Austin Code Department reintegrates certain in-person services with COVID-19 safety precautions

Austin, TX - Austin Code Department (ACD) plans to open certain in-person services including, collection of fees and penalties assessed; application and registration fees for licensing programs; and administrative hearings. The following areas will institute specific protocols to ensure the resumption of ACD business, creating a safe environment for both employees and patrons:

ACD Finance Cashier Office

Under the emergency orders, this service has limited its onsite operations to two hours daily. Beginning June 1, 2020, all financial staff will resume normal operations either by continuing to telework or utilizing an alternative work schedule. The Cashier’s Office will be staffed onsite daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will be open to the public for in-person services from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please schedule an appointment ahead of your visit by emailing STRlicensing@austintexas.gov.

ACD Licensing and Registration Intake Office

Beginning June 15, 2020, the Intake Office will be staffed and open to the public for in-person services related to processing licensing and registration applications, and fees.

Whenever possible, ACD encourages customers to continue to utilize the online portal for application submittals.

Short-Term Rental Licenses

Submit the application, all required documentation, and pay the fee on Austin Finance Online: austintexas.gov/financeonline/account_services/hotel
Email the completed application and all required documentation to STRLicensing@austintexas.gov and utilize Austin Finance Online to pay the application fee.
Mail the application, all supporting documentation, and a check or money order for the fee to:

City of Austin – Austin Code Department
Attn: Finance – STR
PO Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767

Waste Hauler Licenses

Mail the application, all supporting documentation, and a check or money order for the fee to:

City of Austin – Austin Code Department
Attn: Finance
PO Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767

All Other Licenses

Mail the application and all supporting documentation to:

City of Austin – Austin Code Department
Attn: Finance
PO Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767

Where applicable, an invoice will be sent for the correct fee after the application and documentation have been received.

ACD Administrative Hearing Process

All administrative hearing processes have been rescheduled to begin on July 15, 2020. ACD will ensure that the customers receive the required 10-day advance notification for these hearings. Prior to reopening, ACD will post messaging on the department’s webpage advising customers to handle business online, when possible. ACD staff is considering implementing the following options for in-person visits:

Appointments only
Walk-In visits, with waiting area seating placed 8-10 feet apart for physical distancing
Overflow seating in the lobby, spaced appropriately for physical distancing
Customer to notify department by phone upon arrival and then be advised of the approximate wait time, and standby in their vehicle until called to enter the premises.

Staff will focus on COVID-19 safety precautions in the waiting room, during the customer intake process, and while effectively managing the volume of traffic into the facility.

For additional information on programs and services provided by the Austin Code Department, visit austintexas.gov/code

City of Austin