San Antonio allows accessory dwelling units by right in most residential districts under UDC § 35-372 (formerly § 35-371). Applicants apply through the BuildSA Online Portal, submit a site plan, structural plans, and a notarized owner-occupancy affidavit, and record an ADU covenant with Bexar County. The Development Services Department (DSD) issues the building permit after zoning, building, and utility review.
ADU permits in San Antonio are reviewed by the Development Services Department under UDC § 35-372. The application requires a complete site plan showing the principal dwelling, the proposed ADU, setbacks, driveway, utility connections, and parking. Detached ADUs are capped at 800 sq ft in standard residential districts and 1,200 sq ft in RE (Rural Estate). Attached ADUs cannot exceed 35 percent of the principal dwelling's living area. The applicant must submit a notarized affidavit confirming owner occupancy of either the main house or the ADU and a covenant must be recorded with the Bexar County Clerk before the certificate of occupancy issues. Permits are filed online via the BuildSA Portal at aca-prod.accela.com/SANANTONIO. Review typically takes 10–20 business days; trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) are pulled separately. Properties in historic or conservation districts require Historic Design Review Commission (HDRC) approval first.
Building an ADU without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor under San Antonio City Code with fines up to $2,000 per day for building code violations and $500 per day for zoning violations under Texas Local Government Code § 54.001. DSD may issue stop-work orders and order removal of unpermitted ADUs.
San Antonio, TX
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See how San Antonio's adu permits rules stack up against other locations.
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