San Antonio adopts the International Building Code (IBC) with local amendments through Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances. Scaffold erection and use must comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L standards. Scaffolds on public sidewalks or rights-of-way require a permit from the Development Services Department.
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.
OSHA violations: fines up to $16,131 per serious violation, $161,323 per willful violation. City code violations: stop work order, fines of $100-$2,000, potential permit revocation.
San Antonio, TX
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San Antonio, TX
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San Antonio, TX
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San Antonio, TX
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San Antonio, TX
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San Antonio, TX
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