PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for an ADU or garage conversion in Austin, TX?

Short answer: Yes, a permit is required for an ADU or garage conversion in Austin, TX.

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Permit required Confidence: high

Yes. A building permit is required for accessory dwelling buildings and for garage conversions.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see the Austin residential fee schedule. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://austin.widen.net/content/kqozxt8sbc/original/Fees_Residential.pdf?u=x8lbbe&download=true · All verified Austin permit fees

Where to apply

City of Austin Development Services (see Types of Permits for the right web form / AB+C Portal)

Permitting authority: City of Austin Development Services Department. Applies inside City of Austin jurisdiction. Flood hazard areas and the Wildland-Urban Interface change several exemptions. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“Building PermitRequired for new construction, additions, or interior remodels of single-family, duplex, two-family houses, and accessory dwelling buildings on one lot.”

Source: https://www.austintexas.gov/development-services/types-permits

“garage conversion or carport/porch enclosure”

Source: https://www.austintexas.gov/development-services/types-permits

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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