Hurricane Preparedness in Austin, TX (2026)
2 verified hurricane preparedness rules for Austin, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Flood Elevation
New buildings and additions in an Austin flood hazard area must have their lowest floor set at least two feet above the design flood elevation. Austin City Code Sec. 25-12-54(C)(1)(a) sets that freeboard, adopted under the city's home-rule flood-damage-prevention authority in the Texas Water Code.
Austin Flood Elevation Freeboard Requirement
Some RestrictionsAustin City Code Sec. 25-12-53(C)(1)(a)
(C) Design and construction. The design and construction of buildings and structures, and additions and alterations to buildings and structures located in flood hazard areas, shall be in accordance with ASCE 24, Flood Resistant Design and Construction. (1) Elevation Requirements. (a) Unless otherwise specified in Title 25 ( Land Development ), the lowest floor of a building or structure shall b...
Storm Debris
Austin Resource Recovery collects storm-downed limbs as brush when residents stack them to Administrative Rule 7.8: one row inside a 15 by 15 foot area, no higher than 4 feet, cut ends facing the street, set out at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on the first collection day. Under Rule 6.3.11 the Director can waive extra trash fees after a natural disaster or significant storm event.
Austin Storm Debris and Brush Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsCity of Austin Administrative Rules for Solid Waste Services, Rules 7.8 & 6.3.11
7.8.3 ... All items intended for collection must be set out at the curb, not in an alleyway, by the first day of collection at 6:30 a.m. 7.8.4 Brush must be confined to one row, in an area no larger than 15' x 15', and stacked no higher than 4 feet. 7.8.5 Brush must be stacked loosely with cut ends facing the street. It must not be tied into bundles nor extend into the street or sidewalk. 7.8.6...
Looking for Travis County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Austin city rules.
Hurricane Preparedness in Travis County →