Do you need a permit to replace a water heater in Austin?
Yes. Austin requires a permit to replace a water heater1.
On this page
Yes
Austin's rule“Replacement of an existing water heater not exceeding 100 gallons…”1
City of Austin, Austin Development Services, Change-Outs for Heating, Ventilation, AC systems (HVAC Systems), and Water Heaters…
Which permits you need
| Permit | Required when | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing permit | Plumbing Change Out stand-alone permit | This stand-alone permit is for plumbing change out work that does not require a formal review by plan review staff.2 |
| Plumbing permit | Unoccupied house: regular permit | If the house is not occupied, the contractor must request and obtain a regular permit by using the required application, and call the inspection in on the Interactive Voice Recorder (IVR) system.1 |
Who can apply
- Licensed plumbing contractor1
- Master plumber licensed by Texas and registered with City3
- Qualified homeowner under Homestead Permit4
Water heater permit fees in Austin
Fee lines as Austin's schedule states them. A minimum or base fee is not the whole price when the line says the fee grows with project value.
| Fee | Type | As the schedule states it |
|---|---|---|
| Inspections for Standalone Projects | Per inspection | $73.815 |
All of Austin's fee lines are on the Austin permit page.
Inspections
Special areas and extra reviews
- Attic/above-ceiling installs over 17 gallons need vertical door access3
- Change-out permit validity 180 days1
Who to ask
Austin Development Services6
Building permits
- Website
- austintexas.gov6
- Apply online
- abc.austintexas.gov7
- Phone
- (512) 978-40008
- Address
- Permitting and Development Center (PDC), 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 787529
- Hours
- Building hours Mon-Fri 7:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; standard staff service hours Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.9
- Inspections
- Online via AB+C Portal or by phone (IVR 512-974-9405)10
Water heater permit rules in other cities
Rules differ from city to city. Compare Austin with 18 other cities on the national water heater permit guide, or go straight to one:
- New York City, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Charlotte, NC
- Columbus, OH
- Indianapolis, IN
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Philadelphia, PA
Sources
- Residential Change-Out Permit Application (One- and Two-Family Occupied Dwellings Only)City of Austin, Austin Development ServicesRevised July 7, 2020Checked November 7, 2026
- Types of Permits | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 6, 2026
- Ordinance No. 20250410-042 (2024 Uniform Plumbing Code and local amendments, City Code Ch. 25-12 Art. 6)City of Austin, City CouncilEffective July 10, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Homeowner's Permit | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- City of Austin Fee Schedule | Residential Building Plan Review & Inspection Permit FeesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Contact Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Express Permits | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Homeowner Permitting Resources | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Visit The PDC | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
- Schedule a Building Inspection | Austin Development ServicesCity of Austin, Austin Development ServicesChecked November 7, 2026