Do you need a permit (or HOA approval) for concrete in Georgetown?

The City of Georgetown's rules, the right-of-way approach permit, and how the Sun City, Wolf Ranch and Teravista reviews work.

Freshly poured driveway approach at the curb with forms still in place on a Georgetown street

Concrete in Georgetown runs through two gates: the City of Georgetown for anything structural or in the right-of-way, and your HOA for anything visible. Most projects touch at least one. Here's the map, and what each one wants.

City of Georgetown

Driveway approaches — always

The first ten feet or so of the driveway, from the sidewalk or curb to the property line, is in the city's right-of-way. Any new, widened or replaced approach needs a right-of-way permit through Public Works, poured to the city's driveway detail, with an inspection. Skip it and the city can require it removed.

New and expanded flatwork — usually

A new driveway, a driveway extension, a slab for a permitted structure (shop, ADU, addition), a retaining wall four feet or taller, and pool decks on new pools all need a building permit through Planning and Development Services. Patios, walkways and pads that aren't tied to a structure generally don't, though the impervious-cover limit on your lot still applies.

What doesn't need a permit

Resurfacing, coatings, crack repair, foam leveling, replacing a section in the same footprint, small equipment pads.

Outside the city

Unincorporated Williamson County — much of Liberty Hill, the Jarrell acreage, the Ronald Reagan corridor — has no flatwork permit, but the county regulates driveway culverts on county roads and septic setbacks near slabs.

HOAs

Sun City Texas

The most formal: a Modification Request to the Sun City Texas Community Association's Modifications Committee for any exterior change, with a site plan, dimensions, finish, color and drainage. The committee meets on a schedule; a complete submittal is approved the first time. We prepare and submit it.

Wolf Ranch, Berry Creek, Teravista, Water Oak, Parkside, Saddlecreek, La Conterra

Architectural review committees that approve finish and color on driveways, patios and walls, and check setbacks and impervious cover. Two to four weeks typically. We prepare the packet with samples.

Round Rock, Leander, Liberty Hill, Cedar Park, Hutto, Jarrell HOAs

Same idea; each community has its own form. Santa Rita Ranch, Sonterra, Travisso, Crystal Falls and Star Ranch are the ones we submit to most.

Timelines and fees

Right-of-way approach permit: 1 to 2 weeks, $75 to $200. Building permit for flatwork or a slab: 1 to 3 weeks, $100 to $400. Engineered retaining wall: add the engineer's time. HOA reviews: 2 to 4 weeks depending on meeting dates. All of it is itemized on our quote and pulled in our name — which is also how you know the contractor is registered with the city, because unregistered ones can't.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to replace my driveway in Georgetown?

For the approach at the street, yes, always inside the city; for the driveway on your lot, yes if it's new or expanded, usually not for a same-size replacement. We confirm with the city and pull what's needed.

How do I get Sun City approval for a patio?

A Modification Request to the SCTCA Modifications Committee with a site plan, dimensions, finish and drainage. We prepare it; complete submittals are approved on the next cycle.

What is impervious cover and why does it matter?

The share of your lot covered by roof, driveway and slabs. Georgetown and most HOAs cap it; a big patio or a third-car pad can hit the cap on a small lot. We check it before quoting.

What happens if a previous owner poured without a permit?

It shows up at resale or when the city inspects a neighbor. An after-the-fact permit is usually possible for flatwork; an approach that doesn't meet the detail may have to be redone.

Who pulls the permit — me or you?

We do, in our name. A contractor who asks you to pull it as owner-builder is usually avoiding the city's registration.