Austin Development Services

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Boarding House Licensing

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 within Austin city limits with 16 or more adults that provide food in exchange for compensation must obtain an annual operating license from Austin Development Services Code Compliance, even if the state inspects or regulates them.

Reasonable Accommodations 

To allow a Boarding House to operate on residential properties, Council passed Resolution No. 20130808-049, directing 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 increasing impervious cover to extend 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, property inspection, and a certificate of occupancy before issuing an operating license. The license is valid until Dec. 31 of 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: $351
    • Plus $19/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.    Complete 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. The inspection does not need to occur before the 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 mail your check or money order, include a copy of your application.
  • Mail
    Mail your completed application, cashier's check or money order, and required documents to:
    • DSD Boarding House -  Finance
      COA-DSD-PDC
      P.O. Box 1088
      Austin, TX 78767
    • You can also call 512-974-9142 to pay via credit card.
  • In person
    Call 512-978-1400 for an appointment to submit your application, required documents, and payment in person at the Permitting and Development Center (PDC). We accept cash, check, money order, and credit card payments 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. 

License Transfers

The license is non-transferable. If ownership changes, the new owner must complete a new application and submit all required paperwork and fees.

Contact Us

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