Austwell, TX - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Austwell city limits in Refugio County.

Department

City of Austwell / Building Official

Address

108 S. Gisler Street, Austwell, TX 77950

Phone

361-349-1399

Email

citysecretary@cityofaustwell.com

Website

https://cityofaustwell.com/building-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Submit a Statement of Intent describing the proposed work; new buildings must include windstorm engineered drawings.
2. The Building Official reviews the Statement of Intent and determines permit requirements, types, and expected inspections.
3. The City Secretary calculates fees using the Determination of Permit worksheet and informs the applicant.
4. Applicant completes the building permit application and each contractor registers and submits trade-specific permits.
5. The city issues permits before work starts. Work performed without a granted permit is charged at double the normal fee.
6. Applicant requests inspections and provides the city 48 hours to inspect.
7. The city requires a copy of the TDI building inspection before the final city inspection.
8. After final inspection and compliance, the city issues the Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: 10 workdays for a new-build Statement of Intent response with a full plan; 72 hours for minor projects; 48 hours for inspection response

Source: City of Austwell / Building Official

General Requirements

Austwell publishes active permit forms for building, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, manufactured homes, moving buildings or industrialized houses, demolition, culverts, water or sewer taps, and homeowner repairs. All electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires a permit regardless of whether a building permit is also required.

Required Documents

• Statement of Intent
• Detailed work description
• Available drawings
• Windstorm engineered drawings for new buildings
• Building permit application
• Contractor registration
• Contractor and master licenses for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC as applicable
• Driver's license
• Proof of insurance
• Trade permit applications for the work involved

Permit validity

A permit becomes void if work does not commence within 60 days of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 60 days. Written extension requests accepted no more than 2 days before deadline for a possible 7-day extension.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may do the work if they obtain appropriate permits and the Building Official determines they are capable of completing work to code. If approved, homeowner is held to same inspection criteria and may not hire general contractors or subcontractors for that approved work.

Contractor requirements

Each contractor must register with the city. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC contractors must provide contractor and master licenses, driver's licenses, and proof of insurance. General contractors pay a registration application fee; other contractors do not.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25

Permit fee formula

Tiered flat building-permit base by square-foot bracket: $25 for up to 600 sq ft, $100 for 601-1599 sq ft, $200 for 1600-2599 sq ft, $300 for 2600-3599 sq ft, $400 for 3600+ sq ft. Separate flat trade-permit charges: $25 electrical, $25 HVAC, $25 plumbing, $25 demolition, $25 culvert. All inspections $95 each.

Trade permit fee

$25 per trade permit

Reinspection fee

$95 per inspection

Penalty (no permit)

2x normal permit fee for work completed without a granted permit

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Roof-covering repairs under 100 square feet when no structural work is needed
• Gutter repairs
• Door replacement when no framing is involved
• Wheelchair-ramp or hand-railing repairs
• Fascia replacement or repair
• Repairs to steps
• Concrete flatwork that ends at the property line (culverts still require permits and drawings)
• Protective measures before a storm
• Leveling and repairs to an existing slab-on-grade foundation unless wall anchorage is being altered or repaired
• Fence repair
• Painting, carpet, and sheetrock repair
• Plumbing work limited to toilets, sinks, water heaters with no additional piping, and repairs to water service or outside water lines in the meter box
• HVAC work limited to replacement of filters and grills
• Electrical work limited to replacement of switches, receptacles, breakers, fuses, light fixtures, and lamps when there is no wiring change

Important: Confirm edge cases with the Building Official before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• City Hall (in-person)
• 361-349-1399 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Provide the city 48 hours to inspect

Inspection hours

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM (closed Tuesday and Thursday)

Typical inspection sequence: Temporary power if needed; pre-pour foundation rough for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building; rough inspection when framed but before completion; final inspection for each trade; TDI inspection before final city inspection; Certificate of Occupancy

Additional Resources

• Statement of Intent Form
• Inspections Required
• Certificate of Occupancy
• License lookup guide: Texas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Texas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Texas hub: Texas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Austwell Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Austwell, TX?

Austwell publishes active permit forms for building, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, manufactured homes, moving buildings or industrialized houses, demolition, culverts, water or sewer taps, and homeowner repairs. All electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work requires a permit regardless of whether a building permit is also required.

How much does a building permit cost in Austwell, TX?

The minimum permit fee is $25. Fees are calculated as: Tiered flat building-permit base by square-foot bracket: $25 for up to 600 sq ft, $100 for 601-1599 sq ft, $200 for 1600-2599 sq ft, $300 for 2600-3599 sq ft, $400 for 3600+ sq ft. Separate flat trade-permit charges: $25 electrical, $25 HVAC, $25 plumbing, $25 demolition, $25 culvert. All inspections $95 each..

How do I apply for a building permit in Austwell, TX?

1. Submit a Statement of Intent describing the proposed work; new buildings must include windstorm engineered drawings. 2. The Building Official reviews the Statement of Intent and determines permit requirements, types, and expected inspections. 3. The City Secretary calculates fees using the Determination of Permit worksheet and informs the applicant. 4. Applicant completes the building permit application and each contractor registers and submits trade-specific permits. 5. The city issues permits before work starts. Work performed without a granted permit is charged at double the normal fee. 6. Applicant requests inspections and provides the city 48 hours to inspect. 7. The city requires a copy of the TDI building inspection before the final city inspection. 8. After final inspection and compliance, the city issues the Certificate of Occupancy.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Austwell, TX?

Typical processing time is 10 workdays for a new-build Statement of Intent response with a full plan; 72 hours for minor projects; 48 hours for inspection response.

What work is exempt from building permits in Austwell, TX?

The following work is generally exempt: Roof-covering repairs under 100 square feet when no structural work is needed; Gutter repairs; Door replacement when no framing is involved; Wheelchair-ramp or hand-railing repairs; Fascia replacement or repair; Repairs to steps; Concrete flatwork that ends at the property line (culverts still require permits and drawings); Protective measures before a storm; Leveling and repairs to an existing slab-on-grade foundation unless wall anchorage is being altered or repaired; Fence repair; Painting, carpet, and sheetrock repair; Plumbing work limited to toilets, sinks, water heaters with no additional piping, and repairs to water service or outside water lines in the meter box; HVAC work limited to replacement of filters and grills; Electrical work limited to replacement of switches, receptacles, breakers, fuses, light fixtures, and lamps when there is no wiring change. Note: Confirm edge cases with the Building Official before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Austwell, TX?

Inspections can be scheduled via: City Hall, 361-349-1399. Provide the city 48 hours to inspect.

Other cities in Refugio County