190 local rules on file · Pop. 464 · Bexar County
Showing ordinances that apply to Macdona, TX
Macdona is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 464 in Bexar County, Texas. Because Macdona is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Bexar County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Bexar County may have different rules.
Artificial turf is legal across Bexar County. HOAs can regulate appearance under Texas Property Code 202.007 but cannot broadly prohibit drought-tolerant alternatives.
SAWS enforces tiered drought rules tied to the J-17 Edwards Aquifer well. Stage 1 limits landscape watering to one day per week by address, with deeper stages tightening further.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Bexar County ordinances.
San Antonio limits grass and weeds to 12 inches on improved lots with lien-backed abatement. Unincorporated Bexar County has no height limit, though plats and HOAs often enforce one.
The Texas A&M Forest Service maps parts of western and northern Bexar County, including Helotes, Leon Springs, and Camp Bullis edges, as wildland-urban interface with elevated wildfire risk during drought cycles.
Backyard fires in unincorporated Bexar County must comply with TCEQ 30 TAC 111.219 and any active burn ban. San Antonio allows recreational fires in approved appliances with 15-foot structure clearance.
Fire pits are permitted in unincorporated Bexar County subject to TCEQ burning conditions. Gas fire pits are exempt from county burn bans. Wood-burning fire pits must comply with outdoor burning regulations when no burn ban is active.
Bexar County has no dedicated defensible-space ordinance, but burn bans, San Antonio weed-lot rules, and Firewise programs encourage 30-foot clearance around structures, especially in western Hill Country neighborhoods.
Smoke detector rules in Bexar County come from the IRC as adopted locally plus TX Property Code 92.251 for rentals. Bexar adopts IRC for new construction; landlords must install and maintain detectors.
Bexar County Commissioners Court has restricted certain fireworks in unincorporated areas under Texas Local Government Code §352.051 and Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154. The current order prohibits 'skyrockets with sticks' and 'missiles with fins' due to drought conditions. Standing fire-marshal rules also bar fireworks within 600 feet of schools, churches, hospitals, and child-care facilities, and within 100 feet of flammable liquid/gas storage. Violations are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $500. A countywide burn ban was extended through February 9, 2026.
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.
Outdoor burning in unincorporated Bexar County is regulated by TCEQ 30 TAC 111.209 plus Commissioners Court burn bans under TX Gov Code 418.108. Burning is banned most late-summer drought periods.
Bexar County hot tubs must meet TX H&S Ch 757, requiring a 48-inch barrier or an ASTM F1346 safety cover when uncovered. Electrical permits are required under the NEC regardless of cover type.
Unincorporated Bexar County requires pool permits under TX Local Gov Code 233.033. San Antonio charges fees from 180 dollars and requires a 48-inch barrier, VGB drain covers, and a self-closing gate.
Bexar County does NOT regulate fencing for single-family residential pools in unincorporated areas. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 233 limits county building permit authority to commercial, public-accessible, and multi-family (4+ unit) structures. Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 757 (Pool Yard Enclosure Act) imposes 48-inch fencing rules but applies only to multiunit rental complexes and HOA-owned/maintained pools — not detached single-family homes.
Texas Health & Safety Code Ch. 757 (Pool Yard Enclosure Act) sets statewide pool fencing rules but applies ONLY to multi-unit rental and POA pools — not single-family backyard pools. Bexar County has no separate pool safety ordinance for unincorporated areas. CPSC and VGB Act federal rules apply.
Bexar County has no countywide sign rules in unincorporated areas, but TxDOT controls signs near state highways and cities enforce their own limits. Deed restrictions often ban commercial signs.
Bexar County does not regulate customer visits to home businesses in unincorporated areas. Texas nuisance law and San Antonio UDC restrict traffic that disturbs neighbors. Deed restrictions add limits.
Unincorporated Bexar County has no zoning under TX Local Gov Code Ch 232, so home businesses are largely unrestricted outside city limits. San Antonio and suburbs enforce their own zoning.
Unincorporated Bexar County requires no home occupation permit. San Antonio and most Bexar cities require registration or a certificate of occupancy. State licenses apply for regulated trades.
TX H&S Code Ch 437 lets Bexar County residents sell non-hazardous homemade foods up to 50,000 dollars yearly with no permit. Food handler course required; labels must identify the home kitchen source.
Texas HHSC licenses all Bexar County home daycares with 4+ unrelated children. Registered homes allow up to 6; Licensed homes allow up to 12 with minimum staff and safety standards.
Retaining walls over 4 feet tall or with a surcharge load require engineered drawings and a permit inside San Antonio. Edwards Aquifer recharge zones add drainage review.
Unincorporated Bexar County does not issue residential fence permits. Fences inside San Antonio follow the city code, and subdivision plats or HOA covenants often restrict placement.
Bexar County does not restrict fencing materials countywide. San Antonio prohibits barbed wire and razor wire on residential lots, and most area HOAs dictate acceptable materials such as cedar, wrought iron, or masonry.
Texas treats boundary fences as private matters between neighbors. Bexar County does not mediate disputes, and shared costs require written agreement. HOA covenants and surveys usually control.
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757 requires pools holding 18 inches or more of water to have a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Bexar County enforces this statewide standard.
In unincorporated Bexar County there are no general height or style limits, but San Antonio caps residential fences at 6 feet in rear and side yards and 4 feet in front yards, with stricter corner-visibility rules.
Bexar County does not regulate fence heights in unincorporated areas. The county confirms there are no zoning regulations outside city limits. Texas counties lack general police power to zone (Local Gov Code Ch. 233). San Antonio's Unified Development Code §35-514 sets 6 ft side/rear and 3 ft front-yard sight-triangle limits inside city limits.
San Antonio caps STR occupancy at 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, max 12 total. Unincorporated Bexar County has no cap but septic and deed restrictions may limit counts.
Unincorporated Bexar County has no STR parking rules. San Antonio requires 1 off-street space per bedroom and prohibits blocking driveways or hydrants. Violations trigger fines and permit revocation.
Bexar County collects 1.75% HOT on STR stays under 30 days. Combined with 6% state and 9% San Antonio HOT, San Antonio STRs face 16.75% total lodging tax.
Bexar County has no STR night cap in unincorporated areas. San Antonio limits Type 2 non-owner-occupied STRs to 12.5% of any residential block face. No Texas statewide STR preemption exists.
Bexar County does not require STR liability insurance. San Antonio requires 500,000 dollars commercial liability coverage as part of the STR permit application under city code Chapter 15.
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.
Bexar County has no STR registration or permitting requirements — Texas counties cannot zone or regulate land use. Only state hotel occupancy tax collection applies. Properties in San Antonio's ETJ may face some city requirements.
Unincorporated Bexar County uses TX Penal Code 42.01 for unreasonable noise. San Antonio STRs face 63 dB daytime, 56 dB nighttime limits with escalating fines for repeat violators.
Industrial noise in unincorporated Bexar County is regulated by TX Penal Code 42.01, TCEQ nuisance rule 30 TAC 101.4, and OSHA workplace standards. The county cannot set dBA limits.
Aircraft noise over Bexar County, including JBSA military flights and San Antonio International traffic, is federally preempted under 49 U.S.C. 40103. Neither county nor city can restrict flights.
Unincorporated Bexar County has no outdoor music permit system; events rely on TX Penal Code 42.01. San Antonio requires amplified sound permits with a 10 PM weeknight cutoff.
Unincorporated Bexar County sets no dBA limits since Texas counties lack zoning power. San Antonio Chapter 21 uses ~63 dBA daytime and ~56 dBA nighttime at residential property lines.
Unincorporated Bexar County has no leaf blower ordinance; use is limited only by TX Penal Code 42.01 disorderly conduct. San Antonio and other cities impose their own hour rules.
Bexar County has no barking dog ordinance — Texas counties cannot enact animal noise regulations. Only state disorderly conduct law applies. Bexar County Sheriff handles complaints in unincorporated areas.
Bexar County has NO noise ordinance — Texas counties lack the police power to enact one. Unincorporated noise complaints fall back to Texas Penal Code §42.01(a)(5) disorderly conduct, which requires noise over 85 dB after a peace-officer warning. The Bexar County Sheriff handles calls; Code Compliance does not enforce sound.
Unincorporated Bexar County relies on TX Penal Code 42.01, which treats sound audible more than 30 feet from a vehicle as presumptively unreasonable. San Antonio Chapter 21 adds permits.
Unincorporated Bexar County allows backyard chickens and small livestock with no numeric limit; HOA covenants often restrict. San Antonio allows up to 8 hens, no roosters, with a 20-foot coop setback.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Code governs wildlife feeding in Bexar County. Feeding deer is legal on private property, but feeding that attracts coyotes or javelina can trigger TPWD and nuisance action.
Unincorporated Bexar County sets no numeric livestock limits; TX Ag Code Ch. 142 estrays and Ch. 143 stock laws apply. San Antonio restricts livestock to AG-zoned or legal nonconforming AG parcels.
Beekeeping is protected under TX Agriculture Code Chapter 131 with Texas Apiary Inspection Service oversight. Unincorporated Bexar County has no local rule; San Antonio allows backyard hives with limits.
Texas preempts breed-specific laws under TX Health and Safety Code 822.047, so Bexar County and San Antonio cannot ban any breed. Lillian's Law applies to any dangerous dog regardless of breed.
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 restricts dangerous wild animals through Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822, Subchapter E, requiring registration and certificate of registration with Bexar County Animal Care Services for tigers, lions, bears, and other listed species kept in unincorporated areas.
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.
Unincorporated Bexar County enforces a county leash order and TX Health and Safety Code 822 through Animal Control Services. San Antonio Chapter 5 requires leashes (8 feet max) in public spaces.
Converting a garage in San Antonio requires a building permit, egress windows, insulation, and often replacement parking. Unincorporated Bexar County needs no permit but HOA rules apply.
San Antonio treats carports as accessory structures subject to setback, height, and permit rules. Unincorporated Bexar County has no permit requirement, but HOAs commonly restrict metal units.
San Antonio allows ADUs in many residential zones subject to UDC size limits, owner-occupancy, and parking rules. Unincorporated Bexar County has no ADU ordinance but requires septic sizing.
Bexar County does not regulate sheds in unincorporated areas — Texas counties have no general zoning authority. A county permit is only triggered if the shed sits in a FEMA floodplain or affects drainage. HOA covenants and city limits may add rules.
Bexar County cannot restrict tiny homes in unincorporated areas. Texas counties have no zoning or minimum dwelling-size authority. Tiny homes on foundations are treated like any single-family dwelling; a septic (OSSF) permit is required, and floodplain rules apply if applicable.
Bexar County unincorporated areas have limited driveway rules. Driveways must meet TxDOT access standards for county roads and avoid blocking drainage, sight distance, or public right-of-way.
Bexar County does not impose general overnight parking bans on residential streets in unincorporated areas. Vehicles may park on streets overnight unless posted signs prohibit it or HOA covenants restrict street parking.
Bexar County enforces Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 on abandoned vehicles. A vehicle left on public property 48+ hours or on private property without consent may be tagged, towed, and sold at auction.
Bexar County has no specific EV charging ordinance. Residential Level 2 installs follow state electrical permitting. Commercial stations must meet NEC 625 and Texas accessibility standards.
Bexar County has no RV parking restrictions — Texas counties cannot zone. RVs and boats may be stored on private property without county regulation. HOA covenants may impose restrictions in subdivisions.
Bexar County has no scaffold ordinance. Construction scaffolding is governed by federal OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L enforced by OSHA Region 6, plus city right-of-way permits when scaffolds extend over sidewalks.
Bexar County pest control is regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture under Occupations Code Chapter 1951. Commercial applicators need TDA licenses and must give customers a pre-treatment disclosure.
Bexar County has no local lead paint ordinance. Lead hazards in pre-1978 homes are regulated by the federal EPA Renovation Repair and Painting Rule and HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule, enforced by EPA Region 6.
Bexar County elevator maintenance is regulated by TDLR under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 754. Owners must register elevators, obtain annual TDLR inspections, and use licensed contractors and mechanics.
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.
Bexar County has very limited setback authority because Texas counties cannot zone. Setbacks come from subdivision plats, HOA CCRs, OSSF septic rules, or Chapter 232 plat regulations.
Bexar County imposes no general height limits in unincorporated areas. Restrictions come from HOA covenants, FAA Part 77 airspace rules near airports, or airport hazard zoning under Chapter 241.
Bexar County does not cap lot coverage because Texas counties cannot zone. Limits come from HOA CCRs, MUD rules, or Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone impervious cover caps enforced by TCEQ.
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.
Bexar County participates in FEMA NFIP and enforces a Flood Damage Prevention Order in unincorporated areas. Construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas needs a permit and lowest floor 1 foot above BFE.
Bexar County reviews grading and drainage through plat approval under Local Government Code Chapter 232 and its Drainage Policy. Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone sites face extra TCEQ grading limits.
Bexar County stormwater is regulated under TCEQ MS4 permit TXR040000. Construction sites of 1 acre or more need an SWPPP and NOI. Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone sites face extra TCEQ WPAP requirements.
Bexar County erosion control follows TCEQ TPDES Construction Permit TXR150000, county drainage rules, and Edwards Aquifer BMP standards. Active sites need silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized entrances, and seeding.
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.
Bexar County does not regulate residential trash bin storage directly. HOA deed restrictions commonly require carts to be stored out of street view on non-collection days, in side yards or garages.
Bexar County rarely experiences significant snow or ice. There is no ordinance requiring property owners to clear sidewalks, though owners may be liable for injuries caused by known hazards on their walkways.
Vacant lots in Bexar County must be kept free of tall weeds, trash, and illegal dumping. Owners can be cited under Texas Health and Safety Code 342, with cleanup costs and liens imposed for non-compliance.
Bexar County enforces property nuisance rules under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 341 and 342. Accumulated trash, high weeds, junked vehicles, and unsanitary conditions can trigger abatement orders and liens.
Bexar County does not mandate residential recycling in unincorporated areas. Recycling is available through private haulers and city drop-off centers for paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and plastics 1 and 2.
Bexar County does not provide countywide residential trash service. Unincorporated residents contract individually with private haulers like Waste Management, Republic, or Tiger Sanitation for scheduled curbside pickup.
Bulk disposal in unincorporated Bexar County is arranged through the resident private hauler or by self-haul to Covel Gardens Landfill, Tessman Road Landfill, or one of the county drop-off events.
Trash and recycling carts in Bexar County should be placed at the curb the evening before pickup and retrieved within 24 hours. HOA rules often require storage out of public view on non-collection days.
Bexar County does not permit single-family solar in unincorporated areas. Owners need interconnection approval from CPS Energy (or their utility) and must use TDLR-licensed electricians. HOAs cannot ban solar.
Bexar County HOAs cannot ban rooftop solar under Texas Property Code 202.010. HOAs may set reasonable aesthetic rules but cannot cut output below 90 percent or raise costs over 10 percent. HB 3571 expanded rights.
Bexar County does not require landlords to register rental properties. Individual cities within the county (such as San Antonio) may have their own inspection or registration programs for certain rental types.
Texas does not require just-cause for eviction. Landlords in Bexar County can end a month-to-month tenancy with 30 days notice for any lawful reason. Non-payment and lease violations require a 3-day notice to vacate.
Texas state law prohibits rent control. Under Texas Local Government Code 214.902, no city or county can impose rent caps on residential rentals. Landlords in Bexar County may set market rents and raise them at renewal.
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.
Bexar County HOA assessments are governed by Texas Property Code Chapter 209. Associations must offer payment plans, apply statutory payment priority, and follow strict Rule 736 procedures to foreclose homesteads.
Bexar County HOA architectural review committees control exterior changes, paint, fences, and accessory structures. Chapter 209 sets procedural rights but CCRs give broad substantive authority.
Bexar County HOA boards operate under Texas Property Code Chapter 209 for subdivisions and Chapter 82 for condos. State law requires open meetings, 72 hour notice, and recorded management certificates.
Bexar County HOA disputes follow Chapter 209, which requires written violation notices, a cure period, and a board hearing before fines. Owners may also pursue mediation or file suit in Bexar County court.
Bexar County CCR enforcement follows the recorded Declaration plus Property Code Chapters 202 and 209. HOAs must enforce consistently and respect statutory limits on flags, solar, religious displays, and xeriscape.
Bexar County adopted a military lighting overlay around Camp Bullis under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 240. New fixtures in the overlay must be fully shielded, 3000 K or warmer, and meet lumen caps.
Bexar County has no general light trespass ordinance outside the Camp Bullis overlay. Neighbor disputes are usually resolved as private nuisance claims or through HOA architectural rules in master-planned subdivisions.
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.
Texas allows only state-licensed Compassionate Use low-THC providers, not recreational dispensaries. Bexar County cannot zone for or against retail marijuana stores because none are legally authorized under state law.
Home cultivation of marijuana is illegal anywhere in Texas, including Bexar County, regardless of quantity. Compassionate Use patients receive prescribed low-THC products from licensed providers and may not grow their own.
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.