Home additions (Austin, Hays: HOA, new construction, deed)

[atxclassic]

Do I need a permit to build a car port on my driveway? If so who do I call to obtain one. I have called the city and they gave me three different numbers and all informed that they do not handle that, so I have been passed around the three of them. I live in Travis county and about 1 mile out of the city limits. Any help would be great.

[kenneth.richard]

You will probably have to run it by the HOA of your community. Also, I think if it is connected to your house, you will need a building permit. Good luck! Good idea to have one up before the summer gets here.

[MMichelle]

You might try to google a building department or building permits for your area. Yes, if you are located within an HOA you may need approval from them. Also, the HOA manager may be able to point you in the right direction for a building permit (if needed).

[atxclassic]

thanks for the ideas, also there is no HOA so one less thing to bother with

[hoffdano]

Outside the city limits Travis County does require building permits for most remodeling and additions. Unfortunately I don't know who you call. But the Travis County website has a lot of info. Don't call the city of Austin.

[CptnRn]

According to this COA website FAQ: City of Austin - Frequently asked Questions

Extra-territorial Jurisdiction (not limited purpose annexation The extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) is that area extending five miles outside the City of Austin corporate limits. All development in the ETJ is required to obtain site plan (development permit) approvals or site plan exemptions from the City. In addition, plumbing and/or electrical permits may be required if the project is served by City utilities (ETJ fees will be assessed in addition to the permit fees). Development and driveway permits are required by Travis County and Hays County.

From my experience the primary thing they would be interested in regarding the Site Plan is if you were adding impervious cover, which effects the watershed. A carport over an existing driveway would not increase any impervious cover, so if you are not adding any plumbing or electrical, I don't think the City would require a permit.

[dcg9381]

I live outside of the city also - in travis county. To build a home all that is required is a general development permit (which facilitates a driveway connection to the right of way). If you have septic - then there are permits required there.

For a carport, I wouldn't sweat it at all... There is no enforcement here, outside of civil issues if you violate a deed restriction and that's via civil means.

[DCDC1974]

no permit is required if you are outside the city limits, but check with travos county as they probably require one.

[CptnRn]

@ DCDC1974 That is not what the City website says.

Extra-territorial Jurisdiction (not limited purpose annexation The extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) is that area extending five miles outside the City of Austin corporate limits. All development in the ETJ is required to obtain site plan (development permit) approvals or site plan exemptions from the City. In addition, plumbing and/or electrical permits may be required if the project is served by City utilities (ETJ fees will be assessed in addition to the permit fees). Development and driveway permits are required by Travis County and Hays County.

[dcg9381]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

@ DCDC1974 That is not what the City website says.

I live more than 5 miles outside of Austin. I'm in the ETJ of a different city.
A basic development permit is required for new construction (mainly adding a driveway to an existing road) anywhere in Travis county. In my area, there is no permitting for anything else other than septic. This applies to MY situation.

As you've stated, in the Austin ETJ things are different.