Common Code Violations
This page contains general information about code violations. For more detailed information or exact wording, consult Austin's Code of Ordinances or contact Code Enforcement at 3-1-1 or file a complaint online. Once filed, a service request will be created for Code Enforcement and the matter will be investigated.
Adult-oriented businesses, like all businesses, must be located in the appropriate zone. In addition, they must not be located within 1,000 feet of a church, school, public park, public playground, licensed day-care or a lot where another adult-oriented business is located. You may not run an adult-oriented business from your home.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Landlords are obligated to maintain their rentals to the minimum standards set by the Uniform Housing Code and the Dangerous Building Code. Examples of violations include heating problems, plumbing problems, electrical problems, lack of weather protection and structural hazards.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Businesses and industry must have all required City approvals such as permits, site plans, inspections, and certificates of occupancy. These regulate many aspects of the business, such as the number of parking spaces, type of lighting, type of signage, plumbing requirements, etc. If there has been a change in a local business that is affecting your neighborhood or home, the business may not be in compliance. You can research what permits a business has at www.ci.austin.tx.us/pierivr/permit_menu.cfm
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Property owners or their agents must get a permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, demolish or move a structure. In addition, they must get a permit to change the use of a structure (for example, to change a residence into an office). You can research what permits have been issued at www.ci.austin.tx.us/pierivr/permit_menu.cfm.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Dangerous structures must be made safe or demolished. Dangerous conditions include potential structural failure, exposed electrical wiring, heavy fire damage, and abandoned, open structures. Vacant buildings must be adequately secured by fencing and/or boarding. The City of Austin uses the Uniform Housing Code and the Dangerous Building Code.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Fences must be both in sound condition and an appropriate height. In residential areas, solid fences may not be more than 6 feet tall with two exceptions:
- If the fence is around a pool or another hazard and if permission from all adjoining neighbors is filed with the City, then a residential fence may be 8 feet tall.
- If the fence is between a residence and a commercial property, it may be 8 feet tall.
On a corner lot, fences must not block the view of traffic at the intersection.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Code Enforcement is notified of structure fires and sends an investigator to assess the damage and ensure the building is adequately secured. Buildings must either be repaired to meet code or be demolished.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Austin residents may only conduct two garage or yard sales within one year. In addition, signs advertising garage sales may only be posted on private property for a maximum of three consecutive days. The sign must indicate when it was posted. If you conduct more than two garage sales a year, then you are considered to be running a business from home in violation of code.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Garbage carts must be returned to their storage area on private property by 10 p.m. on the designated collection day. They should be placed at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on the collection day, but not prior to 8 p.m. the evening before.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
You may not dump garbage or unwanted items anywhere. There are several landfills in the Austin area where you may take items that you no longer want for a fee.
Code Enforcement pursues two goals with illegal dumping: ensuring the dumpsite is cleaned up and catching the perpetrator. Offenders may be required to clean up the dumpsite and pay a fine if caught. However, cleaning up the dumpsite is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Austin residents may not accumulate garbage, rubbish, brush, filth, carrion or any other unsightly, objectionable or unwholesome matter on their property. In addition, you may not store any material on a vacant lot.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Mobile vendors may not be located on private property, including in the parking lot of another business. On the right of way, mobile vendors are regulated by the Watershed Protection and Development Review Department and the Austin Police Department.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online to Code Enforcement about mobile vending on private property.
No more than 6 unrelated people may live in a residence. In addition, there is a minimum square footage requirement for each person living in a residence.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Home businesses are highly regulated. Examples of prohibited businesses include an auto repair shop, a contractor's yard, an adult-oriented business, and a retail business. You may not store commercial vehicles at your home.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
You may not post a sign in the right of way.
In residential areas, you may post the following signs on private property temporarily:
- Contractors' signs
- Garage or yard sale signs
- Lost or found pet signs
- Neighborhood meeting signs
- Political signs
- Real estate signs
In non-residential areas, all signs must be on private property and have a permit. The City of Austin does not regulate the content of billboards.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Property owners must drain stagnant water on their properties. Typical sources of stagnant water include pools in disrepair, tires and buckets.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
There are a number of regulations that concern the storing of vehicles in a residential area.
- There must not be more vehicles stored at a residence than there are licensed drivers. Additional vehicles must be in the garage.
- All vehicles must be functional with the exception of antique vehicles or recreational vehicles. One vehicle under repair for less than 60 days is allowed.
- Residents may keep two antique or recreational vehicles such as a boat or RV screened behind a 6-foot wood or masonry fence.
- Only one commercial vehicle (with a capacity less than one ton) may be stored at a residence.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online. Please report junked or abandoned vehicles to the Austin Police Department.
Swimming pools in residential areas must be enclosed by an approved fence. In addition, swimming pools must be maintained to prevent them from holding stagnant water. The City of Austin's Health and Human Services Department regulates public pools and pools at apartments, hotels and motels.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Property owners must trim trees that overhang the street so there is at least 14 feet of clearance at the curbline.
The Parks and Recreation Department handles trees that have fallen and are blocking the right of way.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Grass and weeds must be less than 12 inches tall.
Report suspected violations to 3-1-1 or file a complaint online.
Code Enforcement Overview
Common Complaints
Complaints Handled By Other Agencies
Your Responsibility to Avoid Code Violations
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