Building Setbacks & Zoning in San Antonio, TX (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for San Antonio, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
San Antonio's setback requirements are established in UDC § 35-516. Standard residential setbacks include: front setback of 10–35 feet (with 20 ft minimum from sidewalk to garage entry), side setback of 5 feet minimum, and rear setback of 10 feet (garages and ADUs may have no rear setback). A 25-foot setback is required from high-pressure fuel lines. Projecting features may extend up to 5 feet into yards but not closer than 3 feet to property lines.
San Antonio Property Setback Requirements
Some RestrictionsStructure Height Limits
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 Structure Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
San Antonio regulates lot coverage through the UDC. Accessory structures may cover a maximum of 50% of the total side and rear yard area, with total accessory floor area not exceeding 2,500 square feet in residential districts. Each lot must maintain at least 500 contiguous square feet of open space in the rear yard. Impervious cover is further restricted over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone to 15% for residential development.
San Antonio Maximum Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Bexar County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Antonio city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Bexar County →