Which permit you need
- Pool small project application for new pools and major pool work.
- Electrical permit for equipment, lighting and bonding, by a licensed electrician.
- A compliant safety barrier with self closing, self latching gates.
- On septic properties outside the city, the pool must stay clear of the drain field.
Austin application and review time
| Application | Review time |
|---|---|
| Small Project (garage conversion, pool or uncovered deck, fence) | 5 business days |
| Update submittal after comments | 7 business days |
What to submit
- Site plan with pool, decking, equipment pad, setbacks and impervious cover
- Pool engineering and construction details
- Barrier and gate details
- Tree locations near the excavation
Austin permit fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pool small project review | $146.15 |
| Application processing fee | $112.76 |
| Tree review, if protected trees are affected | $566.93 |
| Resubmittal after comments, if needed | $585.77 |
Plan review fees from the City of Austin Residential Building Plan Review and Inspection Permit Fees, effective October 1, 2026. Building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspection permit fees are charged separately by square footage; see the city fee schedule.
What to watch for
- Decking around the pool often decides whether the project fits impervious cover limits
- Rock excavation in the Hill Country changes the schedule and cost
- Over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, extra environmental rules can apply
How to get approved faster
Check the permit history first. Search the property on the City of Austin Public Search. If old permits expired, file the Acknowledgment of Expired Permits with your application; unresolved permits are a common reason for delays.
Know which rules apply to the lot. Use the city's Property Profile to see zoning, Subchapter F (the residential design standards that set height and setback planes in much of central Austin), floodplain and historic status. Floodplain review is required within 100 feet of the 100 year floodplain.
Check deed restrictions and the HOA yourself. The city does not enforce private deed restrictions; the applicant is responsible for them, and HOA approval is a separate step.
Make the floor plans complete. The city lists what reviewers look for: scale, room labels and square footage, wall dimensions, ceiling heights, door and window sizes, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm locations, plumbing fixtures, and handrail and guardrail locations, with existing and proposed plans when anything changes.
Get the structural documents right. New construction needs foundation, wind bracing and framing plans. For some projects, such as interior remodels without additions, a Structural Verification Report from an engineer can be used instead.
Deal with trees up front. Trees 19 inches or more in diameter on or next to the lot trigger tree review. Locating them on the site plan before design avoids redesigns later.
See all approval tips and review times.
Outside the City of Austin
| City | Where to apply | Review time |
|---|---|---|
| Austin | Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) | Express about one business day; interior remodels and small projects 5 business days; new construction and additions 10 business days; updates 7 business days (from July 1, 2026) |
| Round Rock | City of Round Rock permit portal | About 30 business days for a single family remodel after the application is accepted; no expedited review |
| Cedar Park | MGO Connect | Not published; ask Building Inspection |
| Georgetown | MGO Connect | Not published; ask Building Inspections |
| Pflugerville | Public Access Permitting Portal | Not published; ask Building Inspection and Permits |
| Leander | Development Hub | About 10 days for the first review of an addition or remodel; about 5 days per review for pools |
| Hutto | City of Hutto building permits | Not published; ask Building & Code Enforcement |
| Manor | MyPermitNow (GovWell), since May 27, 2026 | Not published |
| Lakeway | Civic Self Service | Not published |
| Bee Cave | City of Bee Cave Building Permits & Inspections | Not published |
| West Lake Hills | City of West Lake Hills Building & Development | Not published; the development coordinator can say whether a pre-application meeting is needed |
| Dripping Springs | City of Dripping Springs Building Department | Not published |
| Kyle | Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal | Not published |
| Buda | City of Buda Building Codes & Inspections | Typically 10–15 business days, with more rounds if there are compliance issues |
| San Marcos | MGO Connect | Not published |
| Liberty Hill | City of Liberty Hill Building Permits & Inspections | Not published |
| Taylor | City of Taylor Building Permits | Not published |
| Bastrop | City of Bastrop Building & Permitting | Not published |
| Lockhart | City of Lockhart Development Services | Not published |
| Marble Falls | City of Marble Falls Building Division | Not published |
Outside city limits: Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Bastrop County and Caldwell County permits for unincorporated land.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a swimming pool in Austin?
New pools in Austin use the Pool or Uncovered Deck small project application: $146.15 for plan review and about 5 business days. Electrical bonding, pool equipment circuits and safety barriers are inspected, and impervious cover, trees and septic fields decide where the pool can go.
How long does swimming pool permit review take in Austin?
Small Project (garage conversion, pool or uncovered deck, fence): 5 business days. Updates after comments take about 7 business days each.
What does a swimming pool permit cost in Austin?
Plan review fees under the City of Austin schedule effective October 1, 2026 include: pool small project review $146.15; application processing fee $112.76; tree review, if protected trees are affected $566.93. Inspection permit fees for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work are separate.
Related
General information gathered from official city sources on October 18, 2026, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, usually each October; we confirm them for your address during the free consultation and handle the permit for you.