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Austin City Council passed two ordinances on Feb. 9 to help our community make needed repairs safely and quickly following the recent winter storm.
The ordinances, in effect through March 31, 2023, waive permitting and development fees and some permitting and registration requirements for work on single- and multi-family homes damaged during the ice storm from Jan. 31 through Feb. 2.
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Fees: The first ordinance waives permitting and development fees for structural repairs and tree removal associated with the winter storm. The waiver applies to plan reviews, inspections, demolitions and variances, but not to re-inspections when repairs do not comply with Code requirements and fail initial inspections. The ordinance also waives late fees for City of Austin utility bills with due dates between Jan. 31 and Feb. 17.
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Permit Exemptions: The second ordinance allows the Building Official to exempt some electrical work from permit requirements, extends the deadline for some permit applications, and waives a City of Austin registration requirement for electricians who are licensed to work in Texas.
The City’s Electrical Code typically requires an individual to obtain a permit to install, alter, repair, replace, or remodel an electrical system. Temporarily waiving these requirements will help residents complete work faster to prevent further damage to structures. Regardless of the waivers, all work must still follow all federal, state and local requirements. Be sure to hire licensed electricians and plumbers to complete those repairs.
The deadline to apply for a retroactive permit for storm-related repairs has also been extended to five days after work begins. Please note “2023 Winter Weather Event” on the post-repair permit application, and provide documentation of the condition of dead, diseased or imminent hazard trees.
Emergency plumbing and electrical inspections are available by calling a dedicated phone line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please leave a message if the inspector is not immediately available:
- 512-974-2030 for emergency electrical inspections
- 512-974-1250 for emergency plumbing inspections
As you navigate these emergency repairs, we are here to help. Our Permits for Emergency Repairs web page offers additional information about emergency repairs and permitting. For questions, contact Austin 3-1-1 anytime, DSD’s emergency repairs hotline at 512-974-1500, Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., visit the Permitting and Development Center (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr.) or utilize the chat feature at DevelopmentATX.com.
We’re here to make repairs to your homes and businesses as safe and quick as possible. Let us know how we can help.
Development Services Department
City of Austin
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