Landscaping Rules in San Antonio, TX (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for San Antonio, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
San Antonio puts the job of keeping trees off the sidewalk squarely on the property owner. Sec. 29-10 requires every occupant, owner or agent to keep trees and shrubs on their premises trimmed so branches don't overhang and block free passage on the adjoining sidewalk or street, and to keep that frontage free of debris.
San Antonio Duty to Trim Overhanging Trees
Some RestrictionsSan Antonio Code of Ordinances Sec. 29-10
It shall be the duty of the occupant, owner or agent of every premises in the city to keep all trees and shrubs on his premises well trimmed so that they will not overhang the sidewalks or streets in such manner as to interfere with free passage over the same. Such abutting property owners, occupants and agents shall further keep the streets and sidewalks adjoining their property free from debris.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
San Antonio requires a tree permit before removing a significant or heritage tree, clearing land, grading, or expanding a building or parking lot past 2,500 square feet. Sec. 35-523(a)(1)(C) lists the regulated activities, and Sec. 35-493(c) fines anyone who starts work without the permit at least $2,000, on top of the mitigation the ordinance requires for what gets removed.
San Antonio Protected Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsSan Antonio Unified Development Code § 35-523(a)(1)(C)
C.The regulations contained in this division shall regulate all activities that result or may result in the removal of significant or heritage trees or areas of tree canopy as defined herein. Said activities include any of the following:1.Industrial, commercial, office, multi-family, residential and institutional development, including all new construction and any additions that increase the to...
Weed Ordinances
San Antonio bans weeds and grass over 12 inches in height on lots and parcels, treating them as a public nuisance. Code Enforcement can fine the owner and the city will mow the property and place a lien for the cost.
San Antonio Weeds and Grass Over 12 Inches
Some RestrictionsSan Antonio City Code § 14-61 (Ch. 14, Art. VII, Lot Clearance)
Weeds shall mean all uncultivated vegetable growth or plant matter that has grown to more than twelve (12) inches in height, other than trees. ... If a tract of land is smaller than three (3) acres, the entire tract shall be kept free of weeds and brush over twelve (12) inches in height.
Water Restrictions
San Antonio City Code section 34-323 assigns each property a landscape watering day by street address and bars in-ground sprinklers between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Under Stage I, irrigation is limited to that one assigned day per week, and the San Antonio Water System issues citations to violators.
San Antonio Water Restrictions: Once-a-Week Drought Watering Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Antonio City Code § 34-323 — Designated landscape irrigation times and days
During any period when stage restrictions have been declared to be in effect, irrigation with a sprinkler or irrigation system of existing landscape on any property ... may occur only on certain designated days and at certain times... For Stage I ... Irrigation with a soaker hose, hose-end sprinkler or in-ground irrigation system is allowed on the day specified in subsection (1) between the hou...
Rainwater 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.
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