The City of Austin is in the process of reviewing and adopting the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC), but has not officially implemented it yet. In preparation for the code adoption next year, the Development Services Department will host a webinar on Thursday, December 16th at 11am. The webinar will explain the changes in the code, answer questions, and gather feedback on the proposed local amendments. This is a great chance to learn more about the codes, provide some feedback, and…

Last week, the SB 840 bill (along with more than 800 others) went into effect in Texas. The bill has the potential to significantly change the development landscape in Austin. What SB 840 does: Allows multifamily or mixed-use residential development in any commercial zone or building. Permits heights up to 45 feet (or the height already allowed for commercial use, whichever is greater). Increases density to 54 units per acre. Sets setbacks at the lesser of 25 feet or those imposed on…

The summer heat has finally caught up with us, and now the City has made sure that everyone has the right to a cooler, safer living space. As of July, a new update to the technical building code requires that residences (including apartments and multi-family complexes) must be able to stay at or below 85 degrees indoors, and at least 15 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. This is part of a series of building code updates that the City Council adopted earlier this year to boost…

Heads up! The Commercial and Residential Building Inspections teams willattend mandatory training on the 2024 International Building Code and International Residential Code on Aug. 4-5. This will impact some building inspections during that week, so please communicate with your inspector regarding cancellations or delays. Thank you for your patience while our City inspectors continue to build their knowledge and skills as code requirements change. If you have questions or an emergency,…

Construction permitting is an essential process that ensures buildings are safe, legal, and in compliance with local regulations. However, in many regions, construction permitting has become increasingly complicated due to several interconnected challenges. These challenges impact builders, developers, and government agencies, often resulting in delays, increased costs, and frustration for all parties involved. Here are some of the key challenges facing construction permitting…