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 working on a series of improvements to reduce barriers for small business advancement. The Operational and Support improvements are to make it easier, faster, and more cost-effective for small businesses to operate in Austin.
Each department has specific initiatives to support the Resolution. The webpage tabs below have information to learn more about the various programs.
Also, please share your feedback by answering a few questions on each page. Don't forget to press Submit Survey on the final page. The information you provide will guide City efforts to better support Austin's small business community.
The Development Services Department (DSD) identified three opportunities to support City Council Resolution No. 20240530-165.
- Streamlining the Change of Use process
- Creating Right-Sized Operational Requirements
- Educating the community about DSD Support Services
Change of Use
The Development Services Department (DSD) is working to speed up and make the Change of Use* process more cost-effective. The proposed changes will:
- Change reviewing departments from 11 to three: Zoning, Fire, and Industrial Waste
- Reduce time to complete the review.
- Reduce permit fees.
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.
Right Size Requirements
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
Support Services
The Development Services Department has multiple options available for small business owners.
- Development Process Team: This team assists small business owners by providing one-on-one customer support, helping navigate the city's development process, and acting as a single point of contact. DSD plans to amplify marketing efforts to increase awareness of the team’s services and improve its referral system to help applicants connect with the right city resources throughout their development process experience.
- 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.
Small Business Advancement
Learn about initiatives the City is developing to support small businesses in Austin.
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