San Antonio, TX Environmental Rules: Cool Roof Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- Amended IECC
- Reflectance minimum
- 0.55 three-year-aged
- Emittance minimum
- 0.75
- SRI alternative
- Above 64
- Climate zone
- ASHRAE 2A
Summary
San Antonio adopted the IECC with local amendments through SAMC Chapter 10, requiring high-reflectance and high-emissivity roofing on low-slope commercial and multifamily roofs in climate zone 2A, reducing cooling loads and urban heat island effect.
(a) To achieve energy conservation in single-family residential construction, the energy efficiency chapter of the International Residential Code, as it existed on May 1, 2001, is adopted as the energy code in this state for single-family residential construction. On September 1, 2016, the energy efficiency chapter of the International Residential Code, as it existed on May 1, 2015, is adopted as the energy code in this state for single-family residential construction.
Full Breakdown
San Antonio's Development Services Department enforces an amended International Energy Conservation Code under SAMC Chapter 10. Section C402.3 mandates that low-slope roofs on new commercial and multifamily buildings meet minimum three-year-aged solar reflectance of 0.55 and thermal emittance of 0.75, or a Solar Reflectance Index above 64. Compliance options include CRRC-rated cool roof products, vegetative roofs, or photovoltaic arrays covering most of the roof area. Re-roofs replacing more than 50 percent of the membrane must comply. Single-family homes and steep-slope roofs are exempt. The rule complements the CAAP's heat-island strategies and CPS Energy rebates for reflective roofing on existing buildings.
Violations & Fines
Building permit denial for noncompliant roof assemblies. Re-roof projects discovered noncompliant during inspection must replace materials, delaying certificate of occupancy. Fines under SAMC reach 2,000 dollars per day for unpermitted work or false compliance documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my SA home need a cool roof?
Can a green roof substitute?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
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