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Austin, TX Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Agency
Austin Resource Recovery
Curbside brush length
5 to 15 feet long
Branch diameter
3 to 8 inches
Small brush
Under 5 ft goes with organics
Storm relief
Director may waive extra-trash fees

Summary

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.

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 extra trash fees in the event of a natural disaster or significant storm event.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Austin Resource Recovery handles storm and tree debris through its on-demand brush collection, not a FEMA-style hurricane program. Rule 7.8 sets the specs: brush 5 to 15 feet long and branches 3 to 8 inches in diameter go at the curb, confined to one row no larger than 15 by 15 feet and stacked no higher than 4 feet, cut ends facing the street and never tied in bundles. Smaller brush under 5 feet goes out with organics collection. After a natural disaster or significant storm event, Rule 6.3.11 lets the ARR Director waive extra-trash fees, and the city stands up a separate storm debris removal operation when damage is widespread.

Violations & Fines

Brush exceeding the 15-foot length or 8-inch diameter limits, tied into bundles, or extending into the street or sidewalk won't be collected; oversized limbs must be cut down before ARR crews will haul them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Austin have a hurricane debris program?
No. Austin is inland, outside the Texas windstorm zone, so there's no hurricane-specific debris ordinance. Storm-downed limbs are collected through Austin Resource Recovery's curbside brush collection.
How should I set brush out for pickup?
Confine brush to one row no larger than 15 by 15 feet, stacked no higher than 4 feet, cut ends facing the street, not tied in bundles or blocking the sidewalk.
Are extra trash fees charged after a storm?
Rule 6.3.11 lets the Austin Resource Recovery Director waive extra trash fees after a natural disaster or significant storm event.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Austin

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsFlood ElevationSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome Restrictions

All Austin rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Austin to another location·View the Texas hurricane preparedness overview

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