Pop. 30,037 · Bexar County
Converse is classified as urban to suburban with moderate wildfire risk on the northeast edge where grassland and brush transition into neighborhoods. Texas A&M Forest Service maps the area as a wildland urban interface.
Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Converse when contained in approved devices with proper clearance and supervision. Burn bans and red flag warnings override permissions on short notice.
Converse prohibits the use, sale, and possession of consumer fireworks inside city limits. Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154 allows municipalities to ban fireworks, and Converse enforces that ban with fines.
Converse fences must comply with height, setback, permit, and material rules. Fences must be maintained in good repair, with the finished side facing neighboring properties being customary but not mandatory.
Retaining walls over 4 feet in height or walls supporting surcharge loads require engineered design and building permits in Converse. Drainage must not discharge onto neighboring properties.
Texas Health and Safety Code 757 requires residential pool barriers at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Converse enforces this state standard plus local building code requirements.
Texas Property Code 29 (Fence Division) and common law govern shared-fence disputes. Converse does not adjudicate private fence disagreements; neighbors must resolve via mediation or civil court.
Residential fence heights in Converse are limited to 4 feet in front yards and 6-8 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots have additional sight-triangle requirements. Commercial fences may be taller with permits.
Converse permits wood, metal (wrought iron, aluminum), vinyl, masonry, and chain-link fences in most zones. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fencing have zone-specific restrictions.
Converse requires a fence permit for most residential fences over 4 feet, all commercial fences, and all pool barriers. Applications go through the Building Department at 403 South Seguin Road.
Outdoor music at Converse restaurants, event venues, and private residences must end by quiet-hour start and not be audible at 30 feet. Special event permits allow extensions for festivals.
Industrial facilities in Converse must operate within zoning-district noise limits and not create nuisance sound at residential property lines. Most industrial use is along IH-35 and FM 1976 corridors.
Converse does not publish numeric decibel caps in its noise ordinance. Enforcement uses the plainly-audible standard at 30 feet rather than sound-meter readings, typical of small Texas cities.
Converse sits adjacent to Randolph Air Force Base, the primary USAF pilot training base. Aircraft noise is federally preempted and not subject to city ordinance, but AICUZ zoning applies to new construction.
Converse does not impose specific leaf blower bans, but gas-powered blowers must comply with general construction hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and not produce unreasonable noise disturbing neighbors.
Construction work in Converse is generally permitted 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday, with Sunday and holiday work restricted. Randolph AFB proximity does not exempt contractors.
Converse prohibits habitual barking that disturbs neighbors, defined as continuous barking for 15 minutes or intermittent barking for 30 minutes. First violations typically receive warnings before citations.
Converse enforces nighttime quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM weekdays and 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM weekends under the city noise ordinance and Texas Penal Code 42.01 disorderly conduct.
Amplified music in Converse must not be audible at 30 feet from the property line during quiet hours and must not disturb neighbors at any time. Outdoor speakers at parties face strict enforcement.
Texas state law prohibits cities from enacting breed-specific legislation under Health and Safety Code 822.047. Converse does not ban pit bulls or other breeds but enforces dangerous-dog rules case-by-case.
Converse permits residential beekeeping with setbacks under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131. Hives register with Texas Apiary Inspection Service and must sit behind flyway barriers near property lines.
Converse allows backyard chickens in most residential zones with hen-only flock limits and coop setback requirements. Roosters are typically prohibited and larger livestock restricted to agricultural zones.
Converse prohibits dangerous wild animals in residential areas under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E. Large carnivores, primates, and venomous snakes require state and sometimes federal permits.
Converse prohibits feeding feral hogs, raccoons, coyotes, and other wildlife that creates public nuisance or safety hazard. Bird feeding is generally allowed. Deer feeding is restricted to manage chronic wasting disease.
Livestock keeping in Converse (cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine) is restricted to AG-zoned parcels typically 1 acre or larger with setbacks, fencing, and manure management requirements.
Dogs in Converse must be leashed or under direct physical control in all public areas. Texas Health and Safety Code 822 requires owners to prevent dogs from running at large. Off-leash means in designated areas only.
Bexar County requires cats over four months old to be vaccinated against rabies under Texas Health and Safety Code 826.021, but the unincorporated county has no leash law for cats, allowing outdoor and community cat populations through TNR programs administered by Animal Care Services.
Bexar County treats coyotes as non-game wildlife under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code 71.001, allowing landowner removal without permit when coyotes threaten livestock, pets, or property, while emphasizing hazing and habitat modification through Bexar County Animal Care Services education programs.
Bexar County prosecutes animal hoarding under Texas Penal Code 42.092 (animal cruelty) and Texas Health and Safety Code 821 (seizure of cruelly treated animals), with Bexar County Animal Care Services and BCSO investigating complaints in unincorporated areas.
Bexar County does not mandate microchipping for privately owned pets in unincorporated areas, but Bexar County Animal Care Services microchips all adopted animals and strongly recommends owners register chips with national databases to facilitate lost pet recovery.
Bexar County does not regulate retail pet store sourcing in unincorporated areas, deferring to Texas Occupations Code Chapter 802 licensed-breeder rules and federal USDA APHIS oversight, with no countywide ban on commercial puppy or kitten sales as some Texas cities have adopted.
Bexar County does not impose mandatory spay-neuter on all pets, but Texas Health and Safety Code 828 requires sterilization of animals adopted from public shelters including Bexar County Animal Care Services, with enforcement through adoption contracts and veterinary follow-up.
Bexar County does not impose a hard pet-limit ordinance in unincorporated areas, deferring to nuisance, sanitation, and zoning rules under Texas Local Government Code 240, with Bexar County Animal Care Services responding to complaints when conditions exceed reasonable property capacity.
Wildlife rehabilitation in Bexar County requires a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rehabilitator permit under 31 TAC 69.45 plus federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service migratory-bird permits where applicable, with no separate county permit but mandatory facility inspections and species-specific authorization.
Converse allows carports on residential property subject to setbacks, building permits, and HOA rules. Front-yard carports and fabric portable canopies are restricted in many subdivisions.
Converse zoning generally allows one detached accessory dwelling unit on single-family lots in compatible districts subject to size, setback, and owner-occupancy conditions. Permits required.
Converting a Converse garage into living space requires a full building permit, compliance with ADU or main-house rules, and replacement of any lost covered parking to meet zoning.
Sheds under 200 square feet and under 8 to 10 feet tall typically need no building permit in Converse but must meet setback and HOA rules. Larger sheds require permits and inspections.
Tiny homes on foundations must meet the 2021 IRC Appendix Q in Converse and minimum zoning lot rules. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be parked as permanent residences.
Converse water customers follow San Antonio Water System drought rules tied to Edwards Aquifer levels at the J-17 monitoring well. Stage 1 through 4 restrictions set watering days and hours.
Converse encourages xeriscape and native plant landscaping to conserve Edwards Aquifer water. Texas Property Code 202.007 blocks HOAs from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.
Converse does not have a comprehensive tree preservation ordinance for single-family residential property. Most private tree removal proceeds without a permit, but HOA rules and development standards may apply.
Converse property maintenance code requires residential lawns and weeds be kept under about 12 inches. Code enforcement issues notice with a short cure window before city abatement and liens.
Converse requires property owners to keep trees trimmed so branches do not obstruct streets, sidewalks, signs, or streetlights. Oak wilt precautions urge avoiding pruning from February through June.
Artificial turf is generally allowed on Converse residential property. Texas Property Code 202.007 protects water-conserving turf from outright HOA bans though aesthetic standards may apply.
Converse property maintenance ordinances treat uncontrolled weeds and rank vegetation as a public nuisance. Owners must keep yards and vacant lots cleared under roughly 12 inches or face abatement.
Converse residents can install rainwater collection systems. Texas Property Code 202.007 prohibits HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting, and SAWS offers rebates for qualifying systems in its service area.
Converse zoning permits home occupations in residential districts when the activity is clearly secondary to residential use, conducted indoors, and does not generate traffic or noise impacts on neighbors.
Converse home occupation rules typically prohibit visible commercial signage at residential properties. Small unlit nameplates may be allowed but illuminated signs, yard signs, and banners are not.
Converse allows home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones. The business must be run by residents inside the dwelling, generate no unusual traffic, and show no external evidence.
Home daycares in Converse follow Texas HHSC Child Care rules. Up to 3 unrelated children need no registration, but larger homes require state registration or licensing plus city zoning compliance.
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437 allows Converse residents to operate cottage food businesses from home with labeled nonhazardous foods. Annual sales capped at 50,000 dollars with training required.
Converse home occupation rules sharply limit customer and client visits. The home must remain primarily residential in character with no parking impacts or frequent walk-in traffic.
Converse STRs owe the 6 percent Texas state hotel occupancy tax under Tax Code Ch 156, plus any local and Bexar County HOT. Platforms like Airbnb collect some taxes, but the owner remains responsible for filings.
Converse STR guests follow the same parking rules as residents. The city bars parking on unpaved surfaces, blocking sidewalks or hydrants, and yard parking. HOA streets may limit overnight use.
Converse imposes no annual night cap on short-term rentals. Operators may rent all 365 days subject to tax and code rules. HOA CCRs often set 6 to 12 month minimum lease terms that effectively prohibit STRs.
Converse has no local STR registration portal. Operators register with the Texas Comptroller for HOT, check Bexar County rules, and confirm zoning and building compliance. Watch council for any future ordinance.
Converse has no STR insurance mandate, but standard HO-3 policies often exclude commercial rental activity. Carry a dedicated STR policy or home-sharing endorsement with $1M liability. AirCover is secondary only.
Converse has no STR-specific cap but the adopted IPMC limits occupancy by bedroom size and total dwelling area. Industry norm is 2 per bedroom plus 2. Egress-window rules limit which rooms can serve as sleeping quarters.
Converse STR operators are responsible for guest noise under the city noise ordinance, which bars disturbing sounds audible at property lines during nighttime quiet hours. Repeated complaints escalate enforcement.
Converse has no dedicated STR permit program. Operators must register with the Texas Comptroller for hotel occupancy tax, follow city zoning and building codes, and verify requirements with City Hall before listing.
Bexar County does not regulate extended home-share stays separately from shorter rentals. Stays under 30 days remain subject to hotel occupancy tax; stays of 30 days or more convert to standard tenancy under Texas Property Code chapter 92.
Unincorporated Bexar County does not require short-term rental hosts to live on-site or be present during guest stays. Texas HB 1620 (2025) bars counties from imposing host-presence mandates on STR operators.
Bexar County has no three-strikes or escalating-penalty system for repeat short-term rental code violators. Enforcement is limited to nuisance, septic, and noise complaints handled by the Sheriff's Office and Public Works.
Bexar County cannot limit short-term rentals to a host's primary residence. Texas HB 1620 (2025) preempts any local rule that bans non-owner-occupied or investment-property STRs in unincorporated areas.
Bexar County does not impose liability on Airbnb, Vrbo, or other booking platforms for unincorporated host violations. Texas HB 1620 (2025) restricts local rules that hold platforms responsible for individual property compliance.
Converse requires a building permit for any pool or spa over 24 inches deep. Plans must show setbacks, barrier, bonding, and drainage. Inspections cover steel, plumbing, electrical bonding, and final.
Converse pools over 24 inches deep need a barrier at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates per the ISPSC. Picket spacing, latch height, and door-alarm rules apply.
Above-ground pools in Converse over 24 inches deep need a building permit, barrier compliance, and NEC 680 bonding. Pool walls at least 48 inches tall can serve as the barrier if the ladder is removable and locked.
Converse hot tubs and spas need a building and electrical permit. A lockable ASTM F1346 safety cover, GFCI circuit, and NEC 680 bonding are required. Portable plug-in spas still need a permit for the electrical tie-in.
Converse pools must meet the federal VGB Act with anti-entrapment drain covers on newer or resurfaced residential pools. Barriers, NEC 680 bonding, GFCI protection, and safe chemical storage are also required.
Converse regulates on-street parking through Chapter 70, prohibiting parking within 15 ft of hydrants, 30 ft of stop signs, and on sidewalks. Most residential streets allow free parking unless signed.
Converse driveways require a permit from Public Works when connecting to a public street. Surfaces must be paved, widths typically 9-24 ft, and front-yard parking must stay on the improved drive.
Converse follows TX Transportation Code 683 for abandoned vehicles. Vehicles on public streets over 48 hours can be tagged, reported, and towed after a 10-day notice period.
Converse generally allows overnight parking on residential streets unless posted otherwise. No citywide overnight ban exists for passenger vehicles. 72-hour stationary vehicles risk abandoned tagging.
EV charging in Converse requires an electrical permit for Level 2 (240V) and DC fast chargers under the adopted 2017 NEC. Commercial stations require site plan review and ADA-compliant spaces.
Converse restricts heavy commercial vehicles from parking overnight in residential zones. Standard work pickups and vans are allowed, but semi-trucks, dump trucks, and large trailers are prohibited.
Converse restricts long-term storage of RVs, boats, and trailers in residential zones. RVs typically must be on improved surfaces in side or rear yards and cannot be used as dwellings.
Converse operates under a TPDES MS4 permit from TCEQ. Sites disturbing one acre or more need a SWPPP and best management practices. Illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited.
Converse requires grading permits for significant cuts and fills. Property owners cannot redirect stormwater onto adjacent lots. Subdivisions and commercial projects need engineered drainage plans.
Converse participates in the NFIP. Properties in FEMA Zone A or AE require a floodplain development permit and must elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above the Base Flood Elevation.
Converse requires erosion control on all construction sites through silt fence, stabilized entrances, and inlet protection. Sites over one acre need a TPDES SWPPP filed with TCEQ.
Bexar County has no countywide heat island ordinance. Cool-roof and cool-pavement choices remain voluntary, supported through CPS Energy rebates and the City of San Antonio's separate climate plan rather than county code.
Bexar County recommends defensible space buffers around rural Hill Country homes. Unincorporated parcels near brushland follow Texas A&M Forest Service guidance. Enforcement runs through ESDs rather than a county fire marshal program.
Bexar County Commissioners Court has not adopted a binding climate emergency declaration. Sustainability work proceeds through the Office of Sustainability and joint efforts with San Antonio's SA Climate Ready plan rather than countywide mandates.
Bexar County participates in TCEQ's locally enforced idling rule for heavy diesel trucks. Operators of vehicles over 14,000 pounds may not idle more than five minutes within affected counties during the April-October ozone season.
Bexar County applies sustainable procurement preferences for paper, cleaning supplies, and fleet vehicles through its Purchasing Department. The policy is administrative guidance rather than a binding ordinance and does not bind private contractors outside county work.
Converse city parks are closed from dusk (or 10:00 PM) to 6:00 AM unless a special use permit has been issued. Being in a park after hours is a Class C misdemeanor trespass violation.
Converse has adopted a juvenile curfew ordinance under Texas Local Government Code 370.002 prohibiting minors under 17 from being in public places during late night and school hours, with standard exceptions.
Converse does not require just cause for eviction. Texas Property Code Chapter 24 governs evictions, and landlords may end month-to-month tenancies without stating a reason, with proper notice.
Converse has no rent control. TX Local Gov Code 214.902 preempts cities from enacting rent control absent a governor-declared housing emergency. Landlords set rents at market rates subject to leases.
Converse does not operate a rental registration or inspection program. Landlords need not register rentals with the city, though standard property maintenance codes apply to all housing.
Bexar County does not require landlords to pay tenant relocation assistance for no-fault evictions, demolitions, or substantial renovations. Texas has no statewide relocation-assistance mandate, and the county has not enacted a local rule.
Bexar County landlords can decline to renew leases for any non-discriminatory reason, with no requirement to show fault. Texas does not impose just-cause eviction limits, and the county has not enacted local protections.
Bexar County does not prohibit landlords from refusing Section 8 housing choice vouchers or other income sources. Texas Local Government Code 250.007 preempts cities and counties from passing source-of-income protections.
Bexar County rental security deposits are governed by Texas Property Code 92.101 through 92.109. Landlords must refund deposits within 30 days of move-out and provide an itemized list of deductions or face statutory penalties.
Bexar County does not regulate landlord pass-through charges for property tax increases, insurance, or capital improvements. These costs are governed by lease terms and Texas Property Code disclosure rules for fees and add-ons.
Bexar County does not regulate cash-for-keys voluntary move-out agreements between landlords and tenants. These private contracts are enforceable under Texas contract law without specific disclosures or minimum payment thresholds.
Bexar County has no local tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenants rely on Texas Property Code 92.0081 lockout protections and 92.331 retaliation rules for relief from landlord harassment.
Converse CCRs run with the land and are enforced by the HOA under Property Code Ch 202 and 209. Enforcement uses notice, cure period, hearing, fines up to $200 per violation, plus possible court relief and attorney fees.
Converse HOA ARCs follow recorded CCRs and Property Code Ch 209. They cannot ban solar (202.010), standby generators, xeriscaping, or rainwater harvesting (202.007). Written design guidelines must be provided to owners.
Converse HOA assessments follow Property Code Ch 209 and the CCRs. Late fees and interest must be reasonable. Unpaid amounts become a lien and can lead to nonjudicial foreclosure with a 180-day redemption right.
Converse HOA boards follow Texas Property Code Ch 209 and Business Organizations Code Ch 22. Board meetings must be open, notice posted at least 72 hours ahead, minutes kept, and records available to owners on request.
Converse HOA disputes follow Texas Property Code Ch 209. Owners get a pre-fine hearing, records within 10 business days, and must be offered ADR before suit. Final disputes go to mediation, arbitration, or court.
Commercial marijuana dispensaries are illegal in Converse under Texas state law. Only licensed Compassionate Use dispensing organizations may operate, and none are currently sited in Converse.
Home cultivation of marijuana is illegal in Converse and throughout Texas. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 481 prohibits cultivation outside the state's narrow medical Compassionate Use Program.
Lead paint in Converse pre-1978 homes is regulated by federal Title X and the EPA RRP Rule. Sellers and landlords must disclose hazards. Contractors disturbing paint must be Lead-Safe certified.
Converse enforces scaffold safety through the 2018 IBC adopted in Chapter 18, plus OSHA 1926 Subpart L for paid workers. Permits required for engineered or right-of-way scaffolds.
Converse requires property owners to keep structures free of rodents and insects under the 2018 IPMC. Commercial pesticide applicators must be licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Elevators in Converse are regulated by Texas Health and Safety Code Ch 754 and administered by TDLR. Owners need an annual Certificate of Compliance, a TDLR inspection, and licensed elevator contractors for work.
Bexar County enforces International Building Code Section 1010 egress door rules through its adopted commercial building code, requiring single-action locks, panic hardware on assembly occupancies over 50 occupants, and child-safe locking for licensed childcare and educational facilities under the Texas State Fire Marshal rules.
Bexar County does not require residential fire sprinklers in one and two family dwellings under Texas Local Government Code 233.153, which preempts counties from mandating sprinklers in homes, but commercial and multifamily buildings must comply with International Building Code and International Fire Code provisions adopted by reference.
Bexar County imposes no anti-mansionization or floor-area-ratio caps in unincorporated areas, with new home size limited only by deed restrictions, HOA covenants, and Texas Local Government Code 232 subdivision regulations, since Texas counties have very limited residential zoning authority.
Childcare centers in unincorporated Bexar County must comply with Texas Health and Human Services Commission minimum standards under Texas Human Resources Code 42 and pass building, fire, and sanitation inspections through the Texas State Fire Marshal and Bexar County Public Works before licensure.
Bexar County has not adopted the International Green Construction Code as a mandatory standard for unincorporated areas, instead enforcing the Texas-adopted International Energy Conservation Code under Texas Health and Safety Code 388 with limited green-amenity incentives through Bexar County Public Works.
Converse requires setbacks by zoning district, typically 20-25 ft front, 5-10 ft side, and 10-20 ft rear in single-family zones. Accessory structures have smaller setbacks. Verify your district.
Converse limits building heights by zoning district. Single-family districts typically cap structures at 35 ft or 2-2.5 stories. Commercial zones allow taller buildings with step-backs near homes.
Converse caps lot coverage by zoning district. Single-family zones typically limit building coverage to 30-40 percent and total impervious surface to 45-60 percent. Pools and patios count.
Converse handles light trespass through nuisance provisions and zoning site plan standards. Commercial lighting must limit spillover at property lines; residential complaints are reviewed case by case.
Converse is not formally dark-sky certified but regulates outdoor lighting via the Zoning Ordinance. Commercial lighting must be fully shielded, directed downward, and limit spillover at property lines.
Solar PV installations in Converse require a building and electrical permit under the adopted 2018 IRC and 2017 NEC. Ground mounts follow setback rules. Inspections required before grid interconnection.
TX Property Code 202.010 protects Converse homeowners from HOA solar bans. HOAs can set reasonable aesthetic standards but cannot force placement reducing output by more than 10 percent.
Converse requires trash and recycling carts to be stored out of public view between collections. Carts visible from the street on non-collection days are a code enforcement violation subject to fines.
Converse enforces property maintenance under Texas Local Gov Code 214.001. Blighted conditions including structural decay, debris, and abandoned vehicles may result in abatement orders and liens.
Converse requires owners of vacant lots to keep grass and weeds under 12 inches and remove accumulated trash. Authority derives from Texas Local Government Code 342.004 for nuisance weeds.
Converse residents may hold garage sales on their own property. Sales must not block sidewalks or streets, and merchandise cannot be left in the yard between sale days or stored in public view.
Converse does not have a snow removal ordinance because measurable snowfall is rare in South Texas. Property owners are expected to keep sidewalks free of debris, vegetation, and other hazards year-round.
Trash and recycling carts must be placed at the curb on collection day with a three-foot clearance on all sides. Carts cannot be stored in front yards between pickups and must be returned to side or rear yards.
Converse offers curbside single-stream recycling through its contracted hauler. Participation is voluntary but encouraged. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastics 1-2, and metal cans.
Converse contracts with Waste Management for weekly residential trash collection. Residents receive a 96-gallon cart and must place it curbside by 7:00 AM on their scheduled pickup day with lids closed.
Converse offers scheduled bulk trash pickup for items too large for the regular cart, such as furniture and appliances. Residents must call to schedule pickup and follow size and quantity limits.
Converse allows residential holiday displays and decorations without permits. Displays must not create traffic hazards, obstruct sidewalks, or violate noise rules with amplified music or effects.
Converse must permit political signs on residential property under Texas Property Code 202.009 and constitutional free speech protections. HOAs have limited authority to restrict them during election seasons.
Garage sale signs in Converse must be placed on private property with owner permission and removed within 24 hours after the sale ends. Signs on utility poles, street signs, or rights-of-way are prohibited.
Door-to-door solicitors, peddlers, and commercial canvassers in Converse must obtain a solicitor permit from the city, submit to a background check, and display identification while soliciting.
Residents in Converse who post a No Soliciting or No Trespassing sign are protected from commercial door-to-door canvassing. Solicitors who ignore posted signs face Class C misdemeanor citations.
Commercial drone operations in Converse require FAA Part 107 certification, operational waivers for complex flights, and compliance with Texas Government Code Chapter 423 privacy rules.
Recreational drone operators in Converse must follow FAA Part 107 hobbyist rules and Texas Government Code Chapter 423 privacy restrictions. City parks may prohibit drone launches without a permit.
Food trucks in Converse need a San Antonio Metro Health Mobile Food Unit permit plus city vendor registration, a commissary agreement, and a Texas sales tax permit. Home-based operations prohibited.
Food truck vending in Converse is limited to commercial or industrial properties with owner consent, not residential streets or public rights-of-way. Special event permits allow vending at city events.
Bars in unincorporated Bexar County operate under TABC permits and TX Penal Code 42.01 with no local dBA. San Antonio combines Chapter 21 dBA limits, entertainment district rules, and TABC review.
Generators in unincorporated Bexar County are regulated only by TX Penal Code 42.01 and electrical permit rules. Emergency-outage use is broadly reasonable; San Antonio Chapter 21 dBA limits apply inside city.
Unincorporated Bexar County does not regulate HVAC noise; complaints rely on TX Penal Code 42.01. San Antonio Chapter 21 applies residential dBA limits at the property line to fixed equipment.
Sidewalks in Bexar County must stay clear of vehicles, bins, vegetation, and temporary structures. Obstructions blocking ADA passage can trigger county enforcement under state nuisance law.
Unincorporated Bexar County has limited sidewalks. Where they exist, adjacent property owners are typically responsible for repairs under state law and subdivision plats.
Privacy fences in Bexar County are generally allowed up to 8 feet in rear yards and 4 feet in front yards. San Antonio requires the finished side facing outward. Permits are required for masonry walls and fences over 8 feet.
Residential security cameras are legal in Bexar County without a permit. Texas allows video recording on your property and publicly visible areas. Cameras must not target private areas. Texas is a one-party consent state for audio recording.
Texas is a one-party consent state for audio recording. Only one party to a conversation must consent. Video recording in public is legal. Recording in private areas where individuals expect privacy is a state jail felony under Penal Code §21.15.
Renovation work involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC requires a building permit in Bexar County. Cosmetic work like painting and flooring does not. All construction documents must comply with the 2021 International Building Code.
In Bexar County, storage sheds under 120 square feet without electrical or plumbing generally do not require a building permit. Larger sheds require permits under the 2021 International Building Code adopted by the county in 2024.
Standard residential fences under 8 feet in Bexar County generally do not require a building permit. Masonry walls and fences over 8 feet require permits. Front-yard fences are limited to 4 feet in most residential zones.
Decks over 30 inches above grade require a building permit in Bexar County. Ground-level patios at grade generally do not require a permit. Covered patios and pergolas attached to the house may require permits depending on size.
Bexar County partners with Haven for Hope, the regional megashelter near downtown San Antonio, as the primary bridge-housing site. SARAH coordinates the Continuum of Care across roughly 50 partner agencies serving unhoused residents.
Bexar County has no ordinance prohibiting sitting or lying on public property in unincorporated areas. San Antonio's panhandling and obstruction rules apply only inside city limits, leaving most county sidewalks unregulated for sit-lie conduct.
Bexar County addresses homeless encampment sanitation through coordinated SARAH outreach plus Sheriff and Public Works response, not a standing ordinance. Cleanups are scheduled with notice and outreach contact before removal.
San Antonio Metropolitan Health District inspects restaurants countywide, including unincorporated Bexar County, under a joint city-county agreement, scoring facilities and posting inspection results online for public review.
Bexar County property owners must control rodents, mosquitoes, and other vectors on their land. Metro Health responds to vector complaints in San Antonio and unincorporated areas, and may abate nuisance conditions at owner expense.
Texas treats bed bugs as a habitability issue handled through landlord-tenant law rather than a county ordinance. Bexar County does not run a dedicated bed bug program but Metro Health may inspect under general nuisance authority.
Bexar County does not mandate healthy food retail standards, but Metro Health and partner programs offer voluntary corner store conversions and incentives in food-insecure neighborhoods to expand fresh produce access.
Bexar County residents must dispose of household sharps in approved rigid containers, never in regular trash or recycling. Several Metro Health and pharmacy drop-off sites accept used needles countywide.
Food employees in Bexar County must complete an accredited Texas food handler course within 60 days of hire and keep certification current. Metro Health enforces the requirement during routine restaurant inspections.
Bexar County cannot ban plastic carryout bags. The Texas Supreme Court in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association struck down local bag bans as preempted by the Texas Health and Safety Code container provision.
Bexar County does not restrict expanded polystyrene foam containers. Texas container preemption under TX HSC Section 361.0961 likely blocks local foam bans, mirroring the outcome for plastic bag ordinances.
Bexar County does not require restaurants to switch from plastic straws or to provide them only on request. Texas container preemption discourages local straw mandates, leaving the choice to each business.
Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161.0815 prohibits sale of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vapor products to anyone under 21 statewide, with a narrow exception for active military members 18 or older with valid ID.
Vape and e-cigarette retailers in Bexar County must hold a Texas Comptroller permit, follow Tobacco 21 age verification, and post required signage. Local zoning is limited but business licensing rules apply.
Bexar County does not ban flavored tobacco or flavored vape products. Texas has no statewide flavor ban, and Texas tobacco preemption discourages county-level prohibitions on menthol, mint, or fruit-flavored products.
Marijuana possession and use remain illegal statewide. Bexar County operates a cite-and-release program for low-level possession under TX Code Crim Proc Article 14.06, but public use can still lead to arrest and prosecution.
Public urination in Bexar County is enforced under Texas Penal Code Section 42.01 disorderly conduct, which includes exposing the anus or genitals in a public place. Convictions are typically Class C misdemeanors carrying fines up to 500 dollars.
Bexar County deputies enforce loud-party and nuisance gathering complaints under disorderly conduct, noise, and unruly gathering rules. Hosts of repeat loud parties in unincorporated areas can face citations, cost recovery for repeat responses, and civil nuisance abatement.
Texas Penal Code Section 49.02 makes public intoxication a Class C misdemeanor. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code rules and local TABC permits govern open container enforcement on Bexar County roadways and in special events such as Fiesta and River Walk venues.
Bexar County follows state minimums under Texas Health and Safety Code 161 and supports city-level smoking ordinances. Smoking and vaping are restricted near hospitals, schools, public buildings, and inside many parks, with bans on smoking in vehicles carrying minors under 18.
San Antonio Water System enforces year-round lawn watering rules across most of Bexar County. Drought stages add tighter weekday windows. Hose-end sprinklers are limited to morning or evening hours on a single assigned day per address.
SAWS asks Bexar County customers to report visible water leaks promptly through its 24-hour line. Customers are responsible for leaks past the meter; SAWS handles main breaks and meter-side issues at no charge.
SAWS WaterSaver Landscape Coupons offer rebates when Bexar County customers replace high-water turf with drought-tolerant beds. Participation is voluntary, but the Edwards Aquifer reliance makes the program a major regional water tool.
SAWS operates one of the largest recycled water systems in Texas, serving the San Antonio River Walk base flow and major Bexar County industrial customers. Connections, signage, and cross-connection controls are governed by SAWS service rules.
Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 preempts Bexar County from setting a minimum wage above state law. The Texas minimum wage tracks the federal floor of 7.25 dollars per hour, leaving the county no authority to raise it.
Texas HB 4 of 2023 preempts local fair workweek and predictive scheduling ordinances. Bexar County cannot require employers to post advance schedules, pay predictability premiums, or grant offered shifts to existing workers.
Texas House Bill 4 of 2023, the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, broadly preempts local labor regulation. Bexar County cannot require private employers to provide paid sick leave, paid family leave, or other paid time off beyond state and federal law.
Bexar County has only narrow zoning power under Texas Local Government Code 240. Most land-use control in unincorporated areas runs through subdivision platting, the Unified Development Code's regional pieces, and Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone rules, not full zoning.
Northern Bexar County sits over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. Development there faces TCEQ Edwards Rules, impervious cover caps, and Bexar County Public Works review beyond ordinary subdivision platting under Local Government Code 232.
Shared dockless scooters operate primarily inside San Antonio city limits, not unincorporated Bexar County. The City of San Antonio regulates fleet caps and downtown rules; county roads have no scooter share program.
Bexar County follows Texas Transportation Code rules for bicycles on roadways. Cyclists ride with traffic, use lights at night, and may use the full lane when the lane is too narrow to share. Few unincorporated roads have dedicated bike lanes.
Bexar County does not require tree removal permits on most private property in unincorporated areas. Subdivision platting may trigger tree preservation review, and Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone projects face TCEQ-related canopy considerations.
Bexar County has no countywide heritage tree ordinance for private land. Heritage live oaks may be protected by subdivision plat notes, conservation easements with the Hill Country Conservancy, or HOA covenants rather than direct county regulation.
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 243 authorizes Bexar County to regulate sexually oriented businesses in unincorporated areas through location, hour, and licensing rules. The county requires permits, age 18 minimum, and significant separation from churches, schools, and homes.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 requires metal recycling entities and certain secondhand dealers in Bexar County to register with the Department of Public Safety, verify seller identity, and file daily transaction reports to deter theft and fencing.
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 places pawnshop licensing under the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Bexar County pawnbrokers must report transactions to the Sheriff, hold pledged property for set holding periods, and follow strict interest and recordkeeping rules.
Massage establishments and therapists in Bexar County must hold a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Occupations Code Chapter 455. The county and Sheriff partner with TDLR on inspections, anti-trafficking checks, and zoning enforcement.
Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161.0815 sets the minimum tobacco purchase age at 21 and requires retailers in Bexar County to hold a tobacco permit issued by the Comptroller. Sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited, with limited military exceptions.
Under Texas Government Code Section 673, Bexar County agencies, public colleges, and state contractors with seven or more employees must enroll in the federal E-Verify system to confirm the work authorization of new hires.
Texas Senate Bill 4 of 2017 prohibits any county or city from adopting sanctuary policies. Bexar County and the Bexar County Sheriff must honor federal immigration detainers and cannot bar deputies from inquiring about immigration status during lawful detentions.
Bexar County defers to the Texas Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list. The region's most problematic invasive plants include giant reed (Arundo donax), Chinaberry, and ligustrum (privet). San Antonio has tree preservation ordinances but no separate prohibited plant list.
Bexar County and San Antonio do not have specific ordinances restricting bamboo. Texas state law does not regulate bamboo planting. Encroaching bamboo may be addressed under general nuisance ordinances or through civil remedies between neighbors.
Texas HB 1686 (2023) protects front-yard vegetable gardens across Bexar County. Neither municipalities nor HOAs can ban food production on residential property. San Antonio also supports water-wise gardening through SAWS conservation programs.
Bexar County Code Compliance handles violations in unincorporated areas and can be reached at (210) 335-6700 at 1948 Probandt St, San Antonio. Within San Antonio city limits, code enforcement is handled through 311 or the SA311 app.
Bexar County Code Compliance investigates complaints with initial inspections typically within 5-10 business days. A Notice of Violation is sent by certified mail with a compliance deadline. San Antonio 311 aims to respond within 3-5 business days for routine complaints.
Common violations in Bexar County include overgrown lots, junk vehicles, illegal dumping, substandard buildings, unpermitted construction, and zoning violations. San Antonio's code enforcement processes over 200,000 service requests annually.
Texas authorizes License to Carry (LTC) holders to carry concealed handguns statewide under Government Code Chapter 411. Since 2021, permitless constitutional carry under HB 1927 also allows most adults 21 and older to carry without a license, with municipalities preempted from added restrictions.
Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 broadly preempts municipal regulation of firearms, ammunition, knives, and related accessories. Cities cannot adopt or enforce ordinances regulating the transfer, ownership, possession, transport, or discharge of firearms beyond narrow exceptions for discharge in densely populated areas.
Texas authorizes open carry of holstered handguns statewide for adults 21 and older under Penal Code 46.02 and HB 910 (2015). Long guns may be openly carried subject to disorderly conduct limits. Municipalities cannot impose additional open carry restrictions.
Texas Penal Code 46.02(a-1) lets any non-prohibited adult lawfully carry a handgun inside a personally-owned or leased motor vehicle or watercraft without a License to Carry, provided the firearm is not in plain view and the person is not engaged in criminal activity or gang membership.
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 212 and Agriculture Code Chapter 251 limit municipal authority to zone or regulate land qualified for agricultural use appraisal. Counties have no general zoning authority, and cities face restrictions on annexing or imposing land use rules on established farms.
The Texas Right to Farm Act, Agriculture Code Chapter 251, protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits and local regulations after one year of operation. SB 1421 (2023) significantly strengthened protections, preempting municipal ordinances that restrict generally accepted agricultural practices.