This page contains answers to the Development Services Department Code Compliance's most frequently asked questions. For questions about specific code violations, see our list of common code violations or check the Municipal Code Library.

Still have questions? Call DSD Code Connect at 512-974-CODE [512-974-2633] or email dsdcodeconnect@austintexas.gov to reach an experienced code inspector.

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Licensing a boarding house

What are the licensing requirements for boarding houses?

DSD Code Compliance requires an annual application, fee, inspection of property and a certificate of occupancy, prior to issuance of an operating license. Learn more about getting a boarding house license.

How much is the boarding house licensing fee?

The fees are based on number of sleep rooms in the establishment. They are $332 + $15 per sleep room. Fees are prorated by quarter. All fees are non-refundable.

What if my boarding house is inspected or regulated by the state?

You will still need to be licensed by the City of Austin.

Does the licensing requirement apply to correctional halfway houses, sober houses, nursing houses, and similar facilities?

Yes. All establishments with 16 or more adults living in it MUST be licensed.

What if my boarding house is residentially zoned?

By law, a residentially zoned structure cannot house more than 15 people. Exceptions can be granted for people with certain disabilities. In order to do this, a person with a disability or someone representing a person with a disability must submit a Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Request to the City of Austin. The RA Request form can be downloaded at http://www.austintexas.gov/boarding-house. These can be turned in directly to the City of Austin Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Office or to DSD Code Compliance with the Operating License Application.

Please see http://www.austintexas.gov/boarding-house for more information about the Boarding House program.

How long is the license valid for?

The license is good until Dec 31 of the year of issuance. All fees for the next year’s license are due by that day.

Is the license transferrable?

The license is non-transferable. If a change of ownership occurs, the new owner must fill out a new application and submit all required paperwork and fees.

When do annual inspections happen?

An inspector will contact you to schedule a time for an annual inspection. It does not need to occur before a license is renewed. However, if the establishment is being licensed for the first time, an inspection will need to be scheduled and passed before issuance of that first license.

What payment options are available for the licensing fee?

The payment options are:

  • Credit Card
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Money Order
  • ONLINE Credit Card
  • ONLINE e-Check

All payments should be made to “City of Austin.”

My tenants stay for more than 30 days. Should I still use the Controller’s Office website to pay for my license?

No. To use this website, you MUST set up a Tax Account with the City Controller. This means that you would have to turn in a “zero report” every quarter to prove that you do not need to pay Hotel Occupancy Taxes. Please choose another payment method.

Licensing a short-term rental

How much is short-term rental licensing?

A total of $779.14 is due at the time your application is submitted. The application fee is non-refundable. This includes $729 for the Licensing Fee, the notification fee of $47.30, and the DSD Technology fee of $2.84. 

What payment options are available for the licensing and notification fee?

The payment options are:  

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Money Order
  • ONLINE Credit Card
  • ONLINE e-Check

All payments are made to “City of Austin”

Does proof of Hotel Occupancy Tax apply to everyone?

Yes. Every person owning, operating, managing, controlling, or collecting payment for occupancy in any hotel (or short-term rental) shall collect the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) from their guests for the City. A tax payment account is required before a license will be issued.

Exceptions

Short-term rentals located in Austin's Limited Purpose Jurisdiction (LTD) are not subject to City of Austin Hotel Occupancy Tax but are required to obtain a license. Short term rentals located in the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) do not need a license or pay local Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT).

Where do I pay my Hotel Occupancy Tax?

You may call the City of Austin, Financial Services: Controller's Office at 512-974-2590, then press 1, or email: hotels@austintexas.gov.

You may also pay online.

If there were no rentals during the reporting period, a zero report must be filed.

How long is the short-term rental operating license valid for?

The Short-Term Rental Operating License is for valid for 12 months from the time of approval and may be renewed on an annual basis. License can be renewed up to 60 days prior to the expiration date.

Is my short-term rental license transferable?

No, the Short-Term Rental Operating License is non-transferable. This is per Ordinance #20120802-122, “a license may not be transferred and does not covey with the sale or transfer or the property”.

What if I don’t get a license for my short-term rental?

Failure to obtain the required license is a violation of Austin City Code (operating without a license) and may result in enforcement action, including citations and fines.

How do I get a Certificate of Occupancy?

Visit the Certificate of Occupancy webpage at Development Services for more information.