sunset banner

About Development Services

The Development Services Department (DSD) supports a vibrant community through responsible development. This department ensures the safety of Austin’s built environment through review, permitting, inspection, and code compliance processes so that all structures and land uses are in compliance with local, state, and national codes and regulations.  

For a full list of DSD’s services, visit our Directory of Services webpage.  

Our Commitment to Customer Service

Our commitment to the community is to steward you through the development process with consistency, connection, and credibility. Our goal with these customer-centric practices is for you to feel supported and satisfied when working with DSD.

Customer-Centric Culture Practices

Do you have feedback on our customer service? Let us know how we did. You can submit kudos or areas for growth on our DSD Customer Service Feedback Form.

Contact Us

Chat With Us

Staff from select work groups is available to chat via the web during regular business hours, 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, staff will be unavailable for online chat and phone inquiries.
 

Chat is available by clicking the blue chat icon on the following webpages:

The “Cody” chatbot is also available on the Code Compliance landing page.  

Understanding the Development Process

Development in the City of Austin begins with your vision for using a piece of property. You then bring that vision to the City to confirm that your plans meet safety, sustainability, and zoning regulations. Once your plans are approved, you obtain the required permits and build the project with successful inspections along the way. Learn more about the development process.

Additional Information