The Problem Extends Throughout Austin
This is not just a Northwest Hills problem. Illegal commercial event venues are operating in residential neighborhoods throughout Austin, violating the same laws and creating the same problems for families across our city. Find your Austin City Council representative and learn your legal rights.
Residents in neighborhoods across Austin are experiencing:
- Residential properties operating as commercial event venues without proper permits
- Regular large parties that exceed residential capacity and noise limits
- Traffic and parking problems from commercial-scale events
- Safety concerns from constant streams of strangers
- Property value impacts from living near undisclosed commercial operations
Northwest Hills as a Case Study
The Northwest Hills case provides a detailed example of how to identify, document, and address these violations. The same legal principles, enforcement mechanisms, and strategies apply to neighborhoods throughout Austin.
Universal Applicability: The Austin City Code, noise ordinances, zoning laws, and enforcement mechanisms described on this site apply city-wide. Use your local representatives and resources, but the legal framework is the same.
Your Rights (City-Wide)
Austin Noise Ordinance Rights
Austin Code of Ordinances Title 9, Chapter 9-2 protects ALL residential areas:
"A person may not use sound equipment audible beyond the property line of a residence in a residential area that produces sound in excess of 75 decibels."
Zoning Rights (City-Wide)
Residential properties throughout Austin cannot legally operate as commercial event venues under Austin zoning laws. Commercial activities require:
- Proper commercial zoning designation
- Business licenses and permits
- Commercial property tax rates
- Hotel occupancy tax collection
Deed Restrictions (Varies by Neighborhood)
Most Austin neighborhoods have deed restrictions that prohibit commercial use. Research your specific deed restrictions through:
- Your HOA or neighborhood association
- Travis County Clerk records (property deed documents)
- Your title company (from when you purchased)
- Property management companies in your area
Austin City Council Representatives
Find Your District: Not sure which district you're in? Use the Austin Council District Map to find your representative.
Austin City Council Districts - Click the map for an interactive version
Mayor
Kirk Watson
City-wide leadership
Email: mayor@austintexas.gov
Phone: 512-978-2100
Purpose: City-wide policy, enforcement coordination
Phone: 512-978-2100
Purpose: City-wide policy, enforcement coordination
District 1
Natasha Harper-Madison
East Austin, MLK area
District 2
Vanessa Fuentes
South Austin, Travis Heights
District 3
José Velásquez
East and South Austin
District 4
José "Chito" Vela
North Austin
District 5
Krista Laine
Central Austin, Hyde Park
District 6
Ryan Alter
West Austin, Zilker
District 7
Mike Siegel
North Austin, Crestview, Allandale
District 8
Paige Ellis
Southwest Austin, Barton Creek, Oak Hill
District 9
Zohaib "Zo" Qadri
Central Austin, Downtown, UT area
District 10
Marc Duchen
Northwest Hills, Great Hills
Additional Resources
City-Wide Enforcement Contacts
Austin Code Compliance
Zoning & Business Licensing Violations
Phone: 512-974-9144
311: Call 3-1-1 or use Austin 311 app
Purpose: Report commercial use in residential zone
311: Call 3-1-1 or use Austin 311 app
Purpose: Report commercial use in residential zone
STR Licensing
Short-Term Rental Enforcement
Email: STRLicensing@austintexas.gov
Purpose: Report unlicensed STR operations
Purpose: Report unlicensed STR operations
APD Non-Emergency
Noise Complaints & Community Issues
Phone: 512-974-5000
Purpose: Noise violations, disturbance calls
Purpose: Noise violations, disturbance calls
Austin Fire Marshal
Assembly Occupancy Violations
Phone: 512-974-0130
Purpose: Large gatherings exceeding residential safety limits
Purpose: Large gatherings exceeding residential safety limits
Finding Your Neighborhood Resources
- Neighborhood Associations: Search "[Your Neighborhood] HOA" or "[Your Neighborhood] Civic Association"
- Deed Restrictions: Check your property deed or contact your title company
- Local Groups: Many neighborhoods have Facebook groups or NextDoor communities
- Austin Neighborhoods Council: ancweb.org - City-wide neighborhood advocacy
Investigation Platforms
Check these platforms to see if properties in your neighborhood are listed as commercial event venues:
Take Action in Your Neighborhood
Step 1: Document the Problem
Evidence is Key: Take photos, videos, and notes of violations. Record dates, times, and noise levels when possible.
- Search rental platforms for your address and neighboring properties
- Document party sizes, frequency, and commercial equipment
- Record noise levels (download a decibel meter app)
- Note parking and traffic impacts
- Screenshot online listings and customer reviews
Step 2: Contact Your Representatives
- Your Council Member: Use the district information above
- Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes: Leading STR reform efforts
- Your local neighborhood association
Step 3: File Official Complaints
- Zoning violations: Call Code Compliance at 512-974-9144
- STR violations: Email STRLicensing@austintexas.gov
- Noise violations: Call APD non-emergency 512-974-5000
- Business licensing: Use Austin 311 app or call 3-1-1
Step 4: Know Your Legal Options
- Deed restrictions: Private enforcement rights (varies by neighborhood)
- Nuisance law: Legal remedies for ongoing disturbances
- Property rights: Protection from commercial intrusion
Universal Problem: This issue affects neighborhoods throughout Austin. By documenting and reporting violations in your area, you're helping build the case for city-wide enforcement improvements.
Sample Email Template
Subject: Urgent: Illegal Commercial Event Venue Operating in [Your District] Residential Neighborhood
Dear Council Member [Name],
I am writing as your constituent in [Your Neighborhood] to request immediate city enforcement action against an illegal commercial event venue operating at [PROPERTY ADDRESS]. This residential property is violating multiple city ordinances while destroying the quiet, family-friendly character of our neighborhood.
The violations include:
• Commercial zoning violation - operating event venue in residential zone
• Noise ordinance violations - exceeding 75dB residential limit
• Operating without business licenses or permits
• [Include deed restriction violations if applicable]
This property regularly hosts large commercial parties, generating excessive traffic that overwhelms our residential streets. My family deserves to enjoy our home without constant commercial disruption.
I am requesting immediate action:
1. Code Compliance investigation and citation for zoning violations
2. STR enforcement coordination to shut down unlicensed operations
3. Enforcement of noise ordinances with appropriate penalties
I look forward to your prompt response and action.
Respectfully,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Dear Council Member [Name],
I am writing as your constituent in [Your Neighborhood] to request immediate city enforcement action against an illegal commercial event venue operating at [PROPERTY ADDRESS]. This residential property is violating multiple city ordinances while destroying the quiet, family-friendly character of our neighborhood.
The violations include:
• Commercial zoning violation - operating event venue in residential zone
• Noise ordinance violations - exceeding 75dB residential limit
• Operating without business licenses or permits
• [Include deed restriction violations if applicable]
This property regularly hosts large commercial parties, generating excessive traffic that overwhelms our residential streets. My family deserves to enjoy our home without constant commercial disruption.
I am requesting immediate action:
1. Code Compliance investigation and citation for zoning violations
2. STR enforcement coordination to shut down unlicensed operations
3. Enforcement of noise ordinances with appropriate penalties
I look forward to your prompt response and action.
Respectfully,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Connect With Us
We are Austin residents working to protect residential neighborhoods throughout our city. This problem isn't unique to Northwest Hills - it's happening in communities across Austin.
Building a City-Wide Movement: By sharing information and strategies across neighborhoods, we can more effectively advocate for consistent enforcement and protection of residential areas throughout Austin.
Together we can preserve the residential character of neighborhoods throughout Austin.