Building height in San Antonio is regulated by UDC § 35-517. Standard R-3 residential height limit is 35 feet / 3 stories. Non-residential structures may exceed the height limit if set back one foot from side and rear setback lines for every two feet of excess height. Accessory Detached Dwelling Units (ADDUs) are limited to 25 feet / 2 stories. The Board of Adjustment may grant special exceptions or variances for height.
San Antonio regulates maximum building and structure heights through the zoning code. Typical residential zones allow 35 feet or 2.5 stories, whichever is less. Height is measured from average finished grade to the highest point of the roof. Chimneys, antennas, and mechanical equipment may be exempt up to a limited additional height. Commercial and mixed-use zones may allow greater heights. Planned unit developments may negotiate alternative height standards. Height variances require zoning board review.
Exceeding height limit: stop-work order. Required to reduce height or obtain variance. Fines $250 to $2,000.
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio noise ordinance quiet hours are 10 PM–6 AM Sun–Thu and 11 PM–6 AM Fri–Sat (City Code Ch. 21, Art. III). Residential cap 63 dB(A) day / 56 dB(A) n...
San Antonio, TX
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 th...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Property owners may install yard decorations year-r...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays (giant Santas, snowmen, pumpkins). Inflatables are permitted on residen...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifying installation or removal dates, brightness limits, or amplified audio rules for residential holiday light display...
San Antonio, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Antonio require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a Residential Improvements building permit, a ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Bexar County.
See how other cities in Bexar County handle structure height limits.
See how San Antonio's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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