The answer in one minute
No. Based on the stated project inputs, the proposed 192-square-foot deck should use Austin's residential Pool/Uncovered Deck permit pathway. The project is approximately 48 inches above grade and attached to the dwelling. Those facts defeat key published exemption conditions.
The report has identified the zoning, property-specific setback framework and permit pathway. The remaining blockers are primarily site-placement evidence, parcel floodplain evidence, easement review, tree/environmental review where applicable, and the final application/structural package.
What we know about this property
0225030308
Secondary property record cross-check. Official TCAD Property Search should remain the controlling parcel source.
SECONDARY SOURCE6,591 sq. ft.
Approximately 0.15 acre according to the secondary property record.
1,424 sq. ft.
Secondary property record identifies approximately 1,424 sq. ft. of building area.
1937
Secondary property record.
LOT 3
LOT 3 RESUB BLK 4AND5 ROSEDOWN
CITY RECORDResidential
The property-specific City record is an SF-3 single-family residential property.
The parcel number and appraisal-style property measurements above are presented as a secondary-source cross-check. Permitrust should retrieve the live official TCAD Property Search record before issuing a production report.
The exact project being tested
12 ft × 16 ft
Customer/project input.
192 sq. ft.
12 × 16 = 192 sq. ft.
Approximately 48 inches
Critical exemption input.
Attached to dwelling
Critical exemption input.
Uncovered
Proposed scope.
Residential
Residential.
Correct application pathway
Pool / Uncovered Deck
Austin's Residential Plan Review page currently lists a Pool/Uncovered Deck web form for pool or uncovered wooden deck construction, replacement or repair on a residential lot.
Permit-required path
The assumed project does not qualify for the published exemption.
Use the City of Austin Residential Plan Review process and the current Pool/Uncovered Deck application. The City's current plan-review page states that Swimming Pool/Uncovered Deck projects have a 5-business-day review time.
Requirement vs project
The project fails the height and attachment conditions before floodplain status even becomes necessary to make the permit determination.
Does the 12 × 16 deck actually fit?
| Item | Requirement | Project / Evidence | Finding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot area | Property-specific | 6,591 sq. ft. | IDENTIFIED |
| Proposed deck area | Project input | 192 sq. ft. | 2.91% OF LOT AREA |
| Interior side setback | 5 ft | Exact deck placement not supplied | CANNOT CERTIFY FIT |
| Through-lot rear setback | 15 ft | Exact deck placement not supplied | CANNOT CERTIFY FIT |
| Building coverage | Property-specific calculation | Existing footprint not independently established | NOT DETERMINABLE |
| Impervious cover | Property-specific calculation | Existing impervious surface inventory unavailable | NOT DETERMINABLE |
| FAR | If applicable | No project-specific FAR calculation established | NOT DETERMINABLE |
The report knows the property-specific 5-ft side and 15-ft through-lot rear setback framework. It does not have a surveyed site plan showing where the proposed 12 × 16 ft deck will sit. Therefore Permitrust should not falsely report "PASS" or "FAIL" for exact deck placement.
Property-specific zoning controls
SF-3
Single-Family Residence.
5 ft
Required setback identified in the property-specific Board of Adjustment record.
15 ft
Required rear-yard framework identified in the property-specific record.
The 2024 Board of Adjustment case references LDC §25-2-492 for site development regulations and LDC §25-2-515 for rear yards of through lots.
Hidden site constraints
Not established
No deed/plat easement determination was retrieved from the accessible sources used for this report.
No conflict established
No property-specific ROW conflict was identified in the reviewed material, but this is not a title/plat certification.
Austin Energy reviewed prior case
Austin Energy did not oppose the 2024 variance request subject to its clearance and safety criteria.
Review recorded plat/deed
Final deck placement should not be certified until easement information is available.
Environmental constraints
Parcel result not retrieved
Austin's FloodPro system is the official municipal route for property-level floodplain mapping. The report does not claim a flood-zone result without the actual parcel map.
Open Austin FloodPro ↗Property-specific tree result not retrieved
Austin requires tree review where regulated trees or critical-root-zone impacts are involved. Protected trees on residential property generally begin at 19 inches diameter.
View Austin Tree Rules ↗A premium permit report should not convert "search did not return a result" into "no issue." The correct evidence status is Unable to Verify until the actual property-level source is retrieved.
Prior municipal activity
C15-2024-0047
Property-specific variance case for 4906 Lynnwood St.
Granted
Board decision dated December 9, 2024.
5 ft → 2 ft 5 in
Requested reduction to the interior side-yard setback for the prior project.
15 ft → 3 ft
Requested reduction to the through-lot rear setback for the prior project.
The existence of a prior variance does not automatically grant the proposed deck the same relief. The prior variance related to a different scope: conversion/change of use involving an existing detached garage.
Rule → trigger → conclusion
| Issue | Rule / Source | Project Trigger | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permit exemption | Austin residential exemption framework | Attached + approximately 48" | FAIL |
| Side setback | LDC §25-2-492 | 5-ft required framework | SITE PLAN REQUIRED |
| Through-lot rear | LDC §25-2-515 | 15-ft framework | SITE PLAN REQUIRED |
| Residential code | 2024 IRC + Austin local amendments | New residential deck | APPLIES |
| Tree ordinance | Austin Tree Ordinance / ECM | Regulated trees / CRZ if present | TREE CHECK |
What the structural package must address
Footings / Piers
Final support system must be shown.
Posts / Beams / Joists
Framing arrangement must match approved plans.
Ledger / Connections
Critical because the project is assumed attached.
Stair Geometry
Final stair design must comply with applicable code.
Guards / Handrails
Required based on final deck height and configuration.
Height-sensitive review
The assumed approximately 4-ft-high attached deck deserves detailed structural documentation.
Austin's foundation inspection materials identify a narrow exception for an uncovered deck that is independent of another structure, no more than 4 ft above the relevant grade condition, less than 200 sq. ft., and built using prescriptive residential-code methods. This project is assumed attached, so Permitrust should not automatically apply that independent-deck exception.
What the customer should prepare
| Document | Primary responsibility | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Pool / Uncovered Deck Application | Homeowner / Contractor | Primary application pathway for the proposed project. |
| Site / Plot Plan | Designer / Contractor / Surveyor as appropriate | Shows property boundaries, structures, proposed deck and required setbacks. |
| Deck Plan | Designer / Contractor | Shows exact dimensions and configuration. |
| Elevations | Designer / Contractor | Shows grade relationship and deck height. |
| Foundation / Footing Details | Designer / Engineer | Documents support system. |
| Framing Plan | Designer / Engineer | Documents beams, joists and posts. |
| Ledger / Connection Details | Designer / Engineer | Important because the project is assumed attached. |
| Stair / Guard Details | Designer / Contractor | Documents safety components and geometry. |
| Tree Documentation | Applicant / Arborist if applicable | Required if regulated trees or critical-root-zone impacts are involved. |
| Floodplain Documentation | Applicant / Designer | Required to resolve the current parcel-level floodplain gap. |
The application package should be internally consistent: site plan dimensions, deck dimensions, elevations, structural details and application information should all describe the same project.
Municipal fee planning
| Fee component | Amount | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential plan-review base component | $179.30 | Published schedule component | Addition/remodel review base; exact fee treatment depends on application scope. |
| Residential application processing | $106.72 | Published schedule component | Residential plan-review application processing fee. |
| Building permit base component | $289.53 | Planning component | Base building permit component; not a complete deck permit quote. |
| Standalone inspection component | $67.10 | Planning component | First standalone-project inspection component reported in current fee data. |
| Planning-level subtotal | $642.65 | DERIVED | Not a City quote. Additional fees or different application treatment may apply. |
| Reinspection | $76.23 | Published | Applies when a reinspection is required. |
| Major plan revision / resubmittal | $532.52 | Published | Potential additional exposure if significant corrections are required. |
| Minor plan revision | $84.15 | Published | Potential additional correction fee. |
This is a Permitrust planning calculation based on published/current component data. It is not a City quote. The final amount can change based on the City's application classification, project scope, inspection requirements, additional review disciplines, revisions, tree/flood/erosion review and other applicable charges.
Austin's FY2025–26 fee schedule is the controlling source for municipal fees. View official fee schedule ↗
From permit to completion
Foundation / Footing EXPECTED
Foundation and footing work must be inspected under the applicable residential inspection framework. The City provides a foundation inspection checklist.
Framing EXPECTED
Structural framing should be inspected before work is concealed, consistent with the approved plans and applicable inspection requirements.
Structural / Connection Review PROJECT-SPECIFIC
Ledger, posts, beams, joists, guards, stairs and connections must match the approved design.
Final Building Inspection REQUIRED
The responsible contractor is responsible for scheduling required inspections, including the final building inspection.
Permit Closure REQUIRED
The project should not be treated as complete until required inspections have passed and the permit is properly closed.
The exact inspection sequence assigned to the permit controls. The report should never promise a specific inspection order if the issued permit assigns something different.
What the customer should expect
5 business days
Current Austin Residential Plan Review information lists 5 business days for Swimming Pool/Uncovered Deck projects.
Additional time possible
Corrections or resubmittals can extend the actual project timeline beyond the published review target.
Review + corrections + issuance
Permitrust should not market 5 business days as a guaranteed permit-issuance date.
Who can pull and activate the permit?
Texas does not require a state GC license
Austin states that anyone can be a general contractor in Texas, including a homeowner, although Austin registration requirements still apply.
Required before activation
General contractors, trade contractors and homeowners acting as contractors must register with Austin's Building and Trade Contractor Services before obtaining/activating applicable permits.
Portal account
The general contractor assigned to the building permit must have an Austin Build + Connect account.
Inspections + activation
The registered GC is responsible for permit activation, payment, approved work and scheduling required inspections.
Where the customer goes for help
Austin Development Services
For questions about the residential deck permit pathway, zoning, application status or development requirements, the customer should contact Austin Development Services rather than relying on a generic City department.
What can still stop this project?
The assumed deck is attached and approximately 48 inches high.
The report has the property-specific setbacks but not a surveyed deck placement.
A parcel-level FloodPro determination was not retrieved.
No recorded easement/plat determination was available in the reviewed sources.
Austin requires tree review where regulated trees or critical-root-zone impacts are involved.
Exact fees depend on the final application and project scope.
Austin currently provides a specific Pool/Uncovered Deck residential pathway.
Austin currently lists 5 business days for Swimming Pool/Uncovered Deck residential plan review.
Is the project ready to build?
Zoning
SF-3 confirmed.
Permit Path
Pool / Uncovered Deck.
Exact Placement
Site plan not yet demonstrated.
Floodplain
Parcel result missing.
Easements
Deed/plat evidence missing.
Final Plans
Structural package not complete.
The score is a Permitrust readiness metric — not a municipal approval score. The project has a clear permit path and verified zoning, but several evidence and submission blockers remain.
Exact next steps
Confirm the parcel record
Use the official TCAD property search to confirm parcel number, lot information and current appraisal data.
Obtain the actual site plan
Plot the 12 × 16 ft deck against property boundaries and the 5-ft / 15-ft setback framework.
Resolve easements
Review the recorded plat/deed and any utility or drainage easements before finalizing deck location.
Run the parcel floodplain check
Obtain and retain the actual Austin FloodPro parcel result.
Check regulated trees
Identify protected/heritage trees and critical-root-zone conflicts before construction.
Finalize structural design
Prepare footing, post, beam, joist, ledger, stair, guard and connection details.
Prepare the application package
Complete the current Pool/Uncovered Deck residential application and supporting drawings.
Register the responsible contractor
The responsible general contractor/homeowner acting as contractor must satisfy Austin registration requirements before permit activation.
Submit through Austin
Use the applicable Austin Development Services residential web-form / AB+C pathway.
Complete inspections
Schedule and pass the inspections assigned to the permit.
Close the permit
Do not treat the project as complete until required inspections have passed and the permit is closed.
Who does what?
| Task | Homeowner | Contractor | Designer / Engineer | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confirm property parcel data | YES | HELP | HELP | SOURCE |
| Final site plan | PROVIDE | YES | YES | REVIEW |
| Structural drawings | — | HELP | YES | REVIEW |
| Permit application | YES | YES | HELP | PROCESS |
| Permit payment | YES | YES | — | RECEIVE |
| Inspections | COORDINATE | YES | IF REQUIRED | PERFORM |
| Final approval / closure | — | YES | IF REQUIRED | APPROVE |
Official sources & research references
Permitrust separates official municipal records, property-specific records, secondary cross-checks, project inputs and unresolved research items.
Do not build this deck yet. The correct path is to complete the permit package first.
The proposed 192-square-foot deck does not qualify for Austin's residential deck exemption because the stated design is attached and approximately 48 inches above grade.
The property-specific City record identifies the property as SF-3, identifies it as a through lot, and establishes a 5-ft interior side-yard and 15-ft through-lot rear-yard framework.
The project still requires a property-level site placement check, floodplain result, easement review and any applicable tree/environmental review before Permitrust should call the project construction-ready.
Austin currently provides a Pool/Uncovered Deck residential permit pathway and lists a 5-business-day plan-review target for this project category.
Current construction readiness: 46 / 100 — NOT READY.
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Evidence & Scope: Permitrust organizes available municipal records, property information, project inputs, applicable regulations, and supporting sources into a structured permit-research report. Findings are identified by their evidence level, including verified records, secondary-source information, project-provided details, derived calculations, and items that could not be confirmed from the sources reviewed. This report is intended to support permit planning and application preparation. It does not replace official municipal records, surveys, engineering plans, legal or title review, or decisions made by the applicable permitting authority. Requirements and project conditions may change, and the permitting authority retains responsibility for reviewing and approving the final application.
Demo Report Notice: This report is provided for educational and demonstration purposes only and is presented solely as an example of the Permitrust permit-research experience. The name, property address, project details, and any other personal or property-related information displayed in this demo are fictional or used solely for demonstration purposes and are not intended to represent an actual customer or real permit application. Because this is a demonstration report, its findings, examples, calculations, and conclusions should not be used to make construction, permitting, financial, legal, or property-related decisions. For an actual project, use a project-specific Permitrust report and confirm applicable requirements with the relevant permitting authority and qualified professionals.