Do the $6.50 Express permits in Austin get an inspection?

[Marian Smith]

Apparently in Austin you can pay $6.50 for an express permit to retile your tub surrround and/or add insulation and a handful of other interior improvements including replacing a window without altering the size/header.  Does anyone know if they come out and inspect afterwards?  I understand needing a permit/inspection to protect the water supply or prevent a fire, but I have never understood why a replacement window or door or a new tub surround even with a new valve would need to be inspected....if they leak it only affects the homeowner who will then get it remedied.  And if they do inspect, will they come in and note that you have new floors, countertops and cabinets (none of which require a permit) and report back to the tax assessor?  Just curious as my son is thinking about adding insulation to a common wall in a duplex.

[Marian Smith]

Doesn’t look like it.  The city has an application for an express permit on its permit site.  Appears to cost $6.50.  Gets approved in 3-5 days or immediately if you go in personally.  Does not mention an inspection, a limited time to schedule inspection once the permit is granted, or an additional fee.  I can’t see charging only $6.50 if an inspector is going out, but maybe it is to encourage permitting because the city has gotten a bad reputation for holding up projects.  No one wants to wait a month to replace a leaky window or move forward on retiling their bath before an anticipated visit from relatives.