Skip to main content

Learn how to get a permit to work within the public right-of-way, such as to place water lines, sewer lines, electrical lines, and gas lines.

¿Habla español?

Aprenda cómo obtener un permiso para trabajar en el derecho de paso público, como para poner conductos de agua, de alcantarillado, cableado eléctrico y líneas de gas., 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

Collect & Complete Required Documents

Please collect all documents listed below:

  1. Residential Checklist
  2. Site plan sealed by a licensed Texas engineer that includes:
    • Site grading
    • ESC Plan
    • Restoration Plan
    • Drainage information
    • All proposed improvements
    • Sealed engineering and drainage report for the site
  3. Floodplain & Drainage Analysis
  4. If in a floodplain, a Floodplain Letter (one of the following)
    • A Texas Registered Professional Engineer’s Letter stating the project is not applicable
      OR
    • Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) Letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
    • Authorization Letter (response to the PCN Letter) from the USACE
  5. Receipt from USPS for Certified Mailing for Project Notifications
  6. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3)
  7. Site Grading Plan (construction plan only)
  8. Construction Plan (PDF)
  9. Contractor’s Work Agreement
  10. Restoration Bond (Example Bond)
    • Minimum bond is $5,000 and covers 100 linear feet of pavement cut or 500 linear feet of cut outside the pavement
      • Larger projects require a bond amount specific to the project scope.
      • The permit application for larger projects should be submitted without a bond, and Travis County will determine the bond amount.
    • Bond must be made out to Travis County
    • Duration of 1 year
    • Executed by a surety company or surety companies authorized to execute bonds under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas
    • The bond is waived if the work will be performed by a Public Utility franchised to operate in State of Texas
  11. Traffic Handling Plan

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

Create an Account

Travis County uses an online platform to process development permits.

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

4

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 “Utility”.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

Post-Permit Requirements

After you receive your permit, you must schedule the following inspections. Additional inspections may be required.

  • Request a pre-construction meeting in MyGovernmentOnline at least 48 hours prior to the start of construction.
    • The pre-construction meeting will be used to identify all required inspections.
  • Restore the cut to City of Austin Standards and Specifications

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.

Projects associated with commercial properties, multi-family residence, or manufactured home parks.

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

  • Subdivision Applications
  • Driveways
  • On-Site Sewage Facilities
  • Demolition & Clearing
  • More…
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.