Conceptual rendering, not a construction photographLakeway, TX
Custom Home Projects in
Lakeway, Texas.
ClearBuild Texas takes on custom homes, large remodels, and additions in Lakeway, from established neighborhoods to hillside lots above Lake Travis.
Lakeway's rules are specific. The city permits and inspects, its Design Manual covers trees, driveways, drainage, and retaining walls, and a subdivision's Architectural Control Board can add its own review. Working those rules into a plan early is easier than changing drawings later.
This page is general planning information, not a price quote or construction schedule. Call or email ClearBuild with the property location and we will talk through what applies to it.
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What to plan for in Lakeway
City permits with a published fee
Permits are generally required for new construction, additions, remodeling, retaining walls, and boat docks. The schedule effective August 1, 2020 lists a new home at $3,000 plus $0.30 per square foot, including 14 inspections and 3 plan reviews, an addition at $1,750 plus $0.30, and a remodel at $750 plus $0.30. New submittals take at least 12 to 15 days. Confirm current fees with the city.
Source: City of Lakeway fee scheduleEvery new home starts with a tree survey
All new residential construction requires a certified tree survey showing hardwoods 6 inches and larger. Hardwoods with a 16-inch trunk are protected, a removal permit is refused if a reasonable accommodation can save the tree, and replacements must equal the removed tree's diameter in caliper. Lakeway also bars planting live oak, Texas red oak, and Shumard oak because of oak wilt.
Source: City of Lakeway Design Manual (July 2021)Impervious cover has two numbers
Single-family or duplex development is capped at 50 percent of net site area in the city and 35 percent in its ETJ. Net site area is not the same as lot size, so a steep or buffered lot can land well below the number a plan starts with. Check the lot's zoning district as well.
Source: Lakeway code, article 28.10Septic plans go to LCRA
Where a home uses septic, the city's permit procedure requires the plans as submitted to the Lower Colorado River Authority, plus a receipt. LCRA's rules matter for additions: its permit to operate ends automatically if the structure is enlarged beyond the size the system was approved for. No disposal area can be added or altered below Lake Travis's 691-foot contour.
Source: LCRA on-site sewage rulesDriveways, drainage, and walls
The Design Manual allows one driveway per residence, 12 to 30 feet wide, with a maximum 15 percent grade from the property line to the garage, and asks for two covered and two uncovered parking spaces. Surface water cannot drain laterally across a property line, and slopes of 2:1 and greater must be structurally stabilized.
Source: City of Lakeway Design Manual (July 2021)Water, power, and neighborhood review
The city lists Hurst Creek MUD, Lakeway MUD, and Water District 17 as water providers. Residents south and east of Hurst Creek get electricity from Austin Energy, and PEC serves the rest. The permit procedure also asks for proof of submittal to the subdivision's Architectural Control Board, if there is one.
Source: City of Lakeway, water service providersGeneral planning information, not legal or engineering advice. Requirements change; confirm with the listed agencies for a specific property.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to remodel or add on in Lakeway?
Generally, yes. The city's permit requirements cover new construction, additions, remodeling, electrical rewiring, and other modifications or improvements. Additions and remodels each have their own fee in the city's schedule.
Can I remove a tree on my Lakeway lot?
Hardwoods with a 16-inch trunk are protected and need a removal permit, which the city will not issue if a reasonable accommodation can preserve the tree. Some species, including hackberry and Ashe juniper, are exempt.
Who permits septic systems in Lakeway?
The city's procedure and local water district guidance both point to the Lower Colorado River Authority, so start there and confirm for the specific parcel.
Which building codes does Lakeway use?
A city code list dated 2023 shows the 2021 International Residential Code and the 2023 National Electrical Code, among others. Confirm with Building and Development Services that no later edition has been adopted.
Does ClearBuild Texas build in Lakeway?
Yes. Lakeway is part of ClearBuild Texas's service area for custom homes, large remodels, and additions.
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