Chapter 13 of the City’s Local Amendments to the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), defines a Boarding House as a building that is not a hotel, motel, bed & breakfast or short-term rental that provides lodging (with meals) for 16 or more unrelated individuals.  A license is required to operate a boarding house in Commercial or Residential properties.

Boarding houses located within the Austin city limits with 16 or more adults that provide food for compensation need to obtain an annual operating license from Austin Development Services Code Compliance, even if it is inspected or regulated by the state.

Reasonable Accommodations 

In order to allow a Boarding House to operate on residential properties, Council passed Resolution No. 20130808-049, which directed the City Manager to evaluate existing reasonable accommodations processes.  After evaluating existing processes, Council adopted an ordinance that created a reasonable accommodations process (See Ordinance No. 20160204-046).  The reasonable accommodation process allows for a person with a disability or someone representing a person with a disability to request a reasonable accommodation verbally or in writing to any City of Austin employee; however, the single point of contact is the City of Austin Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Office. You may reach the ADA office at 512-974-3256 or at ADA@austintexas.gov.

An accommodation is a change, exception, or adjustment to a City requirement (City Code provision, uncodified ordinance, rule, policy, or procedure). Examples of accommodations include increased impervious cover to extend the length of a driveway and extending the deadline to respond to comments during the permitting process. An accommodation is reasonable when it provides an individual with a disability with an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. 

Request a reasonable accommodation.

Public Education Materials

Apply for or Renew an Operating License

Austin Development Services Code Compliance requires an annual application, fee, inspection of property, and a certificate of occupancy prior to issuance of an operating license. The license is good until Dec. 31, the year of issuance. All fees for the next year’s license are due by that day.

1.     Download the Application (PDF)

  • Fees (PDF) - An invoice will be mailed to you after submitting the application
    • Initial and Annual Renewal fee per property $365
    • Plus $15/per unit (room)
    • Fees are subject to change, per City Council
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash (in person only)
    • Check or Money Order payable to the "City of Austin" (by mail or in person)
    • Credit Card (by phone or in person)

2.     Application for Reasonable Accommodation (if applicable)

3.     Inspection of Property

  • An inspection is required prior to obtaining an annual operating license for the first time. To make an appointment with a Code Inspector, call 3-1-1.
  • An inspector will contact you to schedule a time for an annual inspection. It does not need to occur before a license is renewed.

4.     Applications and fees may be submitted

  • Email
    Email the completed application and required documents to DSDLicensing@austintexas.gov. Payment can be made via credit card by calling 512-974-9142, by check or money order via mail using the mailing address in the next section, or in person at the Permitting and Development Center by appointment. See "In person" for more information. If you are mailing your check or money order, please include a copy of your application.
  • Mail
    Mail your completed application, cashier's check or money order, and required documents to:
    • City of Austin
      Permitting & Development Center
      ADS Boarding House -  Finance
      P.O. Box 1088
      Austin, TX 78767
    • You can also call 512-974-9142 to pay via credit card.
  • In person
    Call 512-974-9035 for an appointment to submit your application, required documents, and payment in person at the Permitting and Development Center (PDC). Cash, check, money order, and credit card payments are accepted in person.

Do not use the Controller's Office website to pay for your license. To use their 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. 

5.     If you have any questions, please call the Licensing & Registration Office at 512-978-1400.

License Transfers

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.