Austin has no specific ordinance regulating residential security cameras. Texas law permits video recording on your own property. Cameras must not record areas with a reasonable expectation of privacy per TX Penal Code §21.15. No registration required.
Austin does not have a municipal ordinance regulating residential security camera installation or use. Under Texas state law, homeowners may install security cameras on their own property without a permit or registration. Video recording is legal in public areas and on property you own. Texas Penal Code §21.15 prohibits recording in places where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy (bathrooms, bedrooms, changing areas). Cameras should not be aimed into neighbors' private interior spaces. Texas is a one-party consent state for audio recording under TX Penal Code §16.02. Doorbell cameras and dashcams are legal. Commercial security installations may require a license from the Texas Private Security Bureau under TX Occupations Code Ch. 1702, but homeowner self-installation is exempt. Austin PD encourages residential camera registration through voluntary SafeCam programs to assist investigations.
No local penalties for camera installation. Illegal visual recording (TX §21.15): state jail felony.
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