Building Safety in Austin, TX (2026)
7 verified building safety rules for Austin, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Lead Paint
Lead paint regulations in Austin follow federal law (Title X, Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992) and EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 745). Sellers and landlords of pre-1978 housing must disclose known lead-based paint hazards, provide the EPA pamphlet, and allow a 10-day inspection period for buyers. Texas does not have a state lead paint law beyond federal requirements, and Austin does not impose additional municipal lead paint ordinances.
Austin Lead Paint Disclosure and Safety Requirements
Some RestrictionsEPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule - Requirements Under the Disclosure Rule (Section 1018 of Title X)
The Lead-based Paint Disclosure Rule requires sellers, landlords, real estate agents and property managers to provide specific information about known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before prospective renters and homebuyers sign a lease or contract. This requirement applies to most pre-1978 private housing, public housing, federally owned housing, and housing receiving federal as...
Elevator Maintenance
Elevator safety in Austin is regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) under the Texas Elevator Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Chapter 754). All elevators, escalators, and related conveyances must be registered with TDLR, inspected annually, and maintained by licensed contractors. Austin's adopted building codes incorporate ASME A17.1 safety standards for new installations.
Austin Elevator Maintenance and Inspection Requirements
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 754.014 (Elevator Standards)
Sec. 754.014. STANDARDS ADOPTED BY COMMISSION. (a) The commission by rule shall adopt standards for the installation, maintenance, alteration, operation, testing, removal from service, and inspection of equipment used by the public in: (1) buildings owned or operated by the state, a state-owned institution or agency, or a political subdivision of the state; and (2) buildings that contain equipm...
Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed
Scaffolding in Austin is regulated under the city's adopted building codes (2024 Technical Building Codes effective July 10, 2025) and right-of-way permit requirements. Any scaffolding erected over public sidewalks or rights-of-way requires a right-of-way permit from the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department. Construction sites must maintain pedestrian access and provide protective sidewalk sheds when overhead work could endanger the public.
Austin Scaffolding and Sidewalk Shed Requirements
Some RestrictionsAustin Building Technical Codes (Chapter 25-12) - Local Amendments effective July 10, 2025 (IBC, IFC, IPMC, IRC adoption)
The City of Austin's Building Technical Codes (Chapter 25-12) contain regulations for Building, Electric, Fire, Property Maintenance, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential, and Solar Energy. [...] Local Amendments effective July 10, 2025: International Building Code (IBC) - 2024; International Fire Code (IFC) - 2024; International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) - 2024; International Residential C...
Pest Control
Austin requires property owners to maintain premises free from rodent and insect infestations under the city's property maintenance standards. The Austin Code Department enforces violations related to conditions that attract pests, including tall weeds, accumulated trash, and standing water. Landlords are responsible for providing habitable rental units free of pest infestations under Texas Property Code Section 92.052.
Austin Pest Control and Rodent Abatement Requirements
Some RestrictionsAustin Public Health - Environmental Vector Control; City Ordinance Chapter 3-6 (Bee Colonies)
The Environmental Vector Control program provides education, information and ideas on techniques that can be used by individual property owners to mitigate or eradicate mosquitoes and rodents on their property. [...] Mosquitos - Mosquitoes may harbor several diseases that contribute to outbreaks of Zika, West Nile, dengue fever, encephalitis and canine heartworm. [...] Rodents - Rodents, partic...
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Austin became one of the first major Texas cities to mandate residential fire sprinklers in new single-family homes, adopting IRC Section R313 without the typical state amendments and codifying the requirement in Austin City Code Title 25 Building Criteria Manual.
Austin Requires Fire Sprinklers in New Single Family Homes
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Loc. Gov't Code Sec. 233.061
Sec. 233.061. AUTHORITY TO ADOPT AND ENFORCE FIRE CODE. (a) The commissioners court of a county with a population of over 250,000 or a county adjacent to a county with a population of over 250,000 may adopt a fire code and rules necessary to administer and enforce the fire code. (b) The commissioners court, or any municipality in the county, may contract with one another for the administration ...
Childcare Center Rules
Austin childcare centers are licensed and inspected by Texas Health and Human Services Commission Child Care Regulation under 26 TAC Chapter 746, layered with Austin City Code Title 25 zoning, building, and fire requirements before a center can open.
Austin Childcare Centers Follow Texas HHSC Plus Local Code
Heavy RestrictionsTexas HHSC Child Care Regulation - Overview and Program Description
Child Care Regulation (CCR) is a statewide program that regulates child care operations and child-placing agencies by inspecting and investigating these operations and ensuring they meet state standards. Reports on every inspection are available online so parents can make informed child care decisions. [...] CCR administers two programs. The Child Day Care program issues permits and monitors ce...
Green Building Code
Austin Energy Green Building, launched in 1990 as the first municipal green building rating program in the United States, evaluates new and remodel projects on a one-to-five-star scale and is referenced by Austin Code Title 25 for incentives and density bonuses.
Austin Green Building Was First US Municipal Green Program
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 388.003(b)
Sec. 388.003. (b) To achieve energy conservation in all other residential, commercial, and industrial construction, the International Energy Conservation Code as it existed on May 1, 2001, is adopted as the energy code for use in this state for all other residential, commercial, and industrial construction. The State Energy Conservation Office may adopt and substitute for that energy code the l...
Looking for Travis County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Austin city rules.
Building Safety in Travis County →