City of Austin Common Code Violations
More common code violations under CODE ENFORCEMENT
Link
Your Responsibility to Avoid Code Violations
Austin's City Codes are designed to protect the health and property of Austin residents.
Whoever is in charge of a property (owners, tenants, residents, etc.) is responsible for ensuring that property is being used appropriately. They are also responsible for keeping the property and
any associated sidewalk, alley or street adjacent to the property free of trash, debris and tall grasses. Property owners must ensure that all structures on their property conform to the Uniform Housing Code and the Dangerous Building Code. Failure to comply with City codes may result in criminal charges being filed against you, a lien being placed on your property for the cost of clearance or repair, and/or demolition of dangerous structures.
What is the Public Right of Way?
Side walks
Front and Side Yard Parking Ordinance within BBS
FAQ
2008 Restricted parking map
Ordinance No
Frequently Asked Questions?
sheds, fences,
Driveways
Check the Austin City Land Development Code to determine the amount of impervious surface coverage that is permitted on your property before expanding your driveway, or making a new parking area. Again, before installing or expanding a parking area or driveway, a property owner needs to ensure that they do not exceed the impervious surface coverage for their zoning district. All new parking spaces are required to be paved with asphalt, concrete or brick.
Other materials, including gravel, dirt, cinders or stone may not be used to create/install a new parking area.
If a residential curb cut is needed to install or expand a driveway, a curb cut permit is required. Property owners may obtain a curb cut permit with the City of Austin’s One-Stop Shop. For more information on this issue, call the One-Stop Shop at (512) 974-6370.
Fences
Important: If you plan on replacing the fence posts, adding or extending newer ones
Call before you dig. Calling will eliminate and prevent hazards caused from punctured or damaged gas lines when digging.
A puctured and leaking gas line could result
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.
City of Austin website
Storage Sheds & Portable Buildings
Do I need a permit for an accessory or portable building?
Any residential accessory building larger than 200 square feet will require a building plan review and permit. Regardless of size, any electrical, plumbing or mechanical work will require a permit and all building locations must honor zoning and subdivision set backs.
In SF-3 zoned property, 25-2-555 states that “The rear yard setback is five feet for an accessory building that is not more than one story or 15 feet in height."
You can find the basic zoning setbacks at this
link.
Running a Business from Home
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.
Can I have a business at home?
It all depends. Please see copy of
code to determine your status.
Weeds/Grass over 12 inches
Grass and weeds must be less than 12 inches tall.
Junk & Accumulated Rubbish
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.
