San Antonio, TX Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code section 14-25(e)
- Enforcing agency
- Solid Waste Management Department
- Default handling
- Normal brush/bulky cycles or resident cost
- Director authority
- May decide no extraordinary action
- Cost recovery
- Lien under Texas Health & Safety Code
Summary
After severe weather, San Antonio has no guaranteed storm-debris pickup. City Code section 14-25(e) gives the Solid Waste Management director authority to decide the response; absent extraordinary action, storm debris moves through the normal brush and bulky cycles or at the resident's expense.
(e) Authority to respond to and manage catastrophic damage. (1) The director shall have authority to take necessary action and prescribe requirements in response to damage resulting from storms. (2) The level of action taken will be in consideration of public health and safety, severity of damage, spread of impact, other departmental priorities, and parity of service entitlements. The director may determine that no extraordinary action is necessary and that any storm damage debris should be managed through normal service levels or at the expense of the resident.
Full Breakdown
San Antonio City Code section 14-25(e) grants the Solid Waste Management Department director authority to take necessary action in response to damage from storms. The director weighs public health and safety, severity of damage, spread of impact, departmental priorities, and parity of service, then may determine that no extraordinary action is necessary, leaving storm debris to normal service levels or the resident's cost. 'Storm damage' means organic material from forces of nature, and can include roofing, building materials, furniture, and bulky items. Costs of extraordinary city services may attach as a lien to the benefitted property under the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Violations & Fines
There is no fine for having storm debris, but setting brush or bulky items curbside outside a city-notified collection cycle violates the code, and extraordinary city cleanup costs can attach as a lien to the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Antonio automatically pick up storm debris after severe weather?
How is storm debris normally collected?
Can the city charge me for storm cleanup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas hurricane preparedness overview
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