Code Enforcement

City codes protect the health, safety and quality of life of Austin residents. Solid Waste Services enforces many of these codes.

Common Code Violations

Click on any of the links below for general information about the violation.

• Adult-Oriented Businesses
• Apartments/Rentals in Substandard Condition
• Businesses and Industry
• Construction or Remodeling without a Permit
• Dangerous Structures
• Fences
• Fire Damaged Buildings
• Garage Sales
• Garbage Carts Left at the Curb
• Illegal Dumping
• Junk & Accumulated Rubbish
• Mobile Vendor on Private Property
• Number of People Living in a Residence
• Running a Business from Home
• Signs
• Stagnant Water
• Storage of Vehicles
• Swimming Pools
• Tree Limbs Blocking Right-of-Way
• Weeds/Grass over 12 inches

Most code enforcement cases are initiated by Austin residents. If you suspect a code violation in your neighborhood, please report it to Code Enforcement by calling 3-1-1 or by filing a complaint online. Once filed, a service request will be created for Code Enforcement and the matter will be investigated. If a problem reoccurs after having been corrected, please report the problem again.

Our Process

Once a complaint is filed, our investigators visit the site and confirm that a code violation is present. Then investigators may send a Notice of Violation to the property owners or issue a citation. The owners have a set amount of time to correct the violation. If property owners do not comply, Code Enforcement may take any of the following actions depending on the situation:

• Hire contractors to clean property, secure dangerous buildings or demolish dangerous buildings. Property owners will be billed for the labor plus an administrative fee.
• File criminal charges in municipal court.
• Place liens on property for unpaid bills.
• File a civil suit.
• Present housing cases to the Building and Standards Commission. The commission may issue repair orders with fines attached or a demolition order for non-compliance.

Timeline and Fines

An investigator usually visits the property within two business days. There is considerable variation in the time it takes before compliance is achieved depending upon the complexity of the case.

A conviction in criminal court carries fines of up to $2000 per violation.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to attain compliance with City codes regarding land use regulations and the maintenance of structures and premises through education, cooperation, enforcement and abatement to achieve a cleaner, healthier and safer City.

City Code

You may browse Austin’s Code of Ordinances at American Legal Publishing Corporation's web site.