Travis County has not adopted a mandatory green building code, though state-level energy provisions in the IECC apply through Chapter 64 and Austin Energy Green Building reaches some unincorporated developments via utility service agreements.
Texas requires the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code as the statewide minimum for residential and commercial construction under SECO oversight. Travis County applies IECC through its Chapter 64 building review. Austin Energy Green Building, while a city program, sets voluntary tiers used by builders selling into the regional market. Edwards Aquifer recharge zone projects must reduce impervious cover and treat stormwater. Solar, rainwater harvesting, and graywater systems are encouraged but rarely mandated outside city ETJ. ENERGY STAR and LEED certifications remain voluntary marketing tools.
Permit denial for IECC noncompliance, certificate-of-occupancy delay, plus state-level enforcement through SECO; no county penalty for failing voluntary green tiers.
Travis County, TX
Texas strongly supports rainwater harvesting under TX Property Code 202.007 (HOAs cannot prohibit) and Tax Code 151.355 (sales tax exemption for equipment). ...
Travis County, TX
Rooftop solar installations in unincorporated Travis County require an electrical permit from Development Services (typical fee $150-250) and must comply wit...
See how Travis County's green building code rules stack up against other locations.
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