The Austin City Council passed two ordinances on Feb. 9 to help people make needed repairs following the recent winter storm.
The ordinances, which will be in effect through March 31, 2023, waive permitting and development fees, as well as some requirements for work on single-family and multi-family homes damaged during the ice storm from Jan. 31 through Feb. 2.
Fees: The first ordinance waives permitting and development fees for structural repairs and tree removal associated with the winter storm. The waiver applies to plan reviews, inspections, demolitions and variances, but not to re-inspections when repairs do not comply with Code requirements and fail initial inspections. The ordinance also waives late fees for City of Austin utility bills with due dates between Jan. 31 and Feb. 17.
Permit Exemptions: The second ordinance allows the Building Official to exempt some electrical work from permit requirements, extends the deadline for some permit applications, and waives a City of Austin registration requirement for electricians who are licensed to work in Texas.
The City’s Electrical Code typically requires an individual to obtain a permit to install, alter, repair, replace, or remodel an electrical system. That permitting has also been temporarily waived. Regardless of the waivers, all work must still follow all federal, state and local requirements, the city said. Be sure to hire licensed electricians and plumbers to complete those repairs.
The deadline to apply for a retroactive permit for storm-related repairs has also been extended to five days after work begins. You must note “2023 Winter Weather Event” on the post-repair permit application, and provide documentation of the condition of dead, diseased, or trees deemed to be an imminent hazard.
Emergency plumbing and electrical inspections are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can leave a message if the inspector is not immediately available:
-512-974-2030 for emergency electrical inspections
-512-974-1250 for emergency plumbing inspections
