Plan Review: Plan Review Types and Submittal Processes
• Apply for Permits
• My Permits/Cases
• My Incomplete Applications (MIA)
• Bills
• View Payment Information on Permit
• My Inspections
• My Reports
• Permit Change Requests: Extension and Reactivation
• Closed Permits: (use Public Search)
• Printing Permits: Active/Inactive (Closed)
• My Escrow Account
• Pay for Permits with Escrow
• Search for permits paid through Escrow
• Assign Permit (Contractor Self-Assign) and Payment
• City Department Permit Application Guides
• Reference: Permit Payments - online transactions
• Reference: eCheck Payment Process
• Reference: Credit Card Payment Process
• Reference: Permit Status Definitions and Permit Types

Download the AB+C Manual

AB+C Portal Technical Assistance

Tech Support and Assistance with AB+C Portal

• The City of Austin does not have dedicated tech support for the AB+C Portal
• City staff may only provide general guidance and support

Ways to contact us

1. Live Chat: Interact with City Staff, during business hours: Monday - Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
   When available, Live Chat is located in the lower right corner of the screen, after logging in to AB+C
2. Online Request form: Additional online support materials for Licensed Trade Contractors and Standalone Trade Permits 
   (Building Permit, Mechanical Permit, Electrical Permit, Plumbing Permit)
   1. Some additional support available through Online Request Forms:
      1. Adjust AB+C Portal Profile information
      2. Link AB+C Accounts: Authorize other users to be added or linked to your account
      3. Activate Permits/Extend Permits
      4. Manage Trade Contractor Licenses
3. Call Austin 3-1-1 (3-1-1 in Austin or 512-974-2000): The Austin 3-1-1 team can help you identify the correct City Department for your inquiries.
   1. Austin 3-1-1 may only use information that is currently made available to the public
   2. Austin 3-1-1 cannot process permits
   3. Austin 3-1-1 cannot process payments
   4. Austin 3-1-1 cannot recover CityBase credentials for AB+C online payments
   5. Before calling Austin 3-1-1 about payment inquiries, locate your Permit number and/or Invoice number

The City of Austin Permitting and Development Center (PDC) offers appointments to help answer some of your development and permitting questions. Please visit our Appointments webpage to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment. Appointments are not available for all permitting and development services.

Schedule an appointment

Visit us:

City of Austin: Permitting and Development Center (PDC)
6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr.
Austin, Texas 78752

AB+C Portal Payment Assistance: CityBase & Wallet

CityBase is a digital Payment Gateway used to facilitate secure online transactions across the internet.
The City of Austin has partnered with CityBase to facilitate secure transactions on the AB+C Portal.

Visit the Bill Payments & Cashier Services webpage for guidance on processing payments, and Payment Services available.

Standard payment options: Credit/Debit Card, Electronic Check

• You may utilize online payments options on AB+C Portal
• You may utilize in-person payment options with a cashier at the PDC

Escrow Accounts

• Escrow accounts are arranged with the City and the Contractor.
• Escrow accounts can be used to process payments on AB+C. (Not available for all Permit Types)

Note: The CityBase Payment Gateway is not used for Escrow transactions.

AB+C Online Payment Assistance

• If you encounter AB+C Portal system errors, call Austin 3-1-1 to report any outages.
• If you have questions about a specific Bill, contact the Department that issued the Bill.

Note: City cashiers can only process Active Bills that are due.

Navigating between AB+C and CityBase

• When you click "Pay Now" on AB+C, you will leave the AB+C Portal and be directed to the CityBase website to complete the transaction.
• Do not use the ‘Back’ and ‘Forward’ arrows in your browser; data may be lost.
• After completing your CityBase transaction, use the "Exit" link to return to Austin Build + Connect. (located toward the top right of the page) 
• If you exit before the payment is confirmed your payment will be canceled, or you will receive a system error message.

AB+C Portal Payment Parameters

• Credit cards and electronic checks are processed through the CityBase Payment Gateway.
• ACH payments may take 24 hours to be processed.
• Only one session of the AB+C Portal may be open at a time to process a payment.
• No more than 25 invoices are allowed per payment transaction.
• Total amount must be between $10 and $800,000.
• Allow time for payment processing to avoid making duplicate payments. Repeated failed transaction attempts will result in a security timeout (approximately 90 minutes).

In-person payment options are available with a cashier at the PDC. Exceptions and changes to permits are only done in person at the PDC.

Processing Fees

• eCheck/ACH: charges of $0.55 per check, regardless of amount (recommended)
• Credit/debit cards: 2.35% of the amount charged, or a minimum of $2.00 (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover accepted)
• This may require the customer to whitelist the COA’s company ID number with their bank to allow us to debit (withdraw the money) from the customer’s account.

CityBase Wallet

Visit CityBase Wallet portal

Wallet - saved payment methods:

• Customers who pay online have the option to save their payment methods by creating a Wallet with CityBase.
• Customers can save either one or more credit cards and/or one or more of checking account in their Wallet.
• When making a payment via the AB+C portal, you can login and select which saved payment method you want to use.
• Customers using Wallet will be required to set up a separate account and password at CityBase. 
• The Wallet uses your email address and password that you registered at CityBase to log you into your wallet.  If you forgot your password, please use the “Forgot Password” link on the CityBase webpage.

CityBase Wallet Limitations:

• For eCheck payment method, you cannot use a savings account.
• You cannot register for the Wallet while you are making a payment online. You can register for the Wallet before you make a payment on the AB+C portal (recommended), or you can register for the Wallet after you make your first payment on the AB+C portal. After you make your payment using the Wallet, it is recommended that you log off your Wallet account before returning to the AB+C portal.
• Payment methods that you saved in your Wallet cannot be edited after you’ve saved it and you have limited view of the data. However, you can "remove" the entry and "add" the entry back in.
  • Example: When your credit card has expired and you need to update your expiration date and the credit card security code, or if your payment is being rejected.
• If you register your credit card or your checking account in the Wallet, be sure the data you enter into the Wallet matches what your bank have you on file.
  • Example: You cannot use your nickname if you didn’t use it to set up your credit card or checking account.  The address you enter in the Wallet should also match what was set up at your banking institution.  The 3 or 4 digit security code you saved in the Wallet must match what is on file at your banking institution.
• If your payment is rejected by the online payment system, you may have entered one or more pieces of information incorrectly and it did not match what is on file with the financial institution.
  • For these issues, please go into the Wallet and "remove" the credit card or bank entry, and “add” the entry back into the Wallet, ensuring you typed everything that matches your banking institution.
  • If you are using a checking account, please "remove" and "add" the entry back with the correct routing number and bank account number that is on file with your bank.
• After making your payment using the Wallet, it is recommended that you log out of your Wallet Account before returning to the AB+C portal.

AB+C Portal Navigation

General Website Navigation:

• Do not use the Back and Forward arrows in your browser for navigation (data may be lost)
• Please use the buttons found on the site to navigate between pages
• Only use one instance of AB+C at a time; additional AB+C windows may cause data loss
• Repeated failed transaction attempts may lead to a security timeout (10 minutes)

Main Navigation Bar

Home: Displays permits connected to your AB+C Profile

Bills: Displays permits and cases connected to your AB+C Profile, and are eligible for payment. 
Payments made on AB+C are facilitated by CityBase

My Reports: Generate Gas and Utility Reports by date range

My Profile: Displays your AB+C ID Number, and the contact information for your AB+C Profile. The information used in your AB+C Profile is used for processing transactions.

Permits: Apply for Permits/Cases, Apply for Right of Way Permits/Special Events, Issued Construction Permits

Assign Permit (typically for Trade Contractors): Assign the name of a Linked Trade Contractor to a Permit. This allows the Trade Contractor to continue working on the Permit and make payments.

Public Search (AB+C registration is not needed to use the Public Search tool). A search tool that allows you to search and review permits issued by the City of Austin.

Permits, Licenses, and Notifications Navigation Bar

My Permits/Cases: Displays all permits and cases connected with your AB+C account: submitted applications, incomplete applications, active permits.

My Incomplete Applications: Displays applications are have not been submitted for Approval, as well as applications that need revision before resubmitting for Approval.

My Licenses: Operating Licenses and Trade Contractor Licenses associated to your AB+C Profile

My Inspections: Request or Cancel Permit Inspections

My Escrow Account: View details of your Escrow Account and generate reports for Escrow Transactions

My Notifications: Sign up for Demolition Notifications.

1. Select the geographic area about which you are interested, 
2. Receive an email when an application is submitted to the City (In-Date)
3. Receive an email when the application is approved (Approval Date)
4. Demolition Notifications will remain active for one year from your signup date.

Quick Access Buttons

• External Reviewer Search: Only visible for accounts that have been approved/activated for this feature.
• Apply for Permits/Cases: permits available for online application submittal
• Apply for ROW/Special Events: allows you to submit new ROW permit requests (Excavation, Driveway/Sidewalk, etc.)

Public Search (AB+C user registration not required)

The Austin Build + Connect Public Search tool is available to search and view permit information of active permits. AB+C registration is not required to use the Public Search feature.

AB+C Registered Users have access to the same feature when logged into AB+C.

Public Search

(two Tabs with different searching methods)

Public Search Tab 1

Search by:

• Permit Number: yyyy-###### AA
• Folder RSN
• ROW ID
• Case Number

Public Search Tab 2

Search by:

• Property
• Project Name
• Types
• Date Range

It is not necessary to fill each field. Entering more information will help narrow your search.

Highway search examples:
10000 S US 183
10000 W US 290
5000 S IH 35 SB
5000 N MOPAC EXPY SB
8000 N Capital of Texas Hwy
7300 W SH 71
700 S FM 620 RD

Common highway abbreviations:
State Highway = SH
Interstate Highway = IH
Farm to Market = FM
Ranch Road = FM (use FM)

Public Search

Sample Permit Number: 2024-003781 MP

• 1 result found
• No related permits
• Status: Active
• Click: Detail

Related Folder: Not all cases in this database will have a Related Folder. Related Folders are applications and permits that are directly related to each other. Not all cases at the same location or even with the same address will be displayed. The term Related Folder applies mostly to cases that involve Building Permits and the associated Trade Permits.  In the Related Permits section, click and review all other Permit Applications for the same project.

Permit Detail

• Folder Details: General Information
• Additional Information: Permit Specific Details
• Property Details: Linked Addresses
• People Details: People associated with the Permit
• Folder Fees: Permit Fees
• Processes and Notes: See the status of processes and any notes left by reviewers
• Folder Attachments: permit specific attachments that are shareable with the public

Folder Attachments: The presence of attachments will depend on the Permit/Case Type and the Status of the Permit.

• Residential Building Permits will not have any attachments until after the building plans have been approved. At that time, the approved drawings will be scanned and attached. If there are revisions after approval, the revisions will also be scanned and attached.
• The drawings for Site Plans and Subdivisions will not be attached until after the project is approved. However, each round of the Review Staff’s Comments (Master Comment Report) about those drawings will be posted as they occur, and the attachments will be titled: "Update 0", "Update 1", etc. These comments are identical to the packet that is printed and mailed to Registered Interested Parties for that case.
• Where plan drawings have been attached, the file descriptions may end with a "~001", "~002", etc. to represent the Sheet # of the drawings. Typically, Sheet ~001 has the index of all sheets in the plan, so you can decipher what page contains the various details you may be looking for: tree survey, erosion controls, front elevation, etc. Site Plan Corrections and Revisions are done to those plan sets, and the corrected/revised pages also get scanned. Those correction pages are label with “~002(1)” for the 1st revision or correction, "~002(2)" for the 2nd, and so forth.
• Any additional (##) notation following a sheet number refers to a modification of that sheet, and the highest of any such #s will be the latest revision of that page. Previous revisions will also remain online for reference.
• Master Comment Reports contain the comments by each of the reviewers for that particular case, but do not contain the applicant's responses to those comments. Responses are typically submitted as "Revision pages" to the original drawings. Comments in each report are based on the applicant’s responses to the previous set of comments; read them in the order in which they were made (starting with "Update 0").

Most commonly attached document types:

• PDF (open with Adobe Reader) 
• TIF (open with most Image Viewers)

Registration for First Time Users

Click Create Account to build your AB+C Registered User account:

1. New Registration: Select an email address to build your profile. You will receive emails during the registration process and will use this email to login and access the Austin Build + Connect website. Note: this information will be used both for your account and billing information.

2. User Information: The second step in the registration process is filling out your personal information. This data will be used to help create your online account and billing information. The red asterisks (*) indicate required fields.

3, Access Request Sent: You will receive a verification email with information needed for the next step.

Example Email: Austin Build + Connect Registration

The subject line of the email will be: "New AB+C Portal Account Verification"

This email contains two important things: 

1. a link,
2. a PIN number to complete your AB+C Account Registration.

Copy the PIN number before clicking on the link.

4. PIN Confirmation: Enter the PIN number from the email and the first and last name entered during registration.

5. Create Password: Enter a password for your AB+C Portal Account

6. Registration Confirmation: The City of Austin will send you an email with the subject line: "Austin Build + Connect."  The email has instructions for Licensed Contractors to manage their licenses, and support for connecting AB+C Accounts to conduct business.

EXAMPLE EMAIL - Austin Build + Connect Confirmation
 

Password Reset

In the event you forget your password, click ‘Forgot Password.’ 
An email will be sent to your AB+C Profile email address with steps to reset your password.

1. Click "Forgot Password?".

2. Enter the email address you used to create your profile.

3. An email will be sent with additional instructions (this may take five minutes).

4. Receive email with password reset instructions.

The subject line of the email will be: "Password Reset."
This email contains two important things: 
1)    a link
2)    a PIN number to complete your AB+C Account Registration 

Copy the PIN number before clicking on the link.
 
5)    Enter your name (case sensitive).

6)    Create a new password.

Change Password

After login you can change your password.

1. Click 'My Profile' in the menu bar.

 

2. Click 'Change Password' at the bottom of the Edit Profile page.

3. Enter a new password in the 'New Password' field, and re-enter it in the 'Confirm New Password' field. Click 'Submit'.

Address Management Services: Address Verification

City of Austin, Address Management Services: The services offered can provide guidance and support for managing addresses in projects or permits.

Services available:

• Request an *Address Verification Letter
• Request an Address, Building, or Unit
• Request Address Change Review
• Reserve a Street Name
• Request Addressing for a non-City of Austin Subdivision

Additional resources and information are available on the Address Management Services web page.

Addressing Standards:

• The 9-1-1 Addressing Standards
• Building and Unit Type Standards
• Street Name Standards

References:

• Lookup Address and Jurisdiction Information
• Travis County and City of Austin Street Names
• All Address Changes
• All Annexed Address Ranges

Guides and Instructions:

• Residential Plan Reviews-One Sheet Guide

*Address Verification Letter: Use this Form to request an Address Verification Letter

Apply for Plan Review: Plan Review Types and Submittal Processes

Plan Review Application Submittal

There are different types of Plan Review Applications, and the submittal process varies based on the required permits. The City of Austin Development Services Department processes the following applications. Before submitting your application, we recommend reading the brief summary provided for each Electronic Plan Review submittal.

• Commercial Expedited Review: Applications are submitted via email: ExpeditedReview@austintexas.gov. This initiates the intake process. Once the application is processed, the applicant receives an automated email from Project Dox (PDox) to initiate the upload. The links for uploading the documents to PDox are included in the email.
• Residential Expedited Review: Applications are submitted via email to ResidentialExpedited@austintexas.gov. This initiates the intake process. Once the application is processed, the applicant receives an automated email from Project Dox (PDox) to initiate the upload. The links for uploading the documents to PDox are included in the email.
• Commercial General Plan Review: Before submitting your application, you must be registered on Austin Build + Connect. Then, visit the Commercial Plan Review website to complete the application along with any required forms that may be applicable to your project. The final step is to submit all required documents and a plan set via our website. Please note that projects within the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) are not accepted.
• Public Projects Plan Review: Applications are submitted via this 'Project Initiation' form. Reviews are initiated after Public Project Review staff are notified via their Project Initiation form from the Public Project Review web page. Staff will confirm preliminary eligibility and follow-up with applicants to establish project status.
• Volume Builders Plan Review: Applications are submitted via AB+C Portal. The Volume Builder Program is an optional expedited review process that enables volume builders to receive a faster turnaround on residential permit applications for new construction. Builders interested in participating must complete an initial registration form and submit the required documentation. Once the required documentation is submitted, it is assigned to review staff for acceptance into the program. If accepted, the builder will be eligible to submit building permits through the Volume Home Builder Program. Please refer to the Volume Builder Program website for application submittal guidance.
• General Residential Plan Review: Applications and supporting documentation are submitted via Residential Plan Review website.

Apply for Permits

The follow sections of this AB+C User Manual showcase the typical steps to complete an online application. Each permit and application are slightly different. Look to relevant City Departments for additional guidance on your permits or cases.

AB+C Registered Users may submit online applications for a variety of Permits and Cases. Not all Permits and Cases are available for online application submittal. A list of select permits that can be applied for through the AB+C Portal is available on the AB+C Applications website.

• Want to know if a permit is required for your development project and who to talk to? The "Do I Need a Permit?" Wizard may help.

This interactive wizard can help you:
•    Identify if the Development Services Department (DSD) requires a permit or application.
•    Determine the next step in the development process for your project.
•    Determine the appropriate DSD staff who can provide further assistance.

Step 1: Select Permit

Click ‘Permits’ in the navigation bar and select the application you need:

• Apply for Permit/Cases
• Apply for Right of Way Permits/Special Events

Change Out Permits: Please review the qualifications for a change out to determine if this permit is appropriate for the work being done. If so, select the type of work from the drop down.

Qualifications to submit a Change Out Application

Review the qualifications below for submitting a Change Out Application online. During inspection if the work performed does not meet these qualifications you will be subject to an investigation fee.

1. Property is an occupied one - two family dwelling or Duplex that contains independent cooling, heating and water heating appliances for each dwelling
2. TOWNHOUSE (Condo). A single-family dwelling unit in which each unit extends from foundation to roof with a yard or public way on at least two sides and must have independent cooling, heating and water heating appliances. All units must be occupied and individually owned in order to qualify for this program.
3. Change Out permits do not apply to stacked units or apartments.
4. A permit fee established under separate ordinance will be charged.
5. Permits issued under this program will expire 180 days after issuance.
6. There will be no refunds issued under this program.
7. A structure must be occupied. If this form is used and the structure is NOT occupied the inspector will fail the inspection and you will be charged an investigation fee.
8. Under this section 'responsible contractor' is defined as follows:
   1. HVAC replacement - The responsible contractor is the Licensed Mechanical Contractor
   2. Water Heater replacement - The responsible contractor is the Licensed Plumbing Contractor
9. No work shall be allowed which involves circuits larger than 50 amps
10. Water heater not exceeding 100 gallons

Step 1, Part B (not applicable to all applications)

Some permit applications require a Licensed Contractor. Select the contractor you want to assign to the permit.

Contractors must have the following items to be listed in the dropdown selector:

• Contractor License Registration on file with the City
• All fees paid in full
• Active license dates (check dates of license expiration)
• Contractors must have their AB+C account connected to the Permit before they can be selected on this step of the permit application
• Only contractors that match the permit type will be listed. (e.g. Mechanical Contractors for Mechanical Permit) 
• Contact Building and Trade Contractor Services to Link Accounts

Enter a Permit Description: Enter the description and scope of work for the permit and click ‘Continue’.

Step 2: Property Search and Select

Select Property (selection options)

Two search methods available:

1. Text Search
2. Map Viewer

AB+C Address Searching Tips

Property Search, Option 1: Text Search

Enter the house number and street name of the location. Click ‘Search.’ A list of addresses that contain the street number and name entered will appear. Select the correct address by clicking ‘Select,’ then click ‘Continue’.

Property Search, Option 2: Map Viewer

For additional guidance with this feature, reference the online Map Selector Guide

Step 3: Additional Information

Change Outs: A summary of the information you have entered so far will be displayed.
Standalone Trade Permits: Use this space(s) to enter a description of the work to be done.

Depending on the permit application type, the Application Details page will appear requesting additional information:

Step 4: Attach/Upload Supporting Documents

Some applications require specific documentation to be attached.

Attachment Tool:

• Select the document(s) you want to upload
• Drag and drop files, or
• Click 'Browse' to search and select files
• Click 'Upload' before continuing

Attachment Tool parameters:

• A description is required for each upload (as a single file or a group of batched files)
• Accepted attachment file types: jpg, jpeg, pdf
• Upload limit: 200 MB
• You cannot change your attachments after the application has been submitted for approval. (If your application is initially rejected, you will be able to adjust your attachments and resubmit your application for approval.)

Step 5: Review Application Information and Submit

*For Change Out Permits, a detailed list of fees will be displayed.

Next Steps

• If you are applying for multiple permits, you can select ‘Create new application with same info' or
• Select 'Create new application with new info.’ 
• You can also ‘Save - Finish Later.’
• If you are ready to pay, click ‘Submit,’ and proceed to pay any bills.

Step 6: Fees and Payment

Certain permit types require review by permit specialists and instead will go into a queue for review. 

You will receive an automated email notification once they are either Accepted or Rejected.

My Permits/Cases

My Permits/Cases Tab

• Permits that have been started but not submitted; continue work and Submit
• Permits that have been submitted, accepted, and are Active for work to continue

Actions

• Continue: You may continue adding details to your permit application, and Submit
• Cancel: Cancel the application
• Details: View the details of submitted applications that have been Accepted/Approved. Clicking on "Detail" will display the most recent information currently associated with your application.

Permit "Detail"

• Permit Summary
• Property Details
• Permit Details
• Persons Associated with Permit
• Permit Workflow
• Folder Attachments
• Fees and Payments

My Incomplete Applications (MIA)

My Incomplete Applications tab:

• Permits that have not been completed and submitted for Approval
• Permits that have been submitted and Rejected, and need revision before resubmitting for Approval
• Three Rejections will Abort the application; after three rejections you must start a new application

My Incomplete Application actions:

• Continue: You may continue adding details to your permit application, and Submit
• Cancel: Cancel the application
• Details: View the details of submitted applications that have been Accepted/Approved. Clicking on "Detail" will display the most recent information currently associated with your application.
  (same the 'My Permits Tab')

Bills

Clicking 'Bills' will only display fees and bills for permits on your account that are eligible for payment.

Click the boxes to select the available Bills that you would like to pay. Continue with payment as prompted.

Clicking "Invoice" displays the information related to this Bill. Note the Bill Number. The Bill Number can verify and support many payment inquiries.

View Payment Information on Permit

(all Invoices and Receipts)

My Permits/Cases

Select Permit 'Details'

Click 'Fees and Payments' Tab: Examine Paid and Unpaid Bills, and the Invoices or Receipts.

My Inspections

When scheduling or requesting Inspections:

• Permits must have an Active status
• Fees must be paid

If Fees are owed, you will receive a system error message advising you to pay any outstanding Fees before continuing to schedule an inspection. For example, a Final Inspection cannot be scheduled if any outstanding inspections need to be completed or paid.

1. Clicking ‘My Inspections’ will display permits with available inspections to be scheduled. Select the permit you want to schedule an inspection for by checking the box to the left of it.

If an Active Permit has Inspections available for scheduling, a list of inspections needed for that permit will appear: 

• Request Inspection
• Cancel Inspection

2. Schedule your inspection by clicking 'Request Inspections.'

Use the 'Request Inspection Date' drop down to request a day for Inspection. You may select any date, within the next five days. You can also leave comments/notes for the inspector. Examples include gate codes, phone numbers, 'mornings are preferred,' etc.

Click 'Submit.'

3. Cancel Inspection

My Reports

Utility Release: Before an alternative service provider maintains service to a property, The City must Inspect, Approve, and officially Release service responsibilities.

Utility Release Report: This feature will return a list of Utility Releases for non-City of Austin Utility Service Providers and Inspectors. These reports indicate that the City has approved relevant permit inspections, and has approved the exchange of operations/release of responsibility to a new service provider. As an example, a report could indicate an alternative Service Provider is now allowed to connect a service the property.

Permit Change Requests: Extension and Reactivation

Permit Change Requests are available for Development Services permits only.                                            

Note: Not all permits qualify for permit change requests.

Click 'Detail.'

Click 'Permit Change Request.'