Springing into Action

As wildflowers spread and clean-up from the recent winter storm nears completion, there is no doubt that spring has arrived in Austin. This edition of Building Connections includes updates and reminders to help you take care of your property and manage your development projects effectively this spring and throughout the year. 

Changes to DSD and Austin Code

Last week, Interim City Manager Jesús Garza announced a series of changes for the City of Austin. This included the consolidation of Development Services and Austin Code. Read more in DSD Interim Director José Roig’s letter. 

Throughout this transition the Development Services Department remains committed to supporting our vibrant community through sustainable development. Thank you for your continued partnership as we adapt to further serve this community. 

DSD Announces Executive Team Updates

Earlier this month, Interim Director José Roig appointed two Acting Assistant Directors to the Development Services Department (DSD) Executive Team. 

Brenda de la Garza is the new Acting Assistant Director of Building Plan Review. Brenda has been with DSD since 2016, most recently creating and leading the Expedited Building Review program. Her previous City of Austin roles include Austin Energy, where she managed campaigns for programs such as green building and renewable energy, and Neighborhood Housing and Community Development, where she was part of the communications team. Brenda is a 2013 graduate of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Austin Leadership Program and was a 2021 recipient of the DSD Director’s Award. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Keith Mars, AICP, is the new Acting Assistant Director of Land Development Review. Keith has been with DSD and its predecessor departments since 2008, most recently leading the Community Tree Preservation division. He has extensive experience in land use regulations and creating effective and efficient business process. He has a bachelor’s degrees in biology and political science from Carson-Newman University and a master’s degree in forestry and environmental policy from the University of Tennessee. He has also received credentials from the American Institute of Certified Planners and Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.   

Waivers for Emergency Permits Ending Soon

If you are still making repairs related to the recent ice storm, you have a few more days to benefit from actions the Austin City Council took in February to help Austinites complete those repairs safely and quickly. Specifically, the two ordinances waive permitting and development fees for storm-related structural and electrical repairs and tree removal for single- and multi-family homes damaged in the ice storm. They also waive registration requirements for electricians licensed to work in Texas and allow the City Building Official to exempt some permitting requirements for storm-related electrical work. The waivers continue through March 31. Visit our Emergency Permits webpage for more information.

DSD Services Unavailable on April 24

The Development Services Department (DSD) will be closed to the public on Monday, April 24, to allow staff to participate in professional development. All DSD services, both in-person and virtual, will be unavailable that day. This includes inspections, appointments, web chat, and in-person payments. The Permitting and Development Center will remain open for other departments located in the building and Event Center activities.   

Keeping Construction Sites Ready Year-Round

March and April showers can bring more than May flowers. When showers turn into floods, they can carry unwanted sediment and other materials from unprepared construction sites into area creeks and streams, polluting those waterways. They also can damage and clog the City’s drainage infrastructure and contribute to roadway flooding. 

To help reduce those risks, active construction sites are required to install erosion and sedimentation controls before any work begins. When there is a forecast for significant rainfall, defined as more than a half inch in the City’s Environmental Criteria Manual, verify those controls at active construction sites are in place and working properly. Depending on your project site, these controls can include silt fences, sediment filter dikes, or mulch socks. In windy conditions, also be sure to secure construction materials and equipment that could become a public safety hazard. 

DSD sends notifications before significant rainfall and has begun a series of Lunch & Learn sessions to provide more education on Environmental Inspections. While current events are full, stay tuned for more opportunities in the future. Meanwhile, visit our Environmental Inspections webpage and the Tree Protection and Erosion/Sedimentation Controls handout to learn more about appropriate controls for your construction site(s). See the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Criteria section of the City’s Environmental Criteria Manual for more detailed guidance. If you have additional questions, contact the Environmental Inspections team. 

Some Spring Spruce-Up Projects Do Not Require Permits

For many homeowners, warmer weather means it is time to spruce up around the home. While you must always follow applicable Codes and ordinances, many spring repair projects do not require permits. 

A few examples of exempt projects include:

• Cosmetic “finish work,” such as painting, tile work and cabinetry
• Small repairs to foundations, floor or roof decking, and some siding and drywall projects
• Exterior trim components, some fencing, and some accessory structures
• Simple plumbing repairs, such as clearing clogs or stopping leaks

For a full list and further explanation, check our Work Exempt from Permits webpage when planning your next project to improve your home or business.

Caring for Trees in Your Spring Landscape

Earth Day is coming Saturday, April 22, followed by National Arbor Day on Friday, April 28. These spring celebrations often turn our thoughts to nature and the trees that will provide shade in the hotter months ahead. Following Austin’s Tree Protection Ordinance during your construction projects is key to maintaining our valued canopy. You can learn more about tree reviews and permitting on the City Arborist’s webpage and in the Tree and Natural Area Preservation section of the City’s Environmental Criteria Manual.

If you lost trees during the winter storm, be aware that spring is generally not the best time to plant a tree in Austin. However, there are steps you can take now to help keep existing trees healthy. As temperatures rise, one of the best things you can do is mulch. Whether you use wood chips, leaves, or compost, mulch helps keep soil moist and cooler during summer and helps prevent erosion when it rains. Mulch also saves water and adds nutrients to the soil. Austin residents can pick up free mulch year-round at Austin Resource Recovery’s Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center. Check out this Nature in the City blog post to learn more about the benefits of mulch and how to use it effectively. For lots more information about trees in Austin, visit our Tree Information Center.

Spring Blooms and Tidy Rooms

Austin Code is celebrating the season with spring cleaning and home maintenance tips to prevent common code violations that are more likely to occur this time of year. 

The transition from winter to spring provides an ideal environment for vegetation to grow, for pests to appear, and for prioritizing cleaning and organizing. Keep these tips and resources in mind:

• The City requires a property owner to have a 14-foot clearance at the right-of-way curb line. 
• Visit the Tree Information Center for resources and information on City tree programs.
• Rodents, bed bugs, roaches, bees, and other common pests may invite themselves in through small openings. 
• Prevent mosquitoes by getting rid of standing water.
• Check that a roof is in good condition and to ensure that HVAC systems are functioning properly before the Texas heat hits.
• City code allows for a maximum of four garage sales per calendar year. Garage sale signs may be posted on the property where the sale is occurring for no more than three consecutive days.
• Help Austin reach its zero waste goal by using Austin Resource Recovery's What Do I Do With... online tool or visit a Fix-It Clinic to learn about alternative options for donating, recycling, reusing, and repairing possessions.

For additional springtime advice, visit the Spring Cleaning with Austin Code page.

Upcoming Dates

Emergency Permitting Waivers End – March 31 

BizOpen: Commercial Property Requirements (virtual) – April 11 

Environmental Inspections Brown Bag Lunch & Learn (full) – April 13

DSD Closed – April 24

BizOpen: Commercial Property Requirements (in-person) – April 26

Tree Smart Brown Bag Lunch & Learn (full) – April 27 

Building Safety Month – May 

Austin Small Business Week – May 3-7