Austin Energy Residential Review

Important Note: We previously used the Building Service Planning Application form (BSPA) to complete the process described below. That form is no longer in use. Please follow the updated instructions provided here instead.

The residential review allows Austin Energy to verify life safety clearances of distribution and transmission facilities and easements from proposed residential structures and swimming pools per Austin Energy Design Criteria. The review is part of Austin Development Services' Residential Plan Review and Expedited Residential Plan Review process in which Austin Energy participates concurrently with other City departments. 

The following are the Austin Energy Residential Review requirements:

• Plot plan per the Residential Plan Review application, with the following clearly demonstrated and labeled:
  • Easements – public utility easement or electric
  • All overhead and/or underground electric facilities including:
    • Pad-mount transformers and pad
    • Pull boxes
    • Underground wires including service wire feeding the house – contact Texas 811 to have all electric facilities located on site
    • Utility poles
    • Overhead wires on subject property and adjacent property including service wires and down guys
    • Existing electric meter location
    • Streetlight poles and wires

Austin Energy will review required clearances and safety requirements based on section 1.10 of the Austin Energy Design Criteria Manual. Any construction not listed on the Residential Plan Review application will NOT be considered part of the review.

Drawings to Help Determine Buildable Areas Outside of Austin Energy Clearance Envelopes

Please refer to the Drawings to Help Determine Buildable Areas Outside of Austin Energy Clearance Envelopes (pdf):

• Each drawing represents a standard pole size from the top of the pole to the bottom.
• The clearance from the electric lines to ground are dependent on how deep the pole is buried, the line sag and other variables.
• These drawings indicate a perfect scenario for planning purposes, but actual clearances at each site should be determined before actual implementation.
• Pole sizes may be shown on the pole tag but may be worn off due to weathering. If you can't find the pole size, contact the Austin Energy team you are working with on your development project.

For general distribution questions about existing electrical infrastructure—such as overhead pole heights, equipment types or sizes, and clearance requirements—please email us at Austin Energy Residential Review.