Brush Clearance: Austin vs Pflugerville
How do brush clearance rules compare between Austin, TX and Pflugerville, TX?
Pflugerville has fewer restrictions than Austin.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Austin Fire Department enforces the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code adopted in 2020 requiring defensible space around homes in designated WUI zones, primarily in West Austin hills. Property owners must maintain 30 to 100 feet of cleared space and follow state Property Code guidelines.
View full Austin rules →Pflugerville, TX
Travis County
Travis County recommends 30-foot defensible space around structures in WUI zones per Texas A&M Forest Service Firewise guidelines. No county-wide mandatory brush clearance ordinance exists, but ESDs and some MUDs (Steiner Ranch, Lakeway area) have adopted local clearance standards. Cedar (Ashe juniper) removal is strongly encouraged within 100 feet of homes.
View full Pflugerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Zone 1 | - | 0-30 ft defensible space |
| Zone 2 | - | 30-100 ft cedar thinning |
| Cedar | - | Remove within 100 ft |
| Program | - | Travis County Firewise |
| Enforcement | - | Voluntary/HOA-based |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Pflugerville FAQ
Is brush clearance required in Travis County?
Not by county ordinance, but strongly recommended in WUI zones. Many HOAs and MUDs in Lakeway, Steiner Ranch, and Bee Cave require it.
Can I get help assessing my wildfire risk?
Yes. Travis County Firewise program and TAMU Forest Service offer free home wildfire assessments.
Compare other topics
See how Austin and Pflugerville compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool