What San Antonio Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

As one of the larger cities in Texas, San Antonio has a substantial set of local ordinances that govern everything from noise levels to what you can build in your backyard. With 1.4 million, the city maintains 193 distinct rules across 50 categories. This guide gives you the big picture.

Firearms

Local Firearms Preemption: San Antonio cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 preempts municipal regulation of the transfer, ownership, keeping, transportation, licensing, or registration of firearms. Carry, purchase, and possession rules are uniform statewide..

Also covered: Concealed Carry (permissive), Firearms in Vehicles (permissive), Open Carry (permissive). See the full firearms guide for San Antonio for details.

Tobacco & Vaping

Tobacco Age Restrictions: Selling, giving, or furnishing tobacco, e-cigarettes, or any nicotine product to anyone under 21 is illegal in San Antonio under Texas Health & Safety Code section 161.082, which aligns with the federal Tobacco 21 law enacted in December 2019..

Also covered: Vape Retail Rules (moderate), Flavored Tobacco Bans (permissive). See the full tobacco & vaping guide for San Antonio for details.

Single-Use Items

Plastic Straw Rules: San Antonio does not regulate plastic straws or stirrers. Texas state law preempts city container regulations, and restaurants may distribute single-use plastic straws freely without on-request or upon-request limits anywhere in the city..

Also covered: Polystyrene Foam Rules (permissive), Plastic Bag Rules (permissive). See the full single-use items guide for San Antonio for details.

Rental Property Rules

Relocation Assistance: Texas has no statewide tenant relocation assistance law, and San Antonio has not adopted a relocation-payment ordinance. Tenants displaced by no-fault terminations or condemnation receive no city-mandated payment, though federal Uniform Relocation Act may apply if federal funds are involved..

Also covered: Source-of-Income Discrimination (moderate), Section 8 Voucher Acceptance (moderate), Security Deposit Rules (moderate). See the full rental property rules guide for San Antonio for details.

Animal Ordinances

Animal Hoarding: San Antonio Animal Care Services treats hoarding as cruelty under SAMC Chapter 5 and Texas Penal Code Section 42.092. ACS removes animals from neglectful conditions, and counts above pet limits without a kennel permit trigger seizure and prosecution..

Also covered: Microchipping (strict), Coyote Management (moderate), Pet Store Rules (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for San Antonio for details.

Employment Preemption

Paid Leave Preemption: San Antonio's 2018 Earned Paid Sick Leave Ordinance was struck down by Texas courts in 2019 before enforcement. The 2023 Texas Regulatory Consistency Act (HB 4) finalized state preemption of city paid-leave mandates, leaving no local paid-leave rule today..

Also covered: Worker Scheduling Preemption (permissive), Minimum Wage Preemption (permissive). See the full employment preemption guide for San Antonio for details.

Immigration Policy

Sanctuary Policy Preemption: Texas SB 4 (2017), codified in Government Code Chapter 752, prohibits any Texas city from adopting sanctuary policies. San Antonio is not a sanctuary city; SAPD must honor ICE detainers and may inquire about immigration status during lawful stops..

Short-Term Rentals

Host Presence Rule: San Antonio short-term rental rules in SAMC Chapter 35 distinguish owner-occupied Type 1 STRs from non-owner-occupied Type 2 STRs. Type 2 rentals face density caps by census block and tighter zoning limits to favor host-present operations..

Also covered: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (moderate), Taxes & Fees (moderate), Parking Rules (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for San Antonio for details.

Public Health Rules

Restaurant Grade Cards: The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District inspects food establishments in Bexar County using a numerical demerit score rather than letter grades. Scores and inspection reports are posted online, and high-demerit results trigger reinspection and possible permit suspension..

Also covered: Rodent Control (moderate), Syringe Disposal (moderate), Food Handler Certification (moderate). See the full public health rules guide for San Antonio for details.

Environmental Rules

Erosion Control: Erosion control on San Antonio construction sites is enforced by SAWS as the MS4 operator. All construction activity requires proper erosion and sedimentation controls including silt fences, rock gabions, and phased clearing.

Also covered: Sustainable Procurement (moderate), Climate Emergency Mobilization (moderate), Vehicle Idling Restrictions (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for San Antonio for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Commercial Cannabis Zoning: Texas has no recreational cannabis program, so San Antonio's Unified Development Code provides no commercial cannabis zoning. Only state-licensed Compassionate Use dispensing organizations and licensed hemp and CBD retailers operate, subject to standard retail zoning and state oversight..

Also covered: Personal Cultivation Limits (strict), Home Cultivation (strict), Dispensary Zoning (strict). See the full cannabis regulations guide for San Antonio for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: All possession, sale, use, transport, and manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within San Antonio city limits and within 5,000 feet of those limits, per the adopted International Fire Code Section 5601.1.3 and Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154..

Also covered: Propane Storage (moderate), Wildfire Zones (moderate), Outdoor Burning (strict). See the full fire regulations guide for San Antonio for details.

Building Safety

Childcare Center Rules: San Antonio childcare centers are licensed and inspected by Texas Health and Human Services Commission Child Care Regulation under 26 TAC Chapter 746, layered with SAMC Chapter 10 building, fire, and zoning requirements before opening..

Also covered: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (moderate), Green Building Code (permissive), Lead Paint (moderate). See the full building safety guide for San Antonio for details.

Business Licensing & Operations

Adult Entertainment: San Antonio licenses sexually oriented businesses under San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 21 and zones them through Unified Development Code Section 35-373, requiring annual permits, manager screening, and 1,000-foot buffers from churches, schools, parks, residences, and other SOBs..

Also covered: Tobacco Retail License (moderate), Secondhand Dealers (moderate), Pawnbrokers (moderate). See the full business licensing & operations guide for San Antonio for details.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses

Density Bonus Law: San Antonio's Unified Development Code offers density-bonus tools letting developers exceed base zoning intensity in exchange for affordable units, expedited permitting, or fee waivers, aligned with the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan and Bond..

Also covered: Specific Plans Overview (moderate). See the full zoning overlays & bonuses guide for San Antonio for details.

Water Use Rules

Lawn Watering Restrictions: San Antonio Water System enforces year-round watering schedules and tightening drought-stage restrictions tied to Edwards Aquifer levels at the J-17 index well, limiting irrigation to specific days and hours by address under the Aquifer Management Plan..

Also covered: Turf Replacement Rebates (permissive). See the full water use rules guide for San Antonio for details.

Public Conduct

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions: The 2011 San Antonio Smoke-Free Air Ordinance, codified at SAMC Chapter 13, bans smoking in restaurants, bars, workplaces, sports venues, and within 20 feet of building entrances. Public parks, plazas, and the River Walk are also covered.

Also covered: Public Urination (moderate), Aggressive Panhandling (moderate), Jaywalking (moderate). See the full public conduct guide for San Antonio for details.

Hotels & Lodging

Transient Occupancy Tax: San Antonio hotels collect a 9% city Hotel Occupancy Tax under SAMC Chapter 31 (7% general plus 2% expansion) on top of the 6% Texas state HOT, producing a 15% combined burden. Operators register with the San Antonio Finance Department and file monthly returns electronically..

Local Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax: San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 31 imposes a 9% city Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% general plus 2% expansion) on rooms costing $2 or more per night, stacked on the 6% Texas state HOT under Tax Code Chapter 156. Combined burden is 15% before tourism PID fees..

Tree Protection

Protected Tree Species: San Antonio Unified Development Code Section 35-523 protects significant trees six inches DBH and larger and heritage trees 24 inches and larger, with elevated mitigation multipliers for native live oak, post oak, bald cypress, and pecan. It is among the strongest tree-preservation ordinances in Texas..

Also covered: Tree Removal Permits (strict), Heritage & Protected Trees (strict), Tree Ordinances (strict). See the full tree protection guide for San Antonio for details.

Homelessness & Encampment Rules

LAMC §41.18 Encampment Rule: San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 21 prohibits camping, sleeping, or storing personal property on public sidewalks, parks, and rights-of-way. SAPD's Mental Health Unit and the Office of Homeless Strategy coordinate diversion to Haven for Hope before citing under Martin v.

Right to Farm

Farm Nuisance Protection: Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 251 protects farms operating one year or longer from nuisance suits based on changed surrounding conditions. The state shield applies in San Antonio but mostly affects edge-of-city and Bexar County agricultural parcels..

Noise Ordinances

Aircraft Noise: San Antonio hosts five military installations (JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Randolph, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis, and Camp Stanley), making military aircraft noise a major land-use concern. The Unified Development Code establishes Military Sound Attenuation Overlay Districts under UDC § 35-339.03, requiring noise-attenuating construction for new residential development within mapped noise contours (65 dB DNL and above) surrounding military airfields..

Also covered: Amplified Music & Events (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate), Construction Hours (strict). See the full noise ordinances guide for San Antonio for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: San Antonio enforces the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) Section 305 for residential pool barriers, requiring a 48-inch perimeter fence with self-closing, self-latching gates and door alarms on dwelling openings facing the pool..

Also covered: Hot Tub Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for San Antonio for details.

Mobility & Curb Rules

Bike Lane Rules: San Antonio's Bike Plan and SAMC Chapter 19 govern bicycle operation on city streets, requiring motorists to provide three feet of passing distance, while the citywide bike network expands protected lanes, neighborhood greenways, and bayou trails..

Accessory Structures

ADU Owner Occupancy: San Antonio requires the property owner to occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as their permanent residence under UDC § 35-372. A notarized owner-occupancy affidavit must be submitted with the permit application and a covenant must be recorded with the Bexar County Clerk.

Also covered: Shed Rules (permissive), ADU Permits (moderate), ADU Rental Restrictions (strict). See the full accessory structures guide for San Antonio for details.

Trash & Recycling

Yard Waste Collection: San Antonio collects yard trimmings weekly in the green organics cart for composting at the Nelson Gardens facility. Branches under 4 inches diameter fit in the cart; larger limbs require the brush collection cycle.

Also covered: Pickup Rules & Schedules (moderate), Bulk Item Disposal (moderate), Bin Placement Rules (moderate). See the full trash & recycling guide for San Antonio for details.

Landscaping Rules

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees: San Antonio Unified Development Code Sec. 35-523 requires a Tree Preservation Permit before removing any significant tree (6 inches DBH+) or heritage tree (24 inches DBH+), with mitigation at 1:1 or 3:1 ratio per Table 523-1A..

Also covered: Rainwater Harvesting (permissive), Native Plants (permissive), Artificial Turf (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for San Antonio for details.

Holiday Decorations

Holiday Light Rules: San Antonio has no city ordinance specifying installation or removal dates, brightness limits, or amplified audio rules for residential holiday light displays. General nuisance provisions of City Code Chapter 21 and noise ordinances under Chapter 21 Article IX apply.

Also covered: Lawn Ornament Rules (permissive), Inflatable Display Rules (permissive). See the full holiday decorations guide for San Antonio for details.

Outdoor Cooking

Outdoor Kitchen Permits: Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Antonio require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a Residential Improvements building permit, a gas-line permit for natural gas or propane, an electrical permit if powered, and a plumbing permit if connected to water/sewer. Structures must comply with UDC § 35-516 setback requirements.

Also covered: BBQ & Propane Rules (moderate), Smoker Rules (permissive). See the full outdoor cooking guide for San Antonio for details.

Food Trucks & Mobile Vendors

Food Truck Permits: Mobile food vending in San Antonio requires permits from multiple agencies under Chapter 13 (Food and Food Handlers). Operators need a mobile food establishment permit from SAMHD, a Fire Mobile Vending Permit ($300 + 3% surcharge) from SAFD, a business license from Finance, and a Texas Sales Tax Permit.

Also covered: Vending Zones (moderate). See the full food trucks & mobile vendors guide for San Antonio for details.

Soliciting & Door-to-Door

Solicitor Permits: San Antonio Code Chapter 22 requires solicitors, peddlers, and itinerant vendors to obtain a permit from the city through SAPD. Applicants undergo fingerprinting and a background check.

Also covered: No-Knock Registry (moderate). See the full soliciting & door-to-door guide for San Antonio for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: San Antonio bars minors under 17 from public places between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM Sunday-Thursday and 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM Friday-Saturday. A daytime school-hours curfew runs 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

Also covered: Park Curfew (moderate). See the full curfew laws guide for San Antonio for details.

Building Setbacks & Zoning

Setback Rules: San Antonio's setback requirements are established in UDC § 35-516. Standard residential setbacks include: front setback of 10–35 feet (with 20 ft minimum from sidewalk to garage entry), side setback of 5 feet minimum, and rear setback of 10 feet (garages and ADUs may have no rear setback).

Also covered: Structure Height Limits (moderate), Lot Coverage Limits (moderate). See the full building setbacks & zoning guide for San Antonio for details.

Sign Regulations

Garage Sale Signs: Garage sale signage in San Antonio is regulated under Chapter 16, Article XII (Garage Sales) and Chapter 28 (Signs). Residents may post up to 3 signs to advertise their sale, beginning 2 days before the event.

Also covered: Political Signs (moderate), Holiday Displays (permissive). See the full sign regulations guide for San Antonio for details.

Fence Regulations

Pool Barriers: San Antonio adopts the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) requiring permanent barriers around all residential pools. Barriers must be at least 48 inches tall.

Also covered: Retaining Walls (moderate), Height Limits (moderate), Material Restrictions (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for San Antonio for details.

Parking Rules

Abandoned Vehicles: San Antonio regulates abandoned and junked vehicles under Chapter 19, Article X (Junked Vehicles) and Sec. 19-396 (Wrecked/Abandoned Vehicles).

Also covered: Street Parking Limits (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for San Antonio for details.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: San Antonio enforces property blight standards through the San Antonio Property Maintenance Code (SAPMC, effective May 2025) and Chapter 6, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances. Code Enforcement Services addresses property maintenance, inoperable vehicles, graffiti, and general blight.

Also covered: Vacant Lot Maintenance (moderate), Snow & Sidewalk Clearing (permissive), Garage Sale Rules (moderate). See the full property maintenance guide for San Antonio for details.

Drone Rules

Commercial Drones: Commercial drone operations in San Antonio follow FAA Part 107 rules, as Texas state law preempts local regulation. Operators need a Remote Pilot Certificate (paid exam, recertified every 24 months).

Also covered: Recreational Drones (moderate). See the full drone rules guide for San Antonio for details.

Home Business

Home Daycare: Home daycare operations in San Antonio are regulated by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD) and must comply with state licensing through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The UDC allows small home-based daycare as a permitted accessory use in residential zones.

Also covered: Cottage Food Operations (permissive). See the full home business guide for San Antonio for details.

Outdoor Lighting

Light Trespass: Light trespass in San Antonio is regulated within Military Lighting Overlay Districts under UDC § 35-339.04. All trespass lighting shall not exceed 2.5 foot-candles measured at the property line.

Also covered: Dark Sky Rules (moderate). See the full outdoor lighting guide for San Antonio for details.

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Solar panel installation in San Antonio requires a building permit from the Development Services Department and pre-approval from CPS Energy for grid-tied systems. UDC § 35-398 governs renewable energy systems, setting zoning rules for ground-mounted solar farms and height limits of 12 feet for panel arrays.

Also covered: HOA Restrictions (permissive). See the full solar energy guide for San Antonio for details.

Garage & Yard Sales

Garage Sale Permits: San Antonio requires a free garage sale permit from Development Services before each sale. Properties are limited to four permitted sales per calendar year, each up to three consecutive days.

Also covered: Frequency Limits (moderate), Time Restrictions (moderate). See the full garage & yard sales guide for San Antonio for details.

HOA Rules

Assessment & Dues: Texas Property Code Chapter 209 governs HOA assessments and liens. Associations with 15 or more lots must offer payment plans for overdue assessments (minimum 3-month term).

Also covered: Board Procedures (moderate), Architectural Review (moderate), Dispute Resolution (moderate). See the full hoa rules guide for San Antonio for details.

Special Events & Permits

Block Party Permits: San Antonio's Public Works Department issues block party permits for temporary residential street closures. Applicants must submit a request with signatures from at least 75% of residents on the affected block.

Also covered: Park Event Permits (moderate), Sidewalk Cafe Rules (moderate). See the full special events & permits guide for San Antonio for details.

Street Vending

Vendor Permits: San Antonio requires mobile food vendors to obtain a Mobile Food Establishment Permit from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD). No person may vend food without a valid permit.

Also covered: Vending Zones (strict), Cart & Stand Rules (strict). See the full street vending guide for San Antonio for details.

Permit Requirements

Renovation Permits: Most renovations in San Antonio require a building permit from the Development Services Department. The Residential Improvements Permit covers interior and exterior alterations.

Also covered: Shed & Outbuilding Permits (permissive), Fence Permits (permissive), Deck & Patio Permits (moderate). See the full permit requirements guide for San Antonio for details.

Code Violation Reporting

How to Report: San Antonio residents can report code violations by calling 311 (or 210-207-6000), through the SA311 mobile app, online at 311.sanantonio.gov, in writing, or in person at 1901 S. Alamo St.

Also covered: Response Times (moderate), Common Violations (moderate). See the full code violation reporting guide for San Antonio for details.

Invasive Plant Rules

Bamboo Restrictions: San Antonio does not have a specific municipal ordinance restricting bamboo planting. Texas has no statewide bamboo ban.

Also covered: Prohibited Species (moderate), Front Yard Gardens (permissive). See the full invasive plant rules guide for San Antonio for details.

Privacy & Surveillance

Privacy Screening: San Antonio allows privacy fences up to 6 feet in rear and side yards without a permit. Fences up to 8 feet may be permitted in certain circumstances.

Also covered: Security Camera Rules (permissive), Recording & Consent Laws (permissive). See the full privacy & surveillance guide for San Antonio for details.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for San Antonio includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.