Pop. 16,500 · Bexar County
Live Oak relies primarily on a plainly-audible standard rather than specific decibel readings, though zoning performance standards reference typical limits of 60-65 dBA residential daytime and 50-55 dBA nighttime.
Outdoor music at Live Oak restaurants, venues, and residences must end by 10 PM weekday or 11 PM weekend unless covered by a city-approved special-event permit.
Industrial and commercial noise sources in Live Oak must comply with the general nuisance noise ordinance and zoning performance standards, with stricter limits applied near residential and AICUZ-overlay zones.
Live Oak generally does not permit separate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with kitchens in single-family zones. Only one dwelling unit per lot is allowed, though guest quarters without a kitchen may be possible.
Live Oak allows residential storage sheds subject to setback, size, and building permit thresholds. Sheds under 200 square feet typically avoid building permits but must still meet rear and side setbacks and HOA rules.
Live Oak permits residential carports in side and rear yards with setback rules. Front-yard metal carports are generally restricted by zoning and HOA rules, and attached carports require building permits.
Tiny homes on foundations in Live Oak must meet the IRC and zoning minimum dwelling size. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and not permitted as permanent residences in residential zones.
Converting a garage to living space in Live Oak requires a building permit, may reduce off-street parking below minimums, and cannot create a second dwelling unit unless zoning allows.
Rainwater harvesting for landscape or potable use is allowed and protected under Texas Property Code 202.007. HOAs may not prohibit rain barrels or cisterns that meet reasonable aesthetic standards.
Live Oak Code Chapter 7 caps grass and weeds at 12 inches on improved and unimproved lots. Violations are abatable nuisances under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 342.
Live Oak prohibits accumulations of weeds, rank vegetation, and noxious plants on improved and vacant lots. The 12-inch cap and nuisance rules allow city abatement with lien under TX H&S Code 342.
Artificial turf is not prohibited by Live Oak ordinance for residential yards and is protected from HOA bans under TX Property Code 202.007. Product and drainage standards may apply in commercial projects.
Native and drought-tolerant landscaping is encouraged in Live Oak and protected against HOA prohibition under Texas Property Code 202.007. Naturalized yards must still meet the 12-inch vegetation nuisance cap.
Live Oak requires trimming tree limbs over streets, sidewalks, and alleys: 14 feet clearance over streets, 8 feet over sidewalks. Oak wilt rules discourage pruning oaks February through June.
Live Oak is served by SAWS and follows year-round watering rules plus Edwards Aquifer drought stages. Sprinkler watering is limited to one day per week by address during restricted hours.
Live Oak has no comprehensive tree preservation ordinance for single-family lots. Owners may generally remove private trees without a permit, though ROW trees and plat requirements may apply.
Texas Cottage Food Law (H&S Code Ch. 437) lets Live Oak residents make and sell approved non-hazardous foods from home without a food-service license. Food handler training and labeling rules apply.
Home occupations in Live Oak generally may not display exterior commercial signs. The residential appearance of the property must be maintained, and freestanding, illuminated, or large signs are prohibited.
Live Oak permits home-based businesses as accessory uses in residential zones when incidental to the home, without outside impact, and complying with home occupation standards. High-impact uses are prohibited.
Live Oak requires residents running a business from home to obtain a home occupation permit through the city and meet zoning standards that preserve residential character.
Home occupations in Live Oak must limit customer and delivery traffic to levels consistent with a residence. High-volume walk-in retail or services that cause parking spillover are not permitted.
Live Oak permits registered home daycares in residential zones as home occupations. State licensing through Texas HHSC is required before operating, and city zoning limits child counts and signage.
Live Oak permits residential and commercial EV chargers as an accessory use with an electrical permit; installers must follow the National Electrical Code Article 625.
Live Oak requires paved driveways and approach aprons for new residential construction, with permits required for new curb cuts and width limits set by zoning district.
Live Oak allows on-street parking on most residential streets subject to 24-hour movement rules, no-parking zones, and restrictions within 15 feet of fire hydrants or 30 feet of stop signs.
Live Oak allows overnight on-street parking on most residential streets subject to the 24-hour move rule; posted zones and city lots have their own overnight restrictions.
Live Oak treats vehicles unmoved for 48 hours on public streets, or junked vehicles visible from a public place, as abandoned under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 and may tow them.
Live Oak prohibits parking commercial vehicles over a gross weight threshold or with visible commercial signage in residential zones except for active loading or service calls.
Live Oak allows RVs, trailers, and boats on residential property if parked on improved surfaces behind the front building line; on-street RV parking is limited to 24 hours for loading.
Live Oak generally prohibits livestock and fowl including chickens, roosters, goats, and pigs within residential zones, with agricultural uses limited to specific zoning districts.
Live Oak does not impose breed-specific restrictions, which Texas state law Health and Safety Code 822.047 prohibits, but dangerous-dog rules apply to any individually declared dog regardless of breed.
Live Oak restricts livestock including cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and swine to agricultural zoning districts, effectively prohibiting them from the city standard residential lots.
Beekeeping in Live Oak is governed by Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 and local nuisance rules, with small-scale hives generally permitted on residential lots that can maintain proper setbacks.
Live Oak prohibits feeding of wildlife including deer, raccoons, feral cats, and other animals that cause public health or nuisance concerns, with citations available for violations.
Dogs in Live Oak must be leashed or under direct physical control whenever off the owner property, with running-at-large violations subject to citation and impoundment under city code.
Live Oak prohibits dangerous wild animals including big cats, bears, wolves, and venomous reptiles in line with Texas Health and Safety Code 822 Subchapter E dangerous wild animal registration requirements.
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.
Residential fences in Live Oak are typically limited to 6 feet in rear and side yards and 3 to 4 feet in front yards, with corner-lot visibility triangles required at intersections.
Fence construction in Live Oak requires a building permit from city hall, with plan review, property-line verification, and inspection for residential and commercial projects.
Live Oak restricts certain fence materials including barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fencing in residential zones, with wood, vinyl, masonry, and ornamental metal as standard approved options.
Texas has no automatic shared-fence cost statute, so Live Oak neighbors negotiate fence sharing privately with written agreements recommended, and the good-side-out convention often applies.
Live Oak enforces Texas Health and Safety Code 757 pool barrier standards requiring 4-foot minimum fences, self-closing gates, and secondary barriers or alarms on doors leading from the home to the pool.
All fences in Live Oak must meet zoning setback, height, material, and permit standards, with additional requirements for corner lots, pool barriers, and properties near easements.
Retaining walls over 4 feet in Live Oak require engineered plans and a building permit, with drainage and property-line setback standards to prevent erosion and neighbor disputes.
Live Oak requires property owners to keep lots free of tall weeds, brush, and combustible vegetation that create fire or health hazards. Grass and weeds over 12 inches and dry brush near structures must be abated.
Live Oak enforces International Fire Code and International Residential Code smoke alarm rules. Working alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, and on every story including basements.
Live Oak is not mapped within a state-designated wildland-urban interface and has no formal wildfire hazard severity zones. Standard IFC defensible space principles and Bexar County burn bans apply.
Backyard recreational fires in approved pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces are allowed in Live Oak under IFC 307.4.2. Clearance, attendance, and fuel rules apply. Fires pause during Bexar County burn bans.
Live Oak permits recreational backyard fire pits under the adopted International Fire Code. Fuel pile stays under 3 feet diameter and 2 feet high, with 25 feet clearance from structures and adult attendance.
Open burning of trash, yard waste, and debris is prohibited inside Live Oak under TCEQ 30 TAC 111.209 and local fire code. Only small recreational cooking or warming fires in approved devices are allowed.
Consumer fireworks are banned inside Live Oak city limits year-round. Possession, sale, or discharge is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to 2,000 dollars under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154 authority.
Bexar County regulates propane (LP-gas) storage through Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 113 and Texas Railroad Commission rules, requiring permits for residential tanks over 125 gallons water capacity and setbacks from buildings, property lines, and ignition sources in unincorporated areas.
Live Oak does not publish a specific STR occupancy formula, but the International Property Maintenance Code and city housing standards limit sleeping occupants based on bedroom square footage.
Short-term rentals in Live Oak must collect Texas state hotel occupancy tax, and may owe local hotel tax up to 7 percent under Texas Tax Code Chapter 351 if the city has imposed one.
Live Oak does not impose minimum-night requirements or annual night caps on short-term rentals, though general rental and nuisance laws still apply to every booking.
Live Oak does not operate an STR registration portal at this time; state hotel tax registration with the Texas Comptroller remains the primary mandatory filing.
Live Oak does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific commercial insurance, but homeowners should confirm coverage since standard HO-3 policies often exclude paid guest activity.
Short-term rentals in Live Oak must accommodate guest parking on-site or in the driveway and follow the citywide ban on parking on unimproved surfaces and in yards.
Live Oak does not currently maintain a dedicated STR permit program, but owners must still comply with local zoning, occupancy, and Texas state tax obligations before hosting paid guests.
Short-term rental guests in Live Oak must follow the citywide noise ordinance, which restricts loud sounds, especially at night, and imposes fines on property owners for repeated violations.
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.
Above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches in Live Oak require a permit and barrier, and removable ladders must be secured or lifted when the pool is not in use.
Live Oak pools must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act anti-entrapment standards and Texas state safety rules, including dual main drains or approved alternatives.
Residential hot tubs in Live Oak need electrical permits and must have a locked, listed safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 to substitute for a perimeter fence.
Live Oak requires a building permit and plan review before constructing any in-ground pool or large above-ground pool, including electrical and plumbing trade permits.
Pools deeper than 24 inches in Live Oak must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches tall with self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool.
Live Oak property owners must keep premises free of rodents, roaches, and other vermin under the adopted Property Maintenance Code, with code enforcement investigating complaints.
Live Oak enforces federal lead-safe rules for homes built before 1978, including disclosure at sale or lease and EPA RRP-certified renovation firms for disturbance work.
Elevators in Live Oak multifamily and commercial buildings are regulated by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation rules requiring annual inspections and licensed contractors.
Live Oak adopts the International Building Code, which requires scaffolds over specific heights to meet OSHA design, guardrail, and load standards during construction 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.
Live Oak does not require sidewalk snow clearing because measurable snowfall is rare in the San Antonio metro area. Residents must still keep sidewalks clear of ice, debris, and vegetation overgrowth year-round.
Live Oak property maintenance code requires trash and recycling carts to be stored out of street view between collection days. Visible front-yard carts are a code violation subject to enforcement.
Vacant lot owners in Live Oak must keep vegetation trimmed and remove trash. The city may abate overgrown lots and assess costs as a lien under Texas Health and Safety Code 342.
Live Oak enforces property maintenance standards prohibiting junk accumulation, overgrown vegetation, inoperative vehicles, and structural decay. Code officers investigate complaints and issue cleanup notices.
Live Oak garage sales must be conducted on the seller's own residential property, cannot obstruct sidewalks or streets, and must remove all merchandise and signage from view within 24 hours after the sale ends.
Live Oak is covered by the Bexar County dark-sky lighting standards protecting observatory viewing, requiring shielded fixtures and color-temperature caps for commercial outdoor lighting.
Live Oak prohibits outdoor lighting that creates glare or spills light onto adjacent residential property in excess of nuisance thresholds, with Code Enforcement handling complaints.
HOA boards in Live Oak subdivisions must follow Texas Property Code Chapter 209, which requires open board meetings, 72-hour notice, and member access to most decisions.
HOAs in Live Oak may levy regular and special assessments but must send statutory collection notices under Texas Property Code 209.0064 before placing liens or pursuing foreclosure.
HOA architectural committees in Live Oak must publish review guidelines and decide applications in writing, with owners retaining Texas statutory rights to solar panels, flags, and drought plants.
HOA enforcement of CCRs in Live Oak is bounded by Texas Property Code Chapters 202 and 209, which require consistent enforcement, due process, and cannot override state-protected uses.
HOA disputes in Live Oak follow Texas Property Code 209.007, requiring written notice, hearing rights, and in many cases alternative dispute resolution before litigation.
Food trucks operating in Live Oak need a city mobile food vendor permit plus San Antonio Metropolitan Health District food establishment permit and Texas sales tax registration.
Food trucks in Live Oak may operate in commercial and mixed-use zones with property-owner permission, on approved private lots, and at permitted special events; residential streets are off-limits.
Live Oak operates an MS4 stormwater program under TCEQ TPDES permit requirements, prohibiting illicit discharges to storm drains and regulating construction-site runoff.
Live Oak requires erosion and sediment controls on construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more, including silt fences, stabilized entrances, and inlet protection per TPDES rules.
Live Oak requires grading permits for significant earthwork and prohibits grading that redirects stormwater onto neighboring properties, following Bexar County drainage standards.
Live Oak participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and requires the lowest floor of new construction in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area to be at least one foot above base flood elevation.
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.
Live Oak does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Texas landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies or non-renew leases without stating a reason, following Texas Property Code Chapter 92 notice requirements.
Live Oak does not maintain a rental property registration program. Landlords must comply with Texas Property Code Chapter 92 but are not required to register long-term rentals with the city.
Live Oak does not have rent control; Texas Local Government Code 214.902 preempts cities from imposing rent caps except during a declared housing emergency approved by the governor.
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.
Texas Property Code 202.010 protects Live Oak homeowners from HOA bans on solar panels, though HOAs may impose reasonable placement and aesthetic rules that do not meaningfully reduce output.
Live Oak requires building and electrical permits for rooftop solar installations; projects must meet the adopted IRC/IBC and NEC Article 690 standards with a licensed contractor.
Live Oak offers scheduled bulk waste pickup for large items like furniture and appliances. Residents must call to schedule, and items cannot exceed posted volume limits (typically 4 cubic yards).
Trash and recycling carts in Live Oak must be curbside with 3 feet clearance from obstacles on collection day. Carts may not be stored in front-yard view between collection days.
Live Oak provides once-weekly curbside residential trash pickup via a franchise hauler. Carts must be curbside by 7 a.m. on pickup day and removed within 24 hours after collection.
Live Oak offers voluntary curbside single-stream recycling to residential customers. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, metal cans, and plastics marked 1 and 2.
Live Oak residents may display political signs on private property with content-neutral size and setback rules. Texas Property Code 202.009 limits HOA restrictions near election time.
Garage sale signs in Live Oak must be placed on the seller's property or on private property with consent. Placement on utility poles or public right-of-way is prohibited; remove within 24 hours after the sale.
Live Oak permits holiday decorations and seasonal displays on residential property without a permit. Displays must not obstruct the public right-of-way, create traffic hazards, or violate electrical and noise standards.
Recreational drones in Live Oak are governed by FAA rules, Texas Gov Code 423, and Randolph Air Force Base airspace. Operators must register drones and observe base-proximity flight restrictions.
Commercial drones in Live Oak require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and must comply with Randolph AFB airspace restrictions. Texas Gov Code 423 adds privacy limits on imaging private property.
Live Oak enforces a juvenile curfew under Texas Local Government Code 370.002. Minors under 17 are generally restricted from public places 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on school nights and midnight to 6 a.m. weekends.
Live Oak city parks are closed nightly from approximately 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless a reserved event or special permit authorizes extended use. Violators may be cited for criminal trespass on city property.
Door-to-door commercial solicitors in Live Oak must obtain a solicitor permit from the city and carry identification while canvassing. Religious and political canvassing is exempt under First Amendment protections.
Live Oak residents may post No Solicitors or No Trespassing signs to bar canvasser approach. Violators of posted signs can be cited for criminal trespass under Texas Penal Code 30.05.
Recreational cannabis dispensaries are illegal statewide in Texas and therefore in Live Oak. Only state-licensed low-THC medical dispensaries under the Compassionate Use Program are allowed.
Cannabis cultivation is illegal in Live Oak under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 481. Possession of marijuana plants is a felony regardless of quantity, with no home-grow legalization in Texas.
Live Oak zoning typically requires 25 foot front, 5-10 foot side, and 20 foot rear setbacks for single-family homes, with variations by zoning district and subdivision plat.
Live Oak caps building coverage on residential lots at roughly 40-50 percent depending on district, with separate impervious cover limits that include driveways and patios.
Live Oak limits single-family homes to 35 feet, with accessory structures typically capped at 15 feet and commercial buildings at 45 to 60 feet depending on zoning district.
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.