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Report a code violation in Austin

Tall grass, junk piles, or an unsafe structure? Austin Code investigates reports filed through 311 and can require the owner to fix the problem.

Short answer

Austin Code handles property violations like overgrown lots, accumulated junk, unsafe buildings, and unpermitted use. You report through Austin 311 with the exact address and what you can see from public space. A code officer inspects, and if the violation is confirmed the owner gets a notice with a deadline to fix it.

Who this is for

Austin residents dealing with a nearby property that looks abandoned, overgrown, unsafe, or used against city code.

The steps, in order

  1. Pin the exact street address of the problem property. The officer cannot open a case on a vague description.
  2. Take dated photos from the sidewalk or your own property. Never enter the lot or building.
  3. Search the city code complaint lookup to see if a case is already open on the address.
  4. Report it through Austin 311 online or by phone and describe what you see and how long it has been there.
  5. Save the 311 case number. If nothing changes after the officer deadline, follow up with that number.

Have this ready

  • The exact address of the property
  • What you observed and since when
  • Photos taken from public space or your own property

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Going onto the property for photos or proof. Stay on public ground or your own lot.
  • Reporting without an exact address; the case stalls before an officer is ever assigned.
  • Expecting a same-week fix. The owner gets a notice and a deadline before the city escalates.

Common questions

Can I report a code violation anonymously in Austin?

Yes. Austin 311 accepts anonymous reports, though leaving contact information lets the officer follow up if they cannot verify the violation from the street.

What happens after I file a code complaint?

A code officer inspects the address. If they confirm a violation, the owner gets a written notice and a deadline. Owners who ignore it can face citations and court action.

Which problems count as code violations?

Common ones are grass or weeds over 12 inches, junk and debris in the yard, unsafe or dilapidated structures, and using a property in a way its zoning does not allow.

Official sources

Checked August 26, 2026. Recheck the official page monthly and when the official page changes.

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ATX Untangled is independent and does not determine eligibility or provide legal advice.