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Outdoor Music Venue (OMV) Permit: Austin restaurant guide

Austin Development Services — Entertainment Services Group

What it is

Permit to use amplified sound equipment outdoors (any space not fully enclosed by four walls and a roof).

When a restaurant needs it

Outdoor amplified music, DJs or PA systems on a patio or yard.

How to apply

Email the OMV application with a dimensional site plan, stage layout, Certificate of Occupancy/Occupant Load Card and formation documents to soundpermits@austintexas.gov; within 14 days of applying, owners and neighborhood organizations within 600 ft must be notified — self-notify at no charge or pay the City to mail notices.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Review and notification fees due at application; amounts not listed online — ask Entertainment Services
Processing time
Neighborhood notice within 14 days, then review
Renewal
Annual
Who files
Business owner or authorized agent.

Good to know

Restaurant uses are capped at 70 dBA. Permits can't be issued for sound equipment within 100 ft of property zoned and used as residential; citywide hours generally end 10:30 p.m. Mon–Wed, 11 p.m. Thu, midnight Fri–Sat.

Official source

Austin — Outdoor Music Venue permits

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.