Residential Construction- Checklists and FAQ

Minimum Plan Submittal Checklists:

To submit an application, click HERE to be redirected to www.MyGovernmentOnline.org

►►►► Residential Benchmark Manhole Control Network

The City of Rollingwood implemented a survey control network that will create consistent repeatable horizontal and vertical data for the overall purpose of ensuring that all structures are built to the rules set forth by the City of Rollingwood and able to be used by all companies that perform construction services within the City of Rollingwood.

► All surveys must use the "The City of Rollingwood Sewer Manhole Reference Network Survey" as referenced benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions – Building, Development, and Remodeling

Here are some frequently asked questions related to building and development within residential zoning. Additionally, you can view the Code of Ordinances, Part II for the Land Development Code here.

Q: What are my building setbacks (yards) for my residential lot?
A: Sec. 107-75- Yards Generally- Front yards must have a minimum required depth of thirty feet (30’).
Rear yards have a minimum required depth of twenty feet (20’).
For side yards, the required minimum is 10’, but a combined total of 25'.
Setbacks for corner lots are different… if your corner lot does not form a block (two lots extend the length of one block and have abutting rear lot lines), then your side yard setback on the street-facing side is 30’. If your property does form a block with the rear property, your side setback is 20’. Click here for more information.

Q: Where can a pool addition be located on my residential lot?
A: A pool can be positioned behind the home, or in a side yard that does not border a street. The pool itself cannot be located between the rear setback line and rear property line, however the decking or coping can extend into the rear setback as long as it is within ten feet (10’) of the rear lot line, and five feet (5’) of the side lot line.
Click here for more information.

Q: Am I allowed to have a front yard fence?
A: Sec. 107-34(b) Conditionally, yes. What are the conditions? The fence can be no more than fifteen feet (15’) from the curb. It can be no more than thirty-six inches (36”) tall. It must have a visibility of 80% or greater. Click here for more information.

Q: I own a corner lot, where can my fence be located in the side yard?
A: Sec. 107-34(c) On a corner lot, no structure, fence, retaining wall, or berm with a height greater than thirty-six inches (36”) above the top of the curb may be constructed, placed, planted, maintained or allowed to grow within 15 feet of the intersection of the right-of-way lines of the two streets bordering the lot. A fence taller than 36” may be installed at a minimum of fifteen feet (15’) from the curb, and may not extend in front of the front foundation line of the home.
Click here for more information.

Q: Do I need a permit to replace an existing fence?
A: If you are repairing or replacing more than 50% of an existing fence, you do need to apply for a fence permit. An existing non-conforming fence may be maintained, but if replacement is required, the new fence must comply with current zoning requirements.

Q: Do I need a permit to replace my water heater, A/C, windows, door, or install solar panels?
A: YES! You need a permit for a water heater replacement, A/C replacements, window replacements, or solar panel installation. You do not need a permit to replace an existing door.

Q: What is exempt from permitting?

A: Section 101-90 (a)

Q: Where are the easements and rights-of-way located on my property?
A: Easements of at least ten feet (10’) are retained in the rear of the lot. Where necessary, easements of ten feet (10’) are also retained along the side. Your lot may be subject to additional easements such as storm water or right-of-way. If your lot has been platted, the easements and rights-of-way shall be included. Plats are filed with Travis County, but may be available upon request from the City of Rollingwood.

Q: I want to add a structure onto my lot, is that allowed?
A: Sec. 107-77- Accessory Buildings- The City of Rollingwood allows only one (1) accessory building on residential lots. It may not exceed one story in height, exceed the height of the primary structure, or exceed five hundred square feet (500 sq.ft.).
Click here for more information.

Q: I want to rent my home on AirBnb, VRBO, HomeAway, etc. Is that allowed?
A: No, short-term rentals are not permitted, and are punishable by a fine of up to $2000.00 a day. Click here for more information.

For more questions, please email Rollingwood Development Services at developmentservices@rollingwoodtx.gov. Please include the property address in the subject line.