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

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.

San Antonio UDC §35-514 limits solid front-yard fences to 3 feet and open/decorative fences to 4–5 feet in front yards. Rear and side yards allow up to 8 feet under certain conditions. Historic districts require HDRC approval. Permits are required for all fences except exempt repairs.

San Antonio adopts the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) requiring permanent barriers around all residential pools. Barriers must be at least 48 inches tall. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with latches at least 54 inches above grade or on the pool side. Homes with direct pool access require alarms on doors and windows per Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 757.

San Antonio enforces the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) Section 305 for residential pool barriers, requiring a 48-inch perimeter fence with self-closing, self-latching gates and door alarms on dwelling openings facing the pool.

Hot tubs and spas in San Antonio are governed by the 2021 ISPSC as adopted locally. In one- and two-family dwellings, spas equipped with a lockable safety cover complying with ASTM F1346 are exempt from the standard pool barrier requirements. A building permit is required for installation. Electrical work must comply with NEC Article 680 bonding requirements. Plans must be submitted through the Development Services Department.

Above-ground pools in San Antonio must comply with the adopted 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) and Chapter 15, Article VIII of the Code of Ordinances. Pools over 18 inches deep require barriers meeting ISPSC standards. A building permit is required for pool installation. Electrical work must comply with Article 680 of the 2023 National Electrical Code. Plans must show the pool location and distances to property lines.

Garage conversions in San Antonio may create ADUs under UDC §35-371, subject to owner occupancy requirements. Building permits are required for all conversions. UDC parking standards must still be met — converting a garage may trigger parking deficiency issues.

San Antonio UDC §35-371 permits internal, attached, and detached ADUs by right in rural and residential districts. Detached ADUs max 800 sq ft (1,200 in RE zones). Owner must occupy main or ADU as permanent residence. Max 3 occupants in ADU. Building permit and recorded covenant required.

San Antonio follows the International Residential Code (IRC) Section R105.2: a building permit is not required for a one-story detached accessory structure 200 square feet or smaller used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse, or similar use, but UDC Section 35-516 setbacks and zoning rules still apply.

Carports in San Antonio are classified as typical residential accessory structures under the UDC. They receive special exceptions in nonresidential districts where other accessory structures may be restricted. Carport setbacks follow UDC § 35-516(g), which provides specific provisions for garages and carports. The total floor area of all accessory structures may not exceed 2,500 square feet, and they must not occupy more than 30% of the required yard area.

Tiny homes in San Antonio generally must comply with ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) regulations under UDC § 35-371. Detached ADUs are limited to 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less, with a maximum of 1 bedroom and a height limit that cannot exceed the primary residence. Tiny homes on wheels may be classified as recreational vehicles and subject to different regulations under UDC § 35-385.

San Antonio prohibits open burning within city limits under Chapter 11 (Fire Prevention). SAFD enforces restrictions beyond TCEQ minimums. Recreational fires (fire pits) are allowed with 25-foot clearance from structures. Burning trash is strictly prohibited.

San Antonio allows commercially sold fire pits with 25-foot clearance from structures. Spark arrestor screens must be in place. Fire pits cannot be used beneath balconies, porches, or overhangs. Multifamily properties (Group R Div 1 & 2) face stricter rules including 10-foot combustible surface setbacks.

San Antonio Unified Development Code Sec. 35-523 requires a Tree Preservation Permit before removing any significant tree (6 inches DBH+) or heritage tree (24 inches DBH+), with mitigation at 1:1 or 3:1 ratio per Table 523-1A.