Austin 3-4 Dwelling Unit Code Update Engagement
Learn about a new proposal that would allow some Austin buildings with three or four dwelling units to follow residential construction requirements, with extra safety protections.
Structures with three or four housing units currently must follow the International Building Code requirements for multifamily units. This is mostly due to fire safety protections that help keep occupants safe where common walls and exits create additional risk.
The proposed amendments include several specific requirements for three- and four-unit structures, including:
Maximum building size of 6,000 square feet
Fire-resistant separations between dwelling units and shared exits
Automatic sprinkler systems
Additional fire-safety requirements for garages, carports, and wooden decks