Small Business Advancement
Small Business Advancement
In response to City Council Resolution No. 20240530-165 *, four City of Austin departments - the Development Services Department (DSD), Economic Development Department (EDD), Austin Public Health (APH), and Austin Water (AW) - are implementing a series of improvements to reduce barriers for small business advancement. All aimded at making it easier, faster, and more cost-effective for small businesses to operate in Austin.
Each department has developed specific initiatives in support of the Resolution.
The tabs below provide details about these improvements. Please take a moment to explore each tab, learn more about the initiatives, and share your feedback by answering a few brief questions on each page. Don’t forget to click Submit Survey on the final page. Your input will help guide the City’s ongoing efforts to better support Austin’s small business community.
* The Resolution directs the City Manager to reduce or eliminate barriers to small business advancement without compromising public safety.
The Development Services Department (DSD) identified three opportunities to support City Council Resolution No. 20240530-165 ,and they are:
DSD is working to speed up and make the Change of Use* process more cost-effective. The proposed changes will:
- Change reviewing disciplines from 11** to three: Zoning, Fire, and Industrial Waste
- Reduce time to complete the review.
Once the cost-of-service analysis is complete, the fee will be recalculated based on the new review process shared. These improvements are expected to be in place by October 1, 2025.
* A Change of Use is needed when a business wants to operate in a space approved for a different purpose. The city must approve this change to ensure the space is safe and suitable. For example, converting a clothing store into a restaurant requires a Change of Use due to different safety and operational needs.
** The 11 disciplines were: Arborist, Drainage, Electric, Engineering, Environmental, Fire, Industrial Waste, Plumbing, Site Plan, Water, and Zoning.
The City of Austin recognizes that small businesses often have different operational needs than their larger counterparts. The Development Services Department offers "right-sized" building plan review requirements that are adjusted to match the needs of your small business. These building plan review options are
Quick Turn-Around Permit Review
- Ideal for: small projects like interior remodeling or minor structural changes
- Review time: usually completed in 1 business day by a single review group
- Cost: approximately $676
7-Business Day Permit Review
- Ideal for: small commercial remodeling under 5,000 square feet
- Review time: completed in 7 business days
- Cost: approximately $2,301
The Development Services Department has multiple options available for small business owners.
Development Process Team: This team provides
A direct pathway to technical experts and resources
Assistance in navigating the city's development process
One-on-one support and acts as a single point of contact
Small Business Permitting Webpage: This page provides information on permitting, types of permits, and other resources related to the development process. It also allows small businesses to schedule meetings with the Development Process Team for personalized assistance.
Technical Assistance: DSD offers a variety of consultation services to guide small businesses through the development process, from pre- to post-submittal stages, to ensure they meet all requirements.
Please take a moment to answer the following questions. Thank you!