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BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT

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1. How do I find out if I live within the City of West Lake Hills city limits?

You can search for your property in the Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD) records online here: Travis CAD. If City of West Lake Hills isn’t listed as a taxing jurisdiction for your property, then you are not located in the city limits.

Another way to find out is to search for your property on the City of Austin Jurisdictions Map located online here: Austin TX GIS

2. Who should I contact about all building, utilities, permit, and inspection questions??

Please refer to the list below to determine the appropriate person to direct your questions to:

1. General building application, permit status updates, and general planning/building process questions: Contact Zoning & Planning Secretary Mark Littrell 
2. Application requirements, permit status, and application completeness review questions: Contact Development Coordinator Joel Sherrouse
3. Specific questions about building regulations, planning, zoning, short-term rentals, variances, special use permits, etc.: Contact Director of Building & Development Services Jennifer Bills
4. Tree/vegetation questions and septic inspections: Contact Alex Sanchez
5. Inspections, Building Code questions: Contact Building Official Jordan Word
6. Code enforcement/violation questions: Contact Alex Sanchez
7. Wastewater availability and billing: Contact Wastewater/Accounting Manager Theresa Sanchez
8. Water service: Water is provided by Travis County Water District 10. Please contact Executive Assistant Louise Winder or General Manager Carla Orts or call (512) 327-2230.
9. Fire flow determination emergency access accessibility questions: Fire review is provided by Travis County Emergency Services District 9. Please contact District Chief/Fire Marshal Michael Lacey at (512) 539–3491 or by Email. 

3. What is the zoning for my property?

The City’s Zoning Map is available on the City website under How Do I View City Maps. The zoning map shows the zoning district for each property within the city limits. If you need to request a formal zoning determination from the City in writing, please send the request to Jennifer Bills, Director of Building & Development, by Email. There is a $50 fee for a zoning determination letter.

4. If I live in the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), are there any City regulations that I need to be aware of?

The City enforces its Subdivision Ordinance, Sign Ordinance, and certain commercial site development projects in the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). The ETJ is also subject to requirements by Travis County WC&ID # 10 and ESD # 9, and potentially other County regulations.

5. Does the City have setback regulations that are applicable to my property?

• Yes. Please refer to the City’s Code of Ordinances, Article 22.03, Division 8 for setback and other dimensional requirements. Setbacks vary based on zoning district, lot size, and other factors as explained in the Code. The Code is accessible online here: Code of Ordinances

6. Does the City have impervious cover restrictions?

Yes. Please refer to Code of Ordinances, Article 22.03, Division 8. Impervious cover regulations differ by zoning district. Single-family residential properties that are 0.5 acre or larger have a maximum of 25% impervious cover. Smaller properties that are on central wastewater have an impervious cover bonus as outlined in the Code. Non-residential properties have higher impervious cover maximums and have the option to apply for incentives to increase the impervious cover maximum. Code of Ordinances website: Impervious Cover

7. Does the City have drainage requirements for new projects?

Yes. Please refer to the City’s Drainage Manual, which can be found on the Building and Development page on the City website here: Drainage Manual

The level of detail you will need to provide depends on the development category applicable to your project (Type I, II, or III). Drainage plans should be turned in with the building permit application and are reviewed by the City Engineer’s office.

8. How do I apply for a variance? How long is the process?

The first step is to contact the Director of Building & Development Jennifer Bills to discuss your proposed variance. You will then be emailed the variance application and a summary of the variance process, application deadline, and public hearing dates.  The deadline for a complete application is below.

 

Submittal Date	Submittal Check Date	Notification Posted (mailed & sign)	Zoning & Planning Commission  Meeting Date	BOA/City Council  Meeting Date*
Must be received by 5:00 pm CDT  (Monday unless City holiday)	All submissions must have all required items to enter review	30 days in advance of meeting	Public Hearing (Wednesday)	Public Hearing  (Wednesday)
12/4/2023	12/5/2023	12/18/2023	1/17/2024	2/14/2024
1/8/2024	1/9/2024	1/22/2024	2/21/2024	3/26/2024
2/5/2024	2/6/2024	2/19/2024	3/20/2024	4/10/2024
3/4/2024	3/5/2024	3/18/2024	4/17/2024	5/8/2024
4/1/2024	4/2/2024	4/15/2024	5/15/2024	6/12/2024
5/6/2024	5/7/2024	5/20/2024	6/19/2024	7/10/2024
6/3/2024	6/4/2024	6/17/2024	7/17/2024	8/14/2024
7/8/2024	7/9/2024	7/22/2024	8/21/2024	9/11/2024
8/5/2024	8/6/2024	8/19/2024	9/18/2024	10/9/2024
9/3/2024	9/4/2024	9/16/2024	10/16/2024	11/13/2024
10/7/2024	10/8/2024	10/21/2024	11/20/2024	12/11/2024
12/2/2024	12/3/2024	12/16/2024	1/15/2025	2/12/2025
*Refer to Section 38.05.036: Notice of public hearing before zoning and planning commission for approval process.

Variances are first considered by ZAPCO for a recommendation, and then depending on the type of variance, the application will be forwarded to either the City Council or the Board of Adjustment. ZAPCO meets the third Wednesday of each month. If the variance is considered by City Council, it will go onto the immediately following City Council agenda, the fourth Wednesday of the month. If it needs to be considered by the BOA, it will go to the BOA agenda on the following month’s agenda on the second Wednesday. Variance applications are due to staff approximately 45 days prior to the ZAPCO meeting. Staff will handle public noticing requirements and will provide you with a public notice sign to place on your property. Please review the City’s Application Submittal Policy located online here: Application Submittal Policy

9. I would like to submit an application for a residential remodel/addition/new construction. How do I get started?

Please contact Development Coordinator Joel Sherrouse to determine if a pre-application meeting is needed. If so, you will then need to submit a completed Pre-Application Meeting Request Form. The purpose of a pre-application meeting is to go through general processes and Code requirements to point applicants in the right direction before getting too far into the plan development process. Small projects and interior-only projects typically do not require a pre-application meeting.

 When you are ready to turn in your building application, please contact Zoning & Planning Secretary Mark Littrell at (512) 327–3628 or by Email to help you determine the applicable application fees. All applications must be submitting through MyGovermentOnline, at  MGOConnect.  No hard copies are accepted.

10. I would like to submit an application for a non-residential project. What do I need to do?

Please contact Development Coordinator Joel Sherrouse to determine if a pre-application meeting is required. Interior remodels/finish-outs do not need a pre-application meeting.

Commercial building permit applications are available online here: Commercial Building Permit Application

Please keep in mind non-residential/commercial building permit applications involving exterior work must go through the Zoning & Planning Commission (ZAPCO), and City Council for review and approval before the City can issue a building permit.

When you are ready to turn in your building application, please contact Zoning & Planning Secretary Mark Littrell at (512) 327–3628 or by Email to help you determine the application fees.

11. Where can I find building and development applications?

Building permit applications, including sign permit applications are, are located on the Building & Development page of the City website here: Building Permit Applications

Don’t see the application you’re looking for? Please contact Mark Littrell at the contact info provided on the bottom of that page.

12. How long will it take to get my permit?

It depends on the type of permit, and also depends on the amount and type of comments/questions staff may have upon review. Larger projects, such as reconstruction or new construction, may take a few months or longer to have a permit issued. If your project includes variances, this may add another two to three months (sometimes longer) to the process. Because the City is small, we have several third-party reviewers who also review permit applications. We strive to provide a complete set of comments within three to four weeks of application submittal; however, it may take a longer or shorter amount of time depending on schedules and any issues beyond the control of staff.

Please note that permit fees must be paid up front and the application must be considered administratively complete before it is routed for technical review. You will be notified if any additional information is needed for the application to be complete.

13. Do I need a permit for a swimming pool?

Yes. Swimming pools require a separate permit, even if you are turning in a building permit application for a remodel/addition/new construction. There are also separate fees associated with the pool permit application.

14. Do I need a permit to construct a fence?

Yes, new fence construction and some remodels require permits. The Fence Permit Application is available online here:

 Fence Permit Application

 

15. Where can I find the fee schedule?

Most development fees are included in the building application packet. For a full listing of fees, please see Appendix A: Fee Schedule in the City’s Code of Ordinances. 

Code of Ordinances website: Appendix A Fee Schedule

16. Do I need a permit for roofing?

Yes, roofing requires a permit.  You can use the small project permit application available online here: Small Project Permit Application

All metal roofs require a sample at the time of the submission.  Roof overhangs and eaves, shall not encroach into building setbacks-Section 22.03

View ordinances

17. How do I submit a Subdivision Application?

Prior to submitting an application, you must request and attend a Preliminary Conference with city staff.  Applications for an Amending Plat, Replat, Minor Plat, Preliminary Plat, or Final Plat must following the submittal and resubmittal schedule below.  Applications without all required documents list in the Subdivision Checklist (coming soon) will be deemed incomplete.  For a recommendation of approval, all requirements of Chapter 36 Subdivisions must be provided.

 

2024 Application Schedule
Subdivision Initial Submittal
Submittal Date	Submittal Check Date	Zoning & Planning Commission  Meeting Date	City Council Meeting Date
Must be received by 5:00 pm CDT  (Monday unless City holiday, then next business day)	All submissions must have all required items to enter review	Public Hearing (Wednesday)	Public Hearing (Wednesday)
10/16/2023	10/17/2023	11/15/2023	12/13/2023
No 2023 December ZAPCO Meeting
12/18/2023	12/19/2023	1/17/2024	1/24/2024
1/22/2024	1/23/2024	2/21/2024	2/28/2024
2/19/2024	2/20/2024	3/20/2024	3/27/2024
3/18/2024	3/19/2024	4/17/2024	4/24/2024
4/15/2024	4/16/2024	5/15/2024	5/22/2024
5/20/2024	5/21/2024	6/19/2024	6/26/2024
6/17/2024	6/18/2024	7/17/2024	7/24/2024
7/22/2024	7/23/2024	8/21/2024	8/28/2024
8/19/2024	8/20/2024	9/18/2024	9/25/2024
9/16/2024	9/17/2024	10/16/2024	10/23/2024
10/21/2024	10/22/2024	11/20/2024	12/11/2024
No 2024 December ZAPCO Meeting
12/16/2024	12/17/2024	1/15/2025	1/22/2025

 

2024 Application Schedule
Subdivision Resubmittal
Resubmittal Date	City Council Meeting Date
Must be received by 5:00 pm CDT  (Monday unless City holiday, then next business day)	Public Hearing (Wednesday)
11/27/2023	12/13/2023
1/8/2024	1/24/2024
2/12/2024	2/28/2024
3/11/2024	3/27/2024
4/8/2024	4/24/2024
5/6/2024	5/22/2024
6/10/2024	6/26/2024
7/8/2024	7/24/2024
8/12/2024	8/28/2024
9/9/2024	9/25/2024
10/7/2024	10/23/2024
11/25/2024	12/11/2024
1/6/2025	1/22/2025