Height limits in Austin, TX
Building codes decide when you need a permit; zoning decides how tall you can go. Both are below, measured the way Austin measures them.
Rules last checked by a person on October 19, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with Austin before you build.
Citywide
| Fence: Along a public street (not an alley) | 6 ft; taller needs a Board of Adjustment variance |
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Check your lot
Sources
- City of Austin, Work Exempt from Building Permits. Checked 2026-10-19.
A one-story detached accessory structure that is no more than 200 square feet of floor area, no more than 15 feet in height, does not create a dwelling, contains no plumbing, and is not located within a flood hazard area.
- 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
- 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
- 2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19.
One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…
- City of Austin, HOME Amendments. Checked 2026-10-19.
- Ordinance No. 20231207-001 (HOME Phase 1). Checked 2026-10-19.
The maximum floor-to-area ratio for the site is the greater of 0.55 or 3,200 square feet... a dwelling unit may not exceed the greater of 0.4 or 2,300 square feet.
- City of Austin, Fencing Regulations. Checked 2026-10-19.
A fence requires a permit if it: Is located in a floodplain. Is more than 7 feet high at any point. Is more than 6 feet high for residential property along the City of Austin public right-of-way (ROW), other than a public alley.