Accessory Structures in San Antonio, TX (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for San Antonio, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
San Antonio UDC §35-371 permits internal, attached, and detached ADUs by right in rural and residential districts. Detached ADUs max 800 sq ft (1,200 in RE zones). Owner must occupy main or ADU as permanent residence. Max 3 occupants in ADU. Building permit and recorded covenant required.
San Antonio ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
San Antonio allows accessory dwelling units by right in most residential districts under UDC § 35-372 (formerly § 35-371). Applicants apply through the BuildSA Online Portal, submit a site plan, structural plans, and a notarized owner-occupancy affidavit, and record an ADU covenant with Bexar County. The Development Services Department (DSD) issues the building permit after zoning, building, and utility review.
San Antonio ADU Permits and Application Process
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
San Antonio assesses standard development fees on ADUs, but utility connections typically reuse the principal dwelling's tap to limit costs. SAWS (San Antonio Water System) impact fees apply when a separate water or sewer connection is requested. CPS Energy handles separate electric service. Texas has no statewide ADU impact-fee waiver comparable to California.
San Antonio ADU Impact Fees and Utility Charges
Some RestrictionsADU 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. Renting both units to non-owner tenants is prohibited.
San Antonio ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Heavy RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
ADUs in San Antonio may be rented long-term but short-term rental use (under 30 days) requires a separate STR permit under UDC § 35-374.01. The owner must occupy the main house or the ADU regardless of which unit is rented. Type 1 STR (owner-occupied) permits ($300/3yrs) are required for ADU short-term rentals; Type 2 permits do not apply to owner-occupied ADUs.
San Antonio ADU Rental Restrictions and STR Rules
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
San Antonio follows the International Residential Code (IRC) Section R105.2: a building permit is not required for a one-story detached accessory structure 200 square feet or smaller used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse, or similar use, but UDC Section 35-516 setbacks and zoning rules still apply.
Shed and Detached Accessory Structure Rules (IRC R105.2 and UDC 35-516)
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in San Antonio may create ADUs under UDC §35-371, subject to owner occupancy requirements. Building permits are required for all conversions. UDC parking standards must still be met — converting a garage may trigger parking deficiency issues.
San Antonio Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in San Antonio are classified as typical residential accessory structures under the UDC. They receive special exceptions in nonresidential districts where other accessory structures may be restricted. Carport setbacks follow UDC § 35-516(g), which provides specific provisions for garages and carports. The total floor area of all accessory structures may not exceed 2,500 square feet, and they must not occupy more than 30% of the required yard area.
San Antonio Carport Construction Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes in San Antonio generally must comply with ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) regulations under UDC § 35-371. Detached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less, with a maximum of 1 bedroom and a height limit that cannot exceed the primary residence. Tiny homes on wheels may be classified as recreational vehicles and subject to different regulations under UDC § 35-385.
San Antonio Tiny Home & Small Dwelling Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Bexar County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Antonio city rules.
Accessory Structures in Bexar County →