Commercial Site and Subdivision Inspections

After your project has been released and an inspector has been assigned to the project

Step 1: Pre-Construction (Pre-Con) Meeting

The assigned Inspector will review the permitted plans and project documentation to prepare an agenda and will call to schedule a Pre-Con meeting. The Inspector will meet on-site to explain the inspection process, clarify questions regarding materials, and discuss items discovered during plan review. The Pre-Con meeting may also include the Inspection Supervisor, Engineer, Environmental Inspector, Owner, and other City, County, or public entities as appropriate.

For Austin Water (AW) water meters:

• If you need to exchange and upgrade your meter, contact AW Taps Office to ensure requirements have been completed via plan review, permitting, and development fees have been paid.
   
• If you have an existing meter, it needs to be returned to the Inspector. This is a critical component to avoid lost/stolen meters, update the account to ensure accurate billing, and to avoid potential fees for missing City of Austin equipment.
   

Step 2: Authorized Construction

Contractor locates existing utilities through OneCall (8-1-1) before digging starts.

• Address must be always posted on the site and visible from the street throughout the construction process.
• All applicable project permits must always be kept current and available on-site for review.
• Prior to the start of construction, erosion, and sediment controls as well as tree protection measures need to be in place if applicable to your project. For more information, please reference the Tree Protection and Erosion/Sedimentation Controls Flowchart.

These inspections may be conducted at any time after the pre-con meeting:

SSI Inspection Process

Inspections and testing occur at critical stages during the construction process. Examples include earthwork and excavation, utility installation including pipe, bedding and backfill, street installation or repairs, concrete placement of curb & gutter, sidewalks, driveways, and drainage structures. The Contractor must ensure excavation is maintained for safety of the public along with coordinating inspections and testing with the assigned DSD Inspector. The Inspector will schedule inspections and testing with a 24-hour notice.

​​Water/Wastewater Inspection Process

1. Excavate to expose existing utility for tie-in. Verify approved Right of Way/Excavation Permits.
2. Coordinate with Austin Water Pipeline Operations to coordinate valve turn testing and formal shutouts and of existing utility infrastructure lines (if applicable).
3. Set tapping saddle (water line) or cut in “tee” (water/wastewater) according to COA-approved plans.
4. Tap/cut service main.
5. Excavate trench for service line.
6. Place service line from saddle/ ”tee” to meter box or clean out location.
7. Place backfill in trench of utility tie-in and service line.
8. Set meter boxes for water service line and/or clean out for wastewater service line.
9. Execute temporary/permanent trench repairs to excavation and roadway.