Back to School and Back to the Books

As area students head back to school, the Development Services Department (DSD) also continues to learn new ways to improve our services and make resources and tools more accessible and useful for the community we serve.  We continue to encourage and appreciate your feedback, including information about your experiences with our team and suggestions for future improvements. 

If you are reading Building Connections for the first time, we also hope you will take a moment to subscribe. That way, as we hit the books, you can stay up to date on what we learn to serve you better.

Directory of Services Finds the Right Page

If you have ever had trouble finding services and resources on DSD’s website, the new Directory of Services can help. This alphabetized listing offers quick access to links for a full range of development-related services provided by the City of Austin, including those provided by 11 partner departments. It is accessible from all DSD web pages on the left side of the page. We are always looking for ways to improve, so if something is missing, let us know at dsdcommunications@austintexas.gov.

Pre-Submittal Options Help to Get Info Right in Queue

Just like when you take a test, all customers want their applications to be right the first time. DSD offers pre-submittal meeting options for guidance before you submit your application.

Pre-submittal consultations: Free 20-minute consultation sessions are available to residential and commercial customers before submitting your application. These sessions are limited to questions about processes or procedures and do not replace the official intake process. Use the PDC Appointment Scheduler to set up a pre-submittal consultation with Plan Review staff.

Development Process Team: The Development Process Team helps homeowners and small business owners navigate the development process from concept to completion. This team focuses on helping customers through the development process, rather than addressing technical questions about your specific project. Use the PDC Appointment Scheduler to set up a meeting with the Development Process Team.

Preliminary Plan Review: For customers using the Expedited Review Process, Preliminary Plan Review (PPR) meetings with plan reviewers make it possible to discuss preliminary design or code issues before submitting your plans for expedited review. There is a fee for these meetings, which are limited to two hours. There is a new email address for PPR requests: ppr_request@austintexas.gov. If you already use this process, please update your contact information.

New BSPA Form Now Required by Austin Energy

The Austin Energy (AE) Building Services Planning Application (BSPA) form changed earlier this year. The updates offer guidance for submittal, including documentation of designer, and existing construction on the plot plan to ensure clearance requirements are met. While the submittal requirements have not changed, the current version is required for AE review and approval. Submittals using previous versions of the form will be rejected. Additionally, if you have received an approved BSPA, please include the stamped form when submitting other materials for further review. This will help prevent unnecessary steps that could slow down your AE review process.

The best way to ensure you are using the most recent required forms for all development projects is to use the links within our online interactive Intake Request forms for Residential, Commercial or Land Use Review. If you have downloaded any forms related to the development process, please keep in mind that these forms are updated as needed to incorporate new requirements or offer additional guidance for customers. Using the interactive intake forms or checking DSD's website for the most current form and applications can help you get started on the right page and reduce the need for corrections later in the process.

2021 Community Tree Report Branches Out

The 2021 Community Tree Report is officially available! The annual report includes an overview of the fiscal and programming investments that continue to help Austin’s urban forest flourish through tree planting, tree care, education, and awareness.

Report Highlights:

• The City funded more than $1.5 million in urban forest investments in 2021.

• More than 10,000 trees were introduced into the community last year (with 64% going to the highest priority areas for new canopy).



• Since 2015, the City has invested more than $6.5 million in the community’s urban forest using funds the City receives when trees are removed for development projects and community donations. Investments represented in this report do not include funding that is allocated in the City's General Fund for community trees.

Learn more about the projects occurring in your neighborhood and across the city by visiting the 2021 Community Tree Report.

Upcoming Key Dates

Sept. 5: Labor Day Holiday (City Offices Closed)

Sept. 8: Tree Smart training/lunch at PDC

Oct. 1: FY 2023 Begins

Oct.13: Tree Smart training/lunch at PDC

Oct. 22 - Nov. 5: Roots and Wings Festival