San Antonio, TX Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- City Code Sec. 10-6(a)
- Enforcing agency
- Development Services Department
- No-permit penalty
- Double permit fees
- Max fine
- $500/day misdemeanor
- Adopted code
- 2024 IBC, eff. May 2025
Summary
Before you build, enlarge, alter, move, demolish, or change a building's occupancy in San Antonio, City Code Sec. 10-6(a) requires applying to the Building Official and obtaining a permit first. The Development Services Department issues it.
Sec. 10-6. Permits. (a) Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, to include a sign or billboard, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this chapter, who performs site work or causes any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.
Full Breakdown
San Antonio City Code Chapter 10, Sec. 10-6(a) requires any owner or authorized agent to apply to the Building Official and obtain a permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing the occupancy of a building or structure, and before installing or replacing any regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system. Site work counts too. The Development Services Department administers permits under the adopted 2024 International Building-Related Codes, effective May 1, 2025. Start work before the permit issues and Sec. 10-15(d) charges double permit fees.
Violations & Fines
Commencing work before the permit issues triggers double permit fees under Sec. 10-15(d). Violating Chapter 10 is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 per day, with each day a separate offense (Sec. 10-15(e)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small repair or alteration?
What happens if I start work before getting the permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle building permits.