ADU Permit Submission Checklist in Austin, Texas

Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in Austin, Texas — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.

Key Facts

Permit required
Yes
Submission method
Online
Typical fee range
$5,250 – $19,800
Review time
Varies by jurisdiction
Inspections
6 inspections required
VerifiedLast verified: Feb 15, 20262 verified sources

ADU Permit Checklist

Austin6 required, 0 optional

Forms & Applications(1)

  • Building Permit ApplicationREQUIRED[1][2]

    Completed Form B1 (Application for Building Permit)

Plans & Diagrams(3)

  • Architectural PlansREQUIRED[3][4]

    Complete architectural drawings signed by a licensed architect, including floor plans, elevations, sections

  • Site PlanREQUIRED[5][6]

    Site plan showing lot boundaries, setbacks, building footprint, parking areas, and utilities

  • Utility Connection PlansREQUIRED[9][10]

    Plans showing water, sewer, electric, and gas connections. Separate meter information if applicable

Supporting Documents(2)

  • Structural CalculationsREQUIRED[7][8]

    Structural calculations and engineering report prepared by a licensed structural engineer

  • Property DeedREQUIRED[11][12]

    Copy of property deed showing current ownership

This checklist is for reference only. Requirements may change — always verify with Austin before submission.

Generate your permit packet

Get a personalized ADU permit packet for Austin, Texas — tailored to your project details.

  • Required forms: Building Permit Application, and more
  • Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
  • Fee breakdown: $1,750–$12,000 estimated total
  • Step-by-step Austin Development Services Department portal submission guide
  • Inspection prep checklist (6 items)
  • Personalized for your specific project details
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Required Documents

Austin requires the following documents for this permit application.

R

Building Permit Application

Completed Form B1 (Application for Building Permit)

R

Architectural Plans

Complete architectural drawings signed by a licensed architect, including floor plans, elevations, sections

R

Site Plan

Site plan showing lot boundaries, setbacks, building footprint, parking areas, and utilities

R

Structural Calculations

Structural calculations and engineering report prepared by a licensed structural engineer

R

Utility Connection Plans

Plans showing water, sewer, electric, and gas connections. Separate meter information if applicable

R

Property Deed

Copy of property deed showing current ownership

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through Austin Development Services Department.

  1. 1

    Pre-Application Consultation

    Meet with City staff to discuss ADU proposal and compliance with Code Section 25-2-792

    You'll need: Property Deed

  2. 2

    Submit Plans and Application

    Submit complete building permit application with architectural and engineering documents

    You'll need: Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Structural Calculations, Utility Connection Plans

  3. 3

    Plan Review

    City planning and building review staff examine plans for compliance with zoning and building codes

  4. 4

    Address Corrections and Revisions

    Submit revised plans if reviewer identifies code compliance issues

  5. 5

    Pay Permit Fees

    Pay calculated permit fees based on valuation

  6. 6

    Construction Inspections

    Schedule and pass required building inspections during construction

  7. 7

    Certificate of Occupancy

    Receive Certificate of Occupancy after final inspection

Fees and Timeline

Fee Breakdown

FeeRangeConfidence
ADU Permit Fee$3,500 – $12,000Verified
Plan Review Fee$1,750 – $7,800Verified

Inspections Required

Foundation and footings per IBC standards

Foundation and footings per IBC standards

Framing and structural members

Framing and structural members

Electrical systems and panel inspection

Electrical systems and panel inspection

Plumbing rough-in and final connections

Plumbing rough-in and final connections

Mechanical systems and HVAC

Mechanical systems and HVAC

Final inspection and Code compliance verification

Final inspection and Code compliance verification

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

Austin Development Services Department

Last verified: February 15, 2026

2 sources referenced

Official page
Austin ADU Permitting Guide

Verified February 15, 2026

Official page

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a adu permit in Austin?
Yes. Austin requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
How long does adu permit approval take in Austin?
Processing times in Austin vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact Austin Development Services for current timelines.
What documents are required for a adu permit in Austin?
Austin requires 6 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Structural Calculations, and others. See the full list above for details.
What happens if I build without a adu permit in Austin?
Building without a permit in Austin can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Austin?
Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Austin's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
How much does a adu permit cost in Austin?
ADU permit fees in Austin typically range from $5,250 to $19,800, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Austin.

Related Permits

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Sources & Citations

All regulatory information on this page is sourced from official government publications. Always verify requirements directly with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before submission.

  1. [1]Austin Development Services DepartmentAustin City Code Section 25-2-792 (Accessory Dwelling Unit)https://abc.austintexas.gov/(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  2. [2]Austin Development Services DepartmentAustin ADU Permitting Guidehttps://www.austintexas.gov/department/development-services(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  3. [3]Austin Development Services DepartmentAustin Building Code (Based on IBC 2015)https://abc.austintexas.gov/(verified Feb 15, 2026)