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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Travis County.

Travis County requires county development permits for residential and non-residential projects outside incorporated city limits, including new homes, accessory buildings, additions, renovations, fences, retaining walls, pools, solar installations, driveways, floodplain work, and OSSFs. Professional builders of new or substantially improved one- and two-family dwellings must identify the IRC edition used and submit foundation, framing/mechanical, and final third-party inspection reports under County Code Chapter 480. Effective January 1, 2026, commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily dwellings of more than three units must comply with the county-amended 2021 International Fire Code; the IBC is adopted by reference through Chapter 1 of that code. TNR also enforces Chapters 448 (OSSF), 464 (floodplain), and 482 (development/environmental review). Municipalities and ETJs may require additional permits.

Inspection lane

Apply, upload plans, respond to review comments, track status, and receive TNR permits through MGO Connect. Required residential foundation, framing/mechanical, and final inspections are performed by a licensed third-party inspector and the reports are uploaded to the project account. Coordinate OSSF authorization and inspections through the same permit record and call the inspection team at 512-854-4438; do not cover or operate the system before approval. Fire Code applicants use https://www.tcfmopermits.com/ and must request final building or system inspection in writing; the Fire Marshal must begin it within two business days. County development inspectors generally require 48 hours' advance notice for construction-stage inspections identified in the online project record.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

The Fire Code excludes an industrial facility with an OSHA-compliant fire brigade, and its definition of commercial establishment excludes multifamily dwellings with fewer than four units plus private garages, carports, sheds, and agricultural buildings; those projects may still require a TNR development permit. Travis County publishes permit processes even for residential remodeling without added square footage, accessory buildings, fences, pools, and rooftop solar, so applicants should not assume routine exterior or structural work is exempt. The county publishes no blanket cosmetic-work exemption. Owners repairing damage from the July 2025 flood may request a waiver of development and septic permit fees, but the permits themselves are still required.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Apply, upload plans, respond to review comments, track status, and receive TNR permits through MGO Connect. Required residential foundation, framing/mechanical, and final inspections are performed by a licensed third-party inspector and the reports are uploaded to the project account. Coordinate OSSF authorization and inspections through the same permit record and call the inspection team at 512-854-4438; do not cover or operate the system before approval. Fire Code applicants use https://www.tcfmopermits.com/ and must request final building or system inspection in writing; the Fire Marshal must begin it within two business days. County development inspectors generally require 48 hours' advance notice for construction-stage inspections identified in the online project record.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Travis County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources Development Services and Travis County Fire Marshal's Office is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact TNR Development Services Permit Desk: 512-854-4215; TNR inspection/enforcement team: 512-854-4438; Fire Marshal: 512-854-4621.

How long might review take?

The Fire Code requires issuance or denial of a complete building or system permit application within 30 days after the Fire Marshal receives the application and fee; if no action occurs in that period, the project is approved for Fire Code purposes. A requested final Fire Code inspection must begin within two business days. TNR publishes no single ordinary development-permit review target because review depends on project scope and applicant responses; technical review pauses while comments remain unanswered.

How are inspections scheduled?

Apply, upload plans, respond to review comments, track status, and receive TNR permits through MGO Connect. Required residential foundation, framing/mechanical, and final inspections are performed by a licensed third-party inspector and the reports are uploaded to the project account. Coordinate OSSF authorization and inspections through the same permit record and call the inspection team at 512-854-4438; do not cover or operate the system before approval. Fire Code applicants use https://www.tcfmopermits.com/ and must request final building or system inspection in writing; the Fire Marshal must begin it within two business days. County development inspectors generally require 48 hours' advance notice for construction-stage inspections identified in the online project record.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Travis County requires county development permits for residential and non-residential projects outside incorporated city limits, including new homes, accessory buildings, additions, renovations, fences, retaining walls, pools, solar installations, driveways, floodplain work, and OSSFs. Professional builders of new or substantially improved one- and two-family dwellings must identify the IRC edition used and submit foundation, framing/mechanical, and final third-party inspection reports under County Code Chapter 480. Effective January 1, 2026, commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily dwellings of more than three units must comply with the county-amended 2021 International Fire Code; the IBC is adopted by reference through Chapter 1 of that code. TNR also enforces Chapters 448 (OSSF), 464 (floodplain), and 482 (development/environmental review). Municipalities and ETJs may require additional permits. The Fire Code excludes an industrial facility with an OSHA-compliant fire brigade, and its definition of commercial establishment excludes multifamily dwellings with fewer than four units plus private garages, carports, sheds, and agricultural buildings; those projects may still require a TNR development permit. Travis County publishes permit processes even for residential remodeling without added square footage, accessory buildings, fences, pools, and rooftop solar, so applicants should not assume routine exterior or structural work is exempt. The county publishes no blanket cosmetic-work exemption. Owners repairing damage from the July 2025 flood may request a waiver of development and septic permit fees, but the permits themselves are still required.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.