Building permits in unincorporated Travis County — home to Austin and the 5th most populous county in Texas — are issued by the Transportation & Natural Resources (TNR) Department. Travis County adopts the 2021 International Codes for unincorporated areas.
This guide covers permit requirements, the TNR process, fees, and inspections in unincorporated Travis County.
Travis County permits cover unincorporated areas only. Properties within Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Bee Cave, Lakeway, or other incorporated cities must apply through those cities. Travis County's TNR Department handles building permits for unincorporated areas.
What requires a building permit in Travis County?
In unincorporated Travis County, building permits are required for:
Permit required
- New residential and commercial construction
- Additions and alterations
- Structural modifications
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
- Decks, pools, and accessory structures
- Change of occupancy
- Demolition
- Septic/OSSF systems
Typically exempt
- Painting, flooring, and cosmetic work
- Minor repairs not affecting structure
- Agricultural exemptions where applicable
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Building without one exposes the owner to penalties and stop-work orders. Note that exemption from a building permit does not exempt a project from zoning requirements — confirm edge cases with the building department.
Who handles permitting in Travis County?
The Transportation & Natural Resources (TNR) Department handles building permits, plan review, and inspections for unincorporated Travis County.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | TNR Department — Travis County, TX |
| Phone | (512) 854-9191 |
| Covers | Unincorporated Travis County only |
| Code cycle | 2021 IBC/IRC with Travis County amendments |
| Online | Applications available online |
| Website | traviscountytx.gov/tnr |
Contact TNR for unincorporated area permits. Properties within Austin or other incorporated cities must apply through those cities. Contact (512) 854-9191 for current submission procedures.
Travis County building permit cost
Travis County permit fees are set by the TNR Department. Contact (512) 854-9191 for current fee schedules.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Residential building permit | Per TNR fee schedule |
| Commercial building permit | Per TNR fee schedule |
| Plan review fee | Included in permit structure |
| OSSF/septic permit | Separate fee |
| Work-without-permit | Penalties + enforcement |
Want a precise number for a specific Travis County project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Travis County trade permits
State trade licenses apply for all licensed work.
Electrical permits
TDLR-licensed electrician required.
Plumbing permits
TSBPE-licensed plumber required.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
TDLR-licensed mechanical contractor required.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Septic/OSSF permits, floodplain development, and environmental reviews may apply for unincorporated areas.
Verify your contractor's license. Texas licenses electricians (TDLR), plumbers (TSBPE), and HVAC/mechanical contractors (TDLR) at the state level — contractors must register with the local municipality before pulling permits. Texas does not issue a statewide general-contractor license. Projects over $50,000 require a TDLR project number and accessibility review. The property owner is responsible for ensuring a permit is obtained. Verify trade licensure at tdlr.texas.gov and tsbpe.texas.gov.
How to get a building permit in Travis County
Confirm property is in unincorporated area
Verify the property is NOT within Austin or another incorporated city.
Contact TNR & apply
Submit application through TNR with required documents.
Submit plans for review
Provide construction documents.
Plan review & approval
TNR reviews against adopted codes.
Pay fees & receive permit
Pay all fees.
Schedule inspections through CO
Schedule inspections. Final inspection required for CO.
Inspections in Travis County
Schedule inspections through TNR. Standard checkpoints include foundation, framing, rough-in MEP, insulation, and final.
Address correction notices before requesting a re-inspection; a final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy are required before legal occupancy or use.
Official Travis County permitting resources
- 🏛️ Travis County TNR — Building Permits
- 📋 Travis County
- 🪪 TX TDLR — licensing & regulation
- 🪪 TX TSBPE — plumbing board
Simplify Travis County permitting with Alliance Permitting
Travis County's TNR Department and unincorporated-area permitting require careful jurisdiction verification, especially near Austin's ETJ. Alliance Permitting is a permit expediter for Travis County — our permit expediting services pair AI-driven document review with experts who know the Transportation & Natural Resources (TNR) process, so your Travis County submissions move faster.
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Contractors and builders choose Alliance for Travis County because we deliver:
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Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company: we prepare your paperwork, file it correctly, and coordinate with the building department through issuance — including preparing private-provider documentation where that option is available. We are not a contractor and do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your team and the jurisdiction.
Need a Travis County building permit?
Get your Travis County project permitted right. Alliance Permitting handles your applications.
More Texas permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of June 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the Travis County TNR Department before filing. This is not legal advice.