City codes and ordinances have been created to protect the health, safety, and quality of life for the citizens of Austin. Code Compliance investigates reports of most code violations and ensures that the standards required by City codes are met. Code Compliance works closely with local authorities, contractors and other City departments to bring properties into compliance.

Code Compliance has divided the city into four districts by zip code (North, South, East and West) and there are between seven and nine investigators assigned to each district. Dividing the city into districts and having each investigator assigned to a specific district allows investigators to get to know the neighborhoods and citizens in the area in which they work fostering a closer relationship between the investigator and the citizens they serve.

Some of the most common violations reported are dangerous structures, substandard living conditions, tall weeds and grass, accumulation of trash and debris, illegal dumping and illegal signs. There is also a five person Work Without Permit unit that focuses exclusively on investigating reports of work being done without the required city permits.

If you believe there are code violations in your neighborhood, call 3-1-1 and Code Compliance will be out to investigate, generally within two working days.

View our video City Code Compliance (14 minutes).