The Barton Springs Zone Operating Permit affects properties within the Barton Springs Zone that have a water quality control on site. Water quality controls, such as retention irrigation systems or sedimentation/filtration ponds, capture and treat a portion of the stormwater generated during rain events. In the Barton Springs Zone, water quality controls are extremely important in keeping both Barton Creek and Barton Springs healthy and accessible to humans and nature alike.
Properties with a Barton Springs Zone Operating Permit must renew the permit every year by submitting an updated renewal application along with maintenance records for the water quality control(s) and pay the annual permit fee. Water quality controls are also periodically inspected by Watershed Protection staff to confirm good operating condition; repairs may be necessary to ensure water quality controls are operating how they were originally intended to.
The Barton Springs Zone consists of six watersheds (Barton, Slaughter, Williamson, Bear, Little Bear, Little Barton, and Onion Creek) that contribute recharge to Barton Springs, Austin’s premier natural swimming pool and home to the Barton Springs Salamander and Austin Blind Salamander. Increased water quality regulations dating back to the early 1990s have helped protect this environmentally sensitive area.
How to renew a Barton Springs Operating Permit
To renew a Barton Springs Zone Operating Permit, a property must complete the following steps:
- Pay any outstanding permit fees.
- Submit an updated renewal application.
- Provide last year’s maintenance records for the water quality control(s) on site.
Properties can complete all three items using the Austin Build + Connect portal. If you do not currently have an AB+C account, you will need to create one and notify bszoperatingpermit@austintexas.gov of the email address used to create the account and what site you are representing. Staff will then link the account to the permit which will allow the user to complete steps to renew the permit.
***If you are paying the permit fee outside of the portal, review the “other payment options” resource below to ensure payments are received. Do not send permit applications or maintenance records to the cashier’s office.
Resources
- Renewal application
- Maintenance Requirements for water quality control measures – Environmental Criteria Manual 1.6.3 (C). Additional maintenance requirements for retention Irrigation systems – ECM 1.6.3 (C) 5
- Barton Springs Zone Operating Permit Requirement
- City of Austin Fee Schedule
- Other payment options:
- Over the Phone: 512-974-7045, M-F 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM
- In Person: PDC – 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin Texas 78752, M-F 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM
- Mail via USPS (include invoice): City of Austin-PDC DSD-Cashier PO Box 1088, Austin, Texas 78767
- Overnight/express courier service (include invoice): City of Austin – PDC DSD-Cashier 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, Texas 78752
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will I receive a paper operating permit?
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No, Watershed Protection no longer issues paper permits. You can log onto the AB+C portal to identify the status of your permit or you can contact bszoperatingpermit@austintexas.gov to inquire about a property’s status
- Why wasn’t I notified of my property’s due date?
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Emails about the operating permit requirement are generated and sent thirty days prior to a due date, the day after the due date and sixty days after the due date. These emails are sent to the “applicant” email address on file in the AB+C portal which is why it is vital to keep that information up to date. Email bszopertingpermit@austintexas.gov with any contact changes for a property.
- Where is the requirement for the Barton Springs Operating Permit located?
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The requirement for the Barton Springs Operating Permit is located in the Land Development Code – 25-8-233.
- I don’t have a AB+C account. What do I do?
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You can create an account by visiting the Austin Build + Connect portal. Once you create an account, email bszoperatingpermit@austintexas.gov with the email you used to create the account and what permit you want your account tied to.
- How do I obtain my Barton Springs Zone Operating Permit?
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You will need to pay any outstanding fees associated with the Barton springs zone operating permit and submit an updated renewal application and maintenance records for the last year.