Film productions requiring street closures in Austin must obtain a permit from the Office of Special Events and submit a Traffic Control Plan. Police assistance is mandatory for any road closure. Applications must include the specific streets, dates, and hours of requested closures. There is no fee for the film permit itself, but police assistance and traffic control costs are the production's responsibility.
Any film production that needs to close streets, lanes, sidewalks, or alleys in Austin must obtain a permit through the Office of Special Events (OSE) in the Transportation and Public Works Department. The permit application must include the specific streets and blocks to be closed, dates and times of closures, and a detailed Traffic Control Plan (TCP) prepared by a certified traffic control professional. Police assistance is required for all road closures and is arranged through the Austin Police Department's special events coordination. The production is responsible for police assistance costs, which vary based on the number of officers needed and the duration of the closure. OSE coordinates with Austin Transportation to ensure that closures do not conflict with other events, construction projects, or critical traffic routes. Notification to affected businesses and residents may be required depending on the duration and impact of the closure. Emergency vehicle access must be maintained at all times. Street closures for filming typically require longer advance notice than standard film permits β the application should be submitted as early as possible but no less than 3 business days before the closure. High-impact closures on major corridors may require 30 or more days advance notice.
Closing a street without a permit or police assistance is illegal and can result in the production being shut down immediately, citations for unpermitted road closure, and potential criminal charges. Equipment may be impounded and the production company may be liable for any traffic incidents or damages resulting from unauthorized closures.
Austin, TX
Austin City Code Chapter 9-2 establishes citywide quiet hours from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM, during which sound plainly audible across a property line in resident...
Austin, TX
Austin enforces Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 and Austin City Code Chapter 12-5: a vehicle on public right-of-way is abandoned if inoperable for more...
Austin, TX
Austin Land Development Code Chapter 25-2 Subchapter F caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards without a permit. C...
Austin, TX
Austin City Code Chapter 3-4 requires dogs in public to be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet, with limited exceptions for designated off-leash area...
Austin, TX
Consumer fireworks are illegal to possess, use, or sell within Austin city limits. Violations can carry fines up to $2,000. Permits are issued only for profe...
Austin, TX
Austin imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The sign code (LDC 25-10...
See how Austin's street closures rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.