Building Service Planning Application (BSPA)

The Building Service Planning Application (BSPA) review allows Austin Energy to verify clearances from proposed residential structures and swimming pools to Austin Energy facilities and easements. The review is part of the Development Services Department's Residential Plan Review and Expedited Residential Plan Review process in which Austin Energy participates concurrently with other City departments.

The following are the BSPA review requirements:

• Building Service Planning Application (BSPA) form (pdf) completed with address identifier for each unit(s) and/or building(s) on site and the details for the scope of work
• 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 BSPA 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.

Electric Transmission Review

Please note if your project has existing transmission facilities and/or transmission easements, this BSPA and plot plan will be reviewed by Austin Energy's Transmission group. See section 1.14.0 of the Design Criteria Manual (pdf) for Transmission and Substation Requirements. The Transmission review is separate from the Distribution review. The Transmission review group may require additional documentation.