Landscaping Rules in San Antonio, TX (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for San Antonio, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
San Antonio Unified Development Code Sec. 35-523 requires a Tree Preservation Permit before removing any significant tree (6 inches DBH+) or heritage tree (24 inches DBH+), with mitigation at 1:1 or 3:1 ratio per Table 523-1A.
San Antonio Tree Preservation Permit (UDC 35-523)
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
San Antonio actively encourages rainwater harvesting through SAWS (San Antonio Water System) rebate programs. SAWS offers $1.00 per gallon of storage up to $2,000 for residential customers who install at least 500 gallons of cistern capacity. Collected rainwater must be used for non-potable purposes like landscape irrigation. Texas state law (TX Tax Code § 151.355) exempts rainwater harvesting equipment from sales tax.
San Antonio Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code § 202.007
(a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from:(1) implementing measures promoting solid-waste composting of vegetation, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush, or leaving grass clippings uncollected on grass;(2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system;(3) implementing e...
Native Plants
San Antonio promotes native and drought-adapted landscaping as part of its water conservation strategy, enforced through SAWS drought restriction stages. During Stage 1 restrictions (Edwards Aquifer at 660 ft), landscape watering is limited. SAWS encourages xeriscaping with Texas native plants adapted to the region's semi-arid climate. The UDC requires landscaping for new development but does not mandate specific native species.
San Antonio Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code § 202.007
(a) A property owners' association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from:(1) implementing measures promoting solid-waste composting of vegetation, including grass clippings, leaves, or brush, or leaving grass clippings uncollected on grass;(2) installing rain barrels or a rainwater harvesting system;(3) implementing e...
Artificial Turf
San Antonio does not have a specific ordinance prohibiting or regulating artificial turf on residential properties. Given the city's emphasis on water conservation through SAWS, synthetic turf is viewed favorably as an alternative to water-intensive grass lawns. The UDC landscaping standards (Art. V, Div. 3) apply to commercial development and do not specifically address residential artificial turf. HOAs may have their own restrictions.
San Antonio Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsTex. Property Code § 202.018
(a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a property owners' association may not enforce or adopt a provision in a dedicatory instrument, including a restrictive covenant, that prohibits a property owner or resident from displaying or affixing on the owner's or resident's property or dwelling one or more religious items the display of which is motivated by the owner's or resident's sinc...
Looking for Bexar County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Antonio city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Bexar County →