Retaining Walls: San Antonio vs Universal City
How do retaining walls rules compare between San Antonio, TX and Universal City, TX?
San Antonio and Universal City have similar restriction levels.
San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
San Antonio regulates retaining walls under Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-181 et seq. and UDC § 35-514. Retaining walls under 4 feet tall do not require a building permit. The height of existing retaining walls is included in fence height calculations under UDC § 35-514, though barriers required by the International Building Code on top of retaining walls are exempt from this calculation.
View full San Antonio rules →Universal City, TX
Bexar County
Retaining walls in Universal City over 4 feet in height require a building permit and engineered design. Walls also need permits when part of drainage or slope stabilization near waterways.
View full Universal City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Antonio | Universal City |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Sec. 6-181 et seq.; UDC § 35-514; IB 171 | - |
| Permit Exempt | Retaining walls under 4 ft | - |
| Fence Calc | Wall height counts toward total fence height | - |
| Exception | IBC-required safety barriers excluded from fence height | - |
| Resource | DSD Information Bulletin 171 (Retaining Walls) | - |
| Permit Threshold | - | Over 4 feet retained |
| Engineering | - | Required if over 4 feet |
| Guardrail | - | If drop over 30 inches |
| Drainage | - | Cannot redirect onto neighbors |
| Floodplain | - | Extra permits near creeks |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Antonio FAQ
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall in San Antonio?
Retaining walls under 4 feet tall are exempt from building permits. Walls 4 feet or taller require a permit and engineering plans per Sec. 6-181 and Information Bulletin 171 from the Development Services Department.
Does my retaining wall count toward fence height?
Yes. Under UDC § 35-514, the height of a retaining wall is included in the total fence height calculation. However, safety barriers required by the International Building Code on top of retaining walls are excluded from this measurement.
Universal City FAQ
Does my 3-foot landscape block wall need a permit?
Typically no, provided it does not affect drainage or adjoin easements.
Who designs the engineered wall?
A licensed Texas Professional Engineer must seal the plans before the city issues a permit.
Compare other topics
See how San Antonio and Universal City compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool