Enforcement
The Austin Code Department strives to keep the neighborhood
safe. When you think of public safety, the code department may not be your first thought. Rather, sirens, first
responders may come to mind. But
once the smoke has cleared and the first responders have
gone home, the Austin Code Department begins their work
rebuilding and protecting the community. Code inspectors
work to uphold building, city and property codes to ensure
that where you live and work are safe and sound.
Case Investigations Unit
Case Investigations Unit determines the existence of code violations, educates and facilitates voluntary compliance. In FY 2018, the Department
investigated 32,258 code complaints of which 11,883 were confirmed code violations. Activities of the unit
include enforcement and inspections of building maintenance, land
development, land use and property maintenance codes.
Licensing and Registrations Unit
Licensing and Registrations Unit processes licenses, registrations, and enforces compliance with applicable
codes that regulate waste haulers, billboards and signs, hotels, motels,
rooming and boarding houses, mobile homes, short-term rentals,
sororities and fraternities, and Repeat Offender Program registered
properties. In FY 2018, this unit has issued 4370 operating licenses and registrations.
Extended Hours
By May 2018, the department extended
service hours to respond to emergencies and provide greater capacity of
licensing and enforcement of short-term rentals, repeat offender
properties, rooming and boarding houses, and improved capability to
proactively inspect and investigate calls for service occurring outside
regular business hours.
Online Licensing and Payments
In 2018, we streamlined our licensing and registration programs by
collaborating with the City Controller’s Office to provide customers the
ability to apply for an operating license and submit hotel occupancy
tax (HOT) or operating license payments online. This enhancement offers customers a user-friendly, 24/7 online
option to submit payments and documentation.
Support Services
The
Support Services program provides administrative and managerial support
to the department to enhance service delivery. This program includes financial services, information technology support, code education and outreach, human resources, training, case review escalation, strategic planning, program and administrative services.
Involvement
With safety as their focus, the Austin Code Department invites Austin residents to remember that together, we make the community better. If you see a dangerous structure, damaged
buildings or substandard and hazardous conditions,
please call 3-1-1. If you are interested in protecting our
community, contact the Austin Code
Department at: codeconnect@austintexas.gov.
