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. 25-12-54(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 be eleva...
Storm Debris
Austin has no hurricane debris ordinance; it's inland and outside the Texas windstorm zone. Storm-downed limbs are collected curbside under Austin Resource Recovery's brush rules: pieces 5 to 15 feet long, and the Director can waive extra-trash fees after a storm.
Austin Storm Debris Collected Through Resource Recovery Brush Rules
Light RestrictionsCity of Austin Administrative Rules for Solid Waste Services, Rules 7.8 & 6.3.11
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 ... It must not be tied into bundles nor extend into the street or sidewalk. 7.8.11 Brush shorter than 5-feet and smaller than 3-inches in diameter should be bundled, tied, and set out for organics or yard trimming collection... 6.3.11 The Director reserves the right to waive e...
Looking for Travis County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Austin city rules.
Hurricane Preparedness in Travis County →