Before You Build in Converse, TX: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 allows recreational fire pits on private residential property provided flames stay small, contained, and attended. Portable devices must sit on noncombustible surfaces and maintain clearance from structures.

Open outdoor burning of yard waste or trash is generally prohibited inside Converse city limits. TCEQ 30 TAC 111.209 limits outdoor burning statewide and Bexar County burn bans override local allowances.

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 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 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.