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Demolition projects in Austin—whether residential tear‑downs or commercial building removals—must follow strict permitting and regulatory processes. Obtaining the proper permits and satisfying all legal requirements isn’t just bureaucratic red tape: it protects public safety, ensures environmental compliance, and helps you avoid costly fines or work stoppages. Below is a step‑by‑step guide to navigating Austin’s demolition permit landscape.
1. Do You Need a Demolition Permit
All full-scale demolitions of structures in the City of Austin require a Demolition Building Permit. This applies
- Tree and brush removal
- Stump grinding and root removal
- Grading and leveling
- Vegetation haul-off
- Vegetation haul-off
Even structures under 5,000 sq ft can’t be legally demolished without a permit; smaller work (like removing a fence or interior remodel) may be exempt, but it’s best to confirm via the City’s “Work Exempt from Building Permits”
2. Residential vs. Commercial Applications
All full-scale demolitions of structures in the City of Austin require a Demolition Building Permit. This applies
- Tree and brush removal
- Stump grinding and root removal
- Grading and leveling
- Vegetation haul-off
- Vegetation haul-off
Demolition projects in Austin—whether residential tear‑downs or commercial building removals—must follow strict permitting and regulatory processes. Obtaining the proper permits and satisfying all legal requirements isn’t just bureaucratic red tape: it protects public safety, ensures environmental compliance, and helps you avoid costly fines or work stoppages. Below is a step‑by‑step guide to navigating Austin’s demolition permit landscape. Before demolition can begin, you must schedule a 100 Pre‑Construction Inspection. This verifies that utilities are safely addressed. Once passed, the inspector provides your Demolition Notification Packet, which includes: Residential Total Demolition Permit ($67 review fee + surcharge): Apply via the online Residential Total Demolition Permit Web Form.
3. Submitting Your Application
All full-scale demolitions of structures in the City of Austin require a Demolition Building Permit. This applies
- Tree and brush removal
- Stump grinding and root removal
- Grading and leveling
- Vegetation haul-off
- Vegetation haul-off
Demolition projects in Austin—whether residential tear‑downs or commercial building removals—must follow strict permitting and regulatory processes. Obtaining the proper permits and satisfying all legal requirements isn’t just bureaucratic red tape: it protects public safety, ensures environmental compliance, and helps you avoid costly fines or work stoppages. Below is a step‑by‑step guide to navigating Austin’s demolition permit landscape. Before demolition can begin, you must schedule a 100 Pre‑Construction Inspection. This verifies that utilities are safely addressed. Once passed, the inspector provides your Demolition Notification Packet, which includes: Residential Total Demolition Permit ($67 review fee + surcharge): Apply via the online Residential Total Demolition Permit Web Form.
