San Antonio, TX Building Safety: Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed (2026)

San Antonio's building-related codes (Chapter 10, effective February 1, 2023) adopt the 2021 International Building Code with local amendments. Scaffold construction on commercial and multi-family projects must comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L, which requires competent person oversight, fall protection at 10 feet or more, guardrail systems, and scaffold capacity ratings. Scaffolds erected on or over public sidewalks, streets, or rights-of-way require a Right-of-Way permit from the Development Services Department. The permit requires a site plan showing scaffold placement, pedestrian protection (covered walkway), and traffic control if applicable. The city requires a minimum 5-foot clear pedestrian path under any scaffold extending over a sidewalk. Scaffold dismantling must occur within 24 hours of project completion. Independent scaffold inspections may be required for complex installations. Texas does not have a separate state scaffold licensing requirement beyond OSHA compliance.