What should Austin homeowners know before hiring a roofer?

Austin is different from other Texas cities because of its Wildland-Urban Interface Code. More than half the city falls in a wildfire zone, where roofs must be Class A rated and replacing half the roof or more triggers a permit and a full replacement. Outside that zone, swapping asphalt shingles for asphalt shingles on a house is exempt from a building permit. Anyone pulling a permit must register with the city's Building and Trade Contractor Services.

Key facts for Austin, TX

• Austin adopted the Wildland-Urban Interface Code on April 9, 2020, effective January 1, 2021, and was the first major Texas city to do so.
• The city says more than half of Austin falls within one of three wildfire code zones, A, B or C.
• Roofs in Austin's wildfire code area must be Class A assemblies, the highest fire rating for a roof.
• For one- and two-family homes, replacing asphalt shingles with asphalt shingles is exempt from a building permit, except in the wildfire code area when 50 percent or more of the roofing is replaced.
• Repairing or replacing up to 128 square feet of roof decking on a home is exempt from a permit.
• Contractors must register with Austin's Building and Trade Contractor Services before work on a building or trade permit begins.
• On March 25, 2021, a severe storm dropped quarter- to lime-size hail across central and northeast Austin, according to NWS.

How does Austin's wildfire code affect roofing?

Austin adopted the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code in April 2020, and it took effect January 1, 2021. A 2024 version took effect July 10, 2025. The city says more than half of Austin falls within one of the code's three proximity zones.

In those zones, a Class A roof assembly is required. That is the highest fire rating a roof can have. The city also lists rules for roof valley flashing and skylights, and it does not allow vegetated roofs. Replacing 50 percent or more of a roof requires a full replacement to these standards.

Use the city's Interactive WUI Code Map to see whether your home is in a zone. Ask any roofer how their bid meets the Class A requirement.

When does an Austin re-roof need a permit?

Austin's list of work exempt from building permits covers some roofing on one- and two-family homes and townhouses. Replacing asphalt shingles with asphalt shingles is exempt. Other roof coverings are exempt if the replacement doesn't adversely affect the roof structure. Up to 128 square feet of roof decking repair is exempt.

The big exception is the wildfire code area. There, a permit is required when 50 percent or more of the roofing is replaced. A permit may also be required in a floodplain, even for otherwise exempt work.

When a permit is needed, the contractor must first register with Building and Trade Contractor Services. You can check a property's permit history, including active permits, through the city's AB+C Public Search.

What weather damages Austin roofs?

Hail and wind both reach the city. The National Weather Service office for Austin and San Antonio reported that on March 25, 2021, a severe thunderstorm crossed Travis County and dropped a swath of quarter- to lime-size hail through central and northeast Austin in the early morning.

Texas has no state roofing license, so check insurance, references and a local address. State law makes it illegal for a roofer to offer to waive or rebate your deductible.

How to choose a provider in Austin, TX

• Check the city's WUI Code Map to see if your home is in a wildfire zone.
• If it is, confirm the bid specifies a Class A roof assembly.
• Ask whether your job needs a permit, especially in the WUI area or a floodplain.
• Confirm the roofer is registered with Building and Trade Contractor Services.
• Look up the property's permit history in AB+C Public Search.
• Get insurance certificates and at least three written bids.
• Turn down any deductible waiver or rebate.
• Hold the final payment until the job is done.

Nearby

• San Antonio
• All of Texas

Questions people ask

Do I need a permit to reroof my house in Austin?

Not always. Replacing asphalt shingles with asphalt shingles on a one- or two-family home is exempt, but a permit is required in the wildfire code area when 50 percent or more of the roofing is replaced. Floodplain properties may also need one.

What roof does Austin's wildfire code require?

A Class A roof assembly, the highest fire rating, in the code's proximity zones. Replacing 50 percent or more of a roof requires a full replacement to the code.

Is my Austin home in the wildfire code area?

Use the city's Interactive WUI Code Map. The city says more than half of Austin falls within one of the three zones.

Does a roofer need to register with the City of Austin?

Yes, for permitted work. Contractors must register with Building and Trade Contractor Services before work on a building or trade permit begins.

Does Austin get damaging hail?

Yes. NWS reported quarter- to lime-size hail across central and northeast Austin on March 25, 2021.

Sources

• Austin Fire Department: Wildland-Urban Interface Code
• City of Austin Development Services: Work exempt from building permits
• City of Austin Development Services: Homeowner permitting resources
• NWS Austin/San Antonio: Severe weather events of March 22-25, 2021
• TDI: State law cracks down on roof scams
• Texas House bill analysis, C.S.H.B. 3344 (89th Legislature, 2025)

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.