Permits & planning — Austin, TX
Rule of thumb in Austin: cosmetic work usually doesn't need a permit, but anything structural, electrical, plumbing, or gas does. Bailey & Bear pulls the permits so you don't have to figure it out.
★ 5.0 · 56 Google reviews · Licensed & insured · City of Austin permits pulled and managed · Written fixed-scope quote before work starts
Purely cosmetic work is generally exempt in Austin: painting, replacing cabinets or countertops in the same spot, new flooring, and swapping fixtures like-for-like without moving plumbing or wiring.
Even when a permit isn't required, the work still has to be done to code.
You generally need a City of Austin permit for: moving or adding plumbing, electrical, or gas; removing or moving walls (especially load-bearing); adding square footage; changing the roofline; and most whole-home renovations. The City offers expedited paths for some residential work.
Bailey & Bear handles the permit process and inspections as part of the job — it's built into how we run a project, not an afterthought.
At a glance
| Item | What this page states |
|---|---|
| Painting, flooring, like-for-like fixtures | Generally no permit — still must be to code |
| Cabinets or countertops replaced in the same spot | Generally no permit |
| Moving or adding plumbing, electrical or gas | City of Austin permit required |
| Removing or moving walls, especially load-bearing | City of Austin permit required |
| Adding square footage or changing the roofline | City of Austin permit required |
| Most whole-home renovations | City of Austin permit required |
| Who pulls and manages it | Bailey & Bear, as part of the job |
A summary of the rules of thumb described on this page. Tell us your scope and we will confirm what your specific project needs.
Straight answers
If you're only replacing fixtures, tile, vanity, or a tub in the same location, a permit usually isn't required. If you move plumbing, change electrical, or alter walls, you'll need a City of Austin permit. Bailey & Bear pulls and manages the permits for you.
Cosmetic kitchen updates — cabinets, counters, flooring, like-for-like fixtures — typically don't need a permit. Moving plumbing or electrical, adding circuits, or removing a wall does. We handle the permitting and inspections.
Your contractor should. Bailey & Bear pulls the required City of Austin permits and manages inspections as part of the project, so it's handled correctly and on schedule.
Proof, not adjectives
Bailey & Bear holds a 5.0 rating from 56 Google reviews. Every project below is a real job with photos on this site.
Academia Bar and Restaurant, Austin — a full commercial renovation completed December 2017, covering electrical, plumbing, bathrooms, tile, countertops, a bar rail system, custom cabinetry, custom lighting, and ventilation.
Read the Academia case study · Browse the full project gallery
Tell us the scope — we'll handle the City of Austin permitting.