The Code Interpretation Library provides useful information on how the City interprets and applies certain regulations in the Land Development Code (Title 25 of the City Code), including site development and subdivision regulations, as well as technical (construction) codes.
Code Interpretations
- by Topic
- by Code Section
- by Year
Frequently Asked Questions
Archived Interpretations
Contact Form
Code Interpretations by Topic
Accessibility |
CI2021-0001 - Accessible Routes of Travel and Parking Materials PM2021-0001 - No Step Threshold PM2021-0002 - Family or Assisted Use Toilet and Bathing Rooms |
Accessory Dwelling Unit |
CI2021-0014 - Size Limitations for Accessory Dwelling Units |
Dwelling Units | CI2021-0012 - Dwelling Unit Components |
HVAC |
CI2021-0004 - Registers for Balancing Dampers CI2021-0005 - Fan-Powered Terminal Units CI2021-0007 - Automatic Shut Off for Air Moving Equipment in Existing Buildings |
Fire | CI2021-0006 - Location of Emergency Shut Off Valve for Gas to Stove Hoods |
Mixed-Use | CI2021-0002 - Permitting of Mixed-Use and Multiple Occupancy Buildings |
NCCD | CI2021-0015-BOA - Parking Calculations in the North University NCCD |
Parking |
CI2021-0001 - Accessible Routes of Travel and Parking Materials CI2021-0015-BOA - Parking Calculations in the North University NCCD |
Permits | CI2021-0002 - Permitting of Mixed-Use and Multiple Occupancy Buildings |
Pipe Installation | CI2021-0009 - Trenching, Excavation, Bedding, and Backfilling of Piping |
Plumbing | CI2021-0003 - Installation of Composting Toilets |
Specialized Certifications | PM2021-0004 - Worker Protection Standards – Applicability |
Swimming Pools | CI2021-0008 - Mechanical and Pool Equipment in Required Yards |
Code Interpretations by Code Section
2000/2003 Uniform Plumbing Code Answers and Analysis Manual | CI2021-0009 - Trenching, Excavation, Bedding, and Backfilling of Piping |
2012 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) | CI2021-0003 - Installation of Composting Toilets |
2015 International Building Code (IBC) |
CI2021-0001 - Accessible Routes of Travel and Parking Materials CI2021-0002 - Permitting of Mixed-Use and Multiple Occupancy Buildings PM2021-0002 - Family or Assisted Use Toilet and Bathing Rooms |
2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) | CI2021-0007 - Automatic Shut Off for Air Moving Equipment in Existing Buildings |
2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) | CI2021-0004 - Registers for Balancing Dampers |
2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC) |
CI2021-0004 - Registers for Balancing Dampers CI2021-0005 - Fan-Powered Terminal Units |
2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC) | CI2021-0009 - Trenching, Excavation, Bedding, and Backfilling of Piping |
2015 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) |
CI2021-0004 - Registers for Balancing Dampers CI2021-0005 - Fan-Powered Terminal Units CI2021-0007 - Automatic Shut Off for Air Moving Equipment in Existing Buildings |
2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) |
CI2021-0006 - Location of Emergency Shut Off Valve for Gas to Stove Hoods CI2021-0009 - Trenching, Excavation, Bedding, and Backfilling of Piping |
2021 International Residential Code (IRC) |
CI2021-0012 - Dwelling Unit Components |
Austin City Code – Title 4 (Business Regulation and Permit Requirements) | PM2021-0004 - Worker Protection Standards – Applicability |
Austin City Code – Title 5 Civil Rights Section 5-1-141 – Building Entrances. |
PM2021-0001 - No Step Threshold |
Land Development Code – Title 25 |
CI2021-0008 - Mechanical and Pool Equipment in Required Yards CI2021-0012 - Dwelling Unit Components CI2021-0014 - Size Limitations for Accessory Dwelling Units CI2021-0015-BOA - Parking Calculations in the North University NCCD |
North University Neighborhood Conservation Combining District (NCCD), Ordinance 040826-58 |
CI2021-0015-BOA - Parking Calculations in the North University NCCD |
Ordinance No. 20170608-056 Local Amendment: Section 608.0 |
CI2021-0007 - Automatic Shut Off for Air Moving Equipment in Existing Buildings |
Code Interpretations by Year
2011 |
CI2021-0001 - Accessible Routes of Travel and Parking Materials |
2012 |
CI2021-0002 - Permitting of Mixed-Use and Multiple Occupancy Buildings CI2021-0003 - Installation of Composting Toilets |
2013 |
PM2021-0001 - No Step Threshold |
2014 |
CI2021-0004 - Registers for Balancing Dampers CI2021-0005 - Fan-Powered Terminal Units CI2021-0006 - Location of Emergency Shut Off Valve for Gas to Stove Hoods CI2021-0007 - Automatic Shut Off for Air Moving Equipment in Existing Buildings CI2021-0008 - Mechanical and Pool Equipment in Required Yards PM2021-0002 - Family or Assisted Use Toilet and Bathing Rooms |
2015 |
CI2021-0009 - Trenching, Excavation, Bedding, and Backfilling of Piping |
2018 | CI2021-0012 - Dwelling Unit Components |
2019 | PM2021-0004 - Worker Protection Standards – Applicability |
2021 |
CI2021-0014 - Size Limitations for Accessory Dwelling Units CI2021-0015-BOA - Parking Calculations in the North University NCCD |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are “code interpretations,” “policy memos,” and “rules”?
-
- A “code interpretation” is a formal memo explaining how the City interprets and applies regulations in the Land Development Code (LDC). Code interpretations are appropriate if:
- A regulation can be read in different ways; and
- Providing clarification would benefit broad categories of development, rather just a specific project or permit application.
- A “policy memo” is less formal and used to provide updates or explanations on administrative process, rather than interpretations of the LDC.
- An “administrative rule” is a regulation adopted by an individual department and codified in a criteria manual, like the Environmental, Drainage, or Transportation criteria manuals. Unlike a code interpretation or policy memo, administrative rules adopt requirements implementing the LDC and are subject to procedures specified in City Code Chapter 1-2 (Adoption of Rules). Administrative rules can be found on the MuniCode website.
- A “code interpretation” is a formal memo explaining how the City interprets and applies regulations in the Land Development Code (LDC). Code interpretations are appropriate if:
- What is the “Code Interpretation Library”?
-
The Library catalogs code interpretations the City uses as an aid to applying regulations governing site development, subdivision, and technical (construction) codes included in the LDC. The Library also provides departmental policy memos that address the process by which development applications are reviewed and approved. The library is organized by topic, code section, and date.
DSD maintains the Code Interpretation Library in consultation with other City departments involved in administering site development regulations. New interpretations are posted as they’re issued, and the site will be updated regularly to include older interpretations based on ongoing review.
- How can I request a code interpretation?
-
Written code interpretations like those included in this library, are optional tools intended to provide greater clarity for those involved in or affected by the development process. Obtaining a code interpretation is never required to submit a development application, nor is every LDC requirement covered by a written interpretation.
A code interpretation may be requested by City staff or members of the public seeking clarification on LDC regulations administered by DSD.
To request a code interpretation, members of the public may submit this form.
The request should include the following information:- A list of the LDC section(s) for which a code interpretation is requested;
- The reasons why the requestor believes a code interpretation is necessary in order to clarify the listed LDC section(s);
- Examples, if the requestor is aware of any,of how the code section(s) have been interpreted or applied; and
- Any additional information the requestor believes is relevant to the proper interpretation of the listed LDC section(s).
- How does DSD issue code interpretations?
-
Upon receiving a request for a code interpretation, the Building Official or Development Officer will issue an interpretation within 60 calendar days or explain why an interpretation will not be issued. DSD’s decision not to issue an interpretation is final.
DSD may also issue code interpretations on its own initiative. All interpretations, whether issued in response to a request or at the City’s initiative, will be emailed to the DSD Listserve and Community Registry and published on the Code Interpretation Library.
For general questions about the process, submit this form.
- What is the effect of a code interpretation?
-
Once a code interpretation is issued, DSD will follow the interpretation unless Council amends the LDC section(s) for which the interpretation was issued or DSD determines that an interpretation was issued in error. If a code interpretation is determined to conflict with the Land Development Code (LDC) or other applicable regulation, the LDC controls over the code interpretation.
Archived Interpretations
Archived interpretations are provided for historical reference and are not applicable to projects subject to more recent regulations.
- CI2018-0425 - Components of a Habitable Attic