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Learn how to get a permit for a new construction of a single-family house, a duplex, or a mother-in-law suite/habitable structures.

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Aprenda cómo obtener un permiso de vivienda unifamiliar/vivienda prefabricada, en español.

Application Process

1

Verify Your Address

This website provides information on development outside corporate city limits in Travis County.

To verify what city and county your property is located in, use the Jurisdiction Web Map.

2

Gather Required Information

The following information is needed to complete your application:

  1. Address
  2. Legal description of the property from Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD)
    • Lot #
    • Block
    • Phase and section
    • Property ID (PID)
  3. Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) name (if applicable)
  4. Proposed construction start date
  5. Estimated cost of construction
  6. If the home is using on-site sewage facilities
  7. Statement of International Residential Code (IRC) year

Unsure about required information or documents?

Our new tool Camino can help. Answer a few questions to get information that will assist with your application.

This version of Camino is a beta release and is intended as a supplemental tool to learn about likely requirements for your project. We have tried to build the tool to accurately capture the required steps, information, and documentation depending on the unique nature of your project, but it is NOT a substitute for Travis County Code or any other laws and regulations.

Please see TCAD Disclaimer here.

3

Collect Required Documents

Please collect all documents listed below:

  1. Residential Checklist
  2. Site plan that includes:
    • Contour lines
    • All existing and proposed improvements
    • Location of existing or proposed on-site sewage facilities (if applicable)
    • All easements
      • Drainage
      • Public Utility
      • Electrical
      • Non-disturbance
      • Etc.
    • Erosion & Sediment Control Plan (ESCP)
    • All proposed grading
    • Location of waterways or CEFs
    • Location of existing or proposed OSSF (if applicable)
  3. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) (if applicable)

Projects located in a floodplain or on a lot/tract that is partially located in the floodplain must include the following documents in addition to the above requirements:

  1. Full set of architectural plans
  2. Site plan showing:
    • Floodplain location
    • Lowest floor elevation of all existing and proposed structures
    • Flood venting plan (if applicable)
  3. Balance of Fill Statement (if applicable)
  4. Elevation Certification based on “finished construction”
    • Required within 30 days of the structures completion

Travis County requires there to be no effect to the base flood elevation or the conveyance of the floodplain.

4

Create an Account

Travis County uses a permitting website to process development permits.

Once you complete all previous steps, please proceed to create a permitting account.

5

Apply for Your Permit

Once your account is created and phone number verified, you can move on to filing your paperwork.

Please have all the requirements in previous steps handy.

Start your online application.

Follow the instructions and steps provided within the platform.

In the “Select an Application Type” step, select “Development (Residential)”.

NOTE: If you also need an OSSF Permit, you must submit a separate OSSF Permit application.

6

Check the Status of Your Application

As we review your application, you can track the progress in the permitting website.

All communication associated with your permit application will be conducted within the same website. Please monitor your email and queue for status updates or comments associated with your application.

7

Respond to Our Comments (if applicable)

If the County has provided comments on your application, action is required by you to address the comments. The review process will be paused until you have responded sufficiently to each comment.

8

Receive the Permit

Once your application is approved, you will receive an e-mail notification.

Post the permit somewhere visible from the public right of way (ROW) on your work site before you begin your project.

9

Schedule Inspections

If the work is completed by a professional builder, a minimum of 3 inspections must be performed by a licensed 3rd party inspector during the construction project to ensure code compliance at the following stages of construction:

  1. Foundation Stage, before the placement of concrete
  2. Framing and Mechanical Systems Stage, before covering with drywall or other interior wall covering
  3. Completion of construction of the residence

Inspections are not required for manufactured homes.

Related Permits

Projects associated with single-family residence or manufactured homes.

Find information about permits for construction and remodeling projects outside corporate city limits in Travis County, such as:

  • Single-Family Residences & Duplexes
  • Driveways
  • On-Site Sewage Facilities
  • Fences & Retaining Walls
  • More…
Driveway

Learn about the different types of approved driveways, and how to get a permit to build a driveway on a maintained county right-of-way.

On-Site Sewage Facility (Septic System)

Learn how to get a permit to install or maintain a septic system on your residence.

References & Code

Travis County Code:

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

If you can’t find information about a specific permit or need help, fill out the Contact & Feedback Form. We will get back to you shortly.

You can also request a pre-application meeting to discuss any questions about your project by submitting a Request for a Pre-Application Meeting.

For other ways to reach us, visit our Contact page.

Development Services Contact Card

Contact & Feedback Form

Request a Pre-Application Meeting

Phone

(512) 854-4215

Permit Desk Hours

Monday - Thursday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Street Address

700 Lavaca
Suite 540
Austin, TX 78701
(Map)

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 1748
Attn: Permits
Austin, TX 78701

Social Media

 

More Resources

Transportation & Natural Resources Contact Page

 

TAX RATE: TRAVIS COUNTY ADOPTED A TAX RATE THAT WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR’S TAX RATE. THE TAX RATE WILL EFFECTIVELY BE RAISED BY 12.7 PERCENT AND WILL RAISE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A $100,000 HOME BY APPROXIMATELY $34.51.