Development Over Closed Landfills
There are many closed or abandoned landfills in the Austin area. Many operated before landfills were regulated and may pose environmental or safety risks. Their boundaries are often unknown or poorly defined. Structures built over landfills may be at risk from soil subsidence or methane gas.
The locations and estimated boundaries of closed landfills can be found on the Property Profile interactive map.
Key Contact: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Closed Landfills Email, 512-974-3443
Landfill Verification Requirements
Development Projects
If you answer yes to all of the questions below, then you must fill out the landfill verification form and provide additional documentation with your development application.
- Are you submitting a commercial or multi-family development application?
- Is the application for a subdivision, site plan or building permit?
Is the tract more than one acre in size or located within a landfill buffer area?
Additional Documentation
Provide one of the following documents with your landfill verification form:
- Certificate sealed by a Professional Engineer certifying the site is not over a closed landfill and describing the basis for that determination
- Development permit from the TCEQ
- Letter from the TCEQ stating that the project is not subject to the requirements of TAC Ch. 330, Subchapter T.
For more information on requirements, visit Chapter 25-1-85 of Austin’s Land Development Code, which addresses issues related to development over closed landfills.