Pop. 1,434,625 · Bexar County
San Antonio Animal Care Services treats hoarding as cruelty under SAMC Chapter 5 and Texas Penal Code Section 42.092. ACS removes animals from neglectful conditions, and counts above pet limits without a kennel permit trigger seizure and prosecution.
San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 5 treats cats as companion animals subject to rabies vaccination, ACS licensing, and humane care. Free-roaming cats may be impounded, and registered TNR caretakers ear-tip and return community cats under ACS protocols.
San Antonio is one of the strongest mandatory spay-neuter cities in Texas. SAMC Section 5-26 requires all dogs and cats over six months to be sterilized unless owners hold an Intact Animal Permit. ACS enforces with citations and impoundment of unaltered animals.
San Antonio short-term rental rules in SAMC Chapter 35 distinguish owner-occupied Type 1 STRs from non-owner-occupied Type 2 STRs. Type 2 rentals face density caps by census block and tighter zoning limits to favor host-present operations.
San Antonio does not require all short-term rentals to be primary residences, but its Type 1 vs Type 2 framework heavily favors primary-residence operations. Type 1 STRs run from owner-occupied homes face fewer caps and easier permitting than non-owner-occupied Type 2 rentals.
San Antonio short-term rental operators must collect and remit a combined 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 1.75% Bexar County + 6% state) and pay STR permit fees of $300 (Type 1) or $450 (Type 2) for a three-year permit term.
Short-term rental operators must identify the off-street parking spaces serving the property on the permit application and comply with the parking standards in UDC Section 35-526 applicable to the underlying residential use; on-street parking does not satisfy the requirement.
San Antonio's STR ordinance (UDC § 35-374.01) requires Type 1 and Type 2 STR permit holders to maintain liability insurance or participate in a host-protection program through their booking platform. The 2024 update (Ordinance 2024-06-13-0433) strengthened enforcement, including platform compliance requirements to remove unpermitted listings.
San Antonio requires STR permits through Development Services Department under UDC §35-374.01. Type 1 (owner-occupied) permits cost $300/3 years; Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) cost $450/3 years. The June 2024 ordinance amendment strengthened enforcement, requiring platforms to remove unpermitted listings.
San Antonio STRs must comply with general noise ordinance. Many cities impose stricter quiet hours for rentals. Complaints can trigger permit review.
San Antonio's STR ordinance (UDC § 35-374.01, updated by Ordinance 2024-06-13-0433) requires STR permit applications to specify maximum guest capacity, with sleeping areas and emergency evacuation routes detailed in submitted plans. The permit specifies the allowed number of guests based on habitable space, fire egress, and parking availability.
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 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.
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 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.
San Antonio Fire Code, an amended version of the International Fire Code Chapter 61 adopted under SAMC Chapter 11, restricts residential propane storage to limited aggregate water capacity with stricter rules for multifamily balconies and commercial cylinder exchange.
All possession, sale, use, transport, and manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within San Antonio city limits and within 5,000 feet of those limits, per the adopted International Fire Code Section 5601.1.3 and Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154.
San Antonio's northwest areas near Camp Bullis and the Hill Country contain wildland-urban interface zones with elevated wildfire risk. The City Manager was authorized under a 2016 ordinance (Ordinance 2018-11-03-0860) to execute interlocal agreements with the Texas A&M Forest Service for fuel reduction services. The International Fire Code as adopted in Chapter 11, Article III applies to brush management and defensible space.
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.
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.
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.
San Antonio regulates amplified music with special provisions for the River Walk entertainment district and historic Market Square area. Fiesta San Antonio events receive special multi-day noise permits annually.
San Antonio noise ordinance quiet hours are 10 PM–6 AM Sun–Thu and 11 PM–6 AM Fri–Sat (City Code Ch. 21, Art. III). Residential cap 63 dB(A) day / 56 dB(A) night at the receiving property; amplified sound without permit 55/50. Fines $100–$500 standard, up to $2,000 willful.
San Antonio amended its construction noise ordinance in February 2022 (the 'Goodnight Construction Site' ordinance). Exterior construction is limited to 6 AM–10 PM Sun–Thu and 6 AM–11 PM Fri–Sat, with an 80 dBA construction noise limit. After-hours work requires a waiver with 72-hour neighbor notice.
San Antonio hosts five military installations (JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Randolph, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Camp Bullis, and Camp Stanley), making military aircraft noise a major land-use concern. The Unified Development Code establishes Military Sound Attenuation Overlay Districts under UDC § 35-339.03, requiring noise-attenuating construction for new residential development within mapped noise contours (65 dB DNL and above) surrounding military airfields.
San Antonio regulates industrial noise under Chapter 21, Article III of the Code of Ordinances. Industrial zones have maximum permissible sound levels of 72 dB(A) daytime and 65 dB(A) nighttime at the property boundary. The nighttime limit is 7 dB lower than daytime across all zone categories. Violations carry fines of $100 to $2,000 per offense.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
San Antonio requires the property owner to occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as their permanent residence under UDC § 35-372. A notarized owner-occupancy affidavit must be submitted with the permit application and a covenant must be recorded with the Bexar County Clerk. Renting both units to non-owner tenants is prohibited.
San Antonio allows accessory dwelling units by right in most residential districts under UDC § 35-372 (formerly § 35-371). Applicants apply through the BuildSA Online Portal, submit a site plan, structural plans, and a notarized owner-occupancy affidavit, and record an ADU covenant with Bexar County. The Development Services Department (DSD) issues the building permit after zoning, building, and utility review.
ADUs in San Antonio may be rented long-term but short-term rental use (under 30 days) requires a separate STR permit under UDC § 35-374.01. The owner must occupy the main house or the ADU regardless of which unit is rented. Type 1 STR (owner-occupied) permits ($300/3yrs) are required for ADU short-term rentals; Type 2 permits do not apply to owner-occupied ADUs.
San Antonio assesses standard development fees on ADUs, but utility connections typically reuse the principal dwelling's tap to limit costs. SAWS (San Antonio Water System) impact fees apply when a separate water or sewer connection is requested. CPS Energy handles separate electric service. Texas has no statewide ADU impact-fee waiver comparable to California.
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.
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 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.
San Antonio actively encourages rainwater harvesting through SAWS (San Antonio Water System) rebate programs. SAWS offers $1.00 per gallon of storage up to $2,000 for residential customers who install at least 500 gallons of cistern capacity. Collected rainwater must be used for non-potable purposes like landscape irrigation. Texas state law (TX Tax Code § 151.355) exempts rainwater harvesting equipment from sales tax.
San Antonio promotes native and drought-adapted landscaping as part of its water conservation strategy, enforced through SAWS drought restriction stages. During Stage 1 restrictions (Edwards Aquifer at 660 ft), landscape watering is limited. SAWS encourages xeriscaping with Texas native plants adapted to the region's semi-arid climate. The UDC requires landscaping for new development but does not mandate specific native species.
San Antonio does not have a specific ordinance prohibiting or regulating artificial turf on residential properties. Given the city's emphasis on water conservation through SAWS, synthetic turf is viewed favorably as an alternative to water-intensive grass lawns. The UDC landscaping standards (Art. V, Div. 3) apply to commercial development and do not specifically address residential artificial turf. HOAs may have their own restrictions.
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.
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.
Texas oak wilt experts advise avoiding oak pruning from February through June to prevent disease spread. Paint all fresh cuts immediately. San Antonio protects heritage and significant trees.
San Antonio enforces a 12-inch weed and rank-growth standard on improved lots with abatement and liens. Unincorporated Bexar County has no general weed ordinance, leaving enforcement to HOAs and plat restrictions.
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 UDC §35-514 specifies approved fence materials: wood, chain link, stone, rock, concrete block, masonry brick, decorative wrought iron, or similar durable materials. Prohibited materials include plywood under 5/8", particle board, paper, plastic tarp, and items not designed as fencing.
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.
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.
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.
San Antonio Code Chapter 19, Article VI regulates parking. Front yard parking on residential properties requires wheels on permanently maintained surfaces (concrete, asphalt, brick, or curbed gravel). Code Compliance and SAPD enforce parking violations with fines of $100–$2,000.
San Antonio Code §19-194 prohibits parking certain commercial vehicles in residential zones. Texas Transportation Code §545.307 limits heavy vehicles (over 10,000 lbs) near residences. Commercial vehicles with 3+ axles and truck-tractors are restricted from residential trip preparation exceptions.
San Antonio UDC §35-383 regulates oversized vehicles in residential areas. RVs are restricted from front yards and must be behind the front building line. Trip preparation exceptions allow 48 hours before and 24 hours after use, twice per calendar month. Oversized vehicles cannot be used for dwelling purposes.
San Antonio regulates abandoned and junked vehicles under Chapter 19, Article X (Junked Vehicles) and Sec. 19-396 (Wrecked/Abandoned Vehicles). Inoperable, unregistered, or dismantled vehicles on residential property are code violations. Vehicles on public streets may be tagged and towed under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683. Code Compliance enforces violations with fines of $100 to $2,000.
San Antonio incentivizes EV adoption through its Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Parking Program, which provides free parking at downtown street meters for vehicles displaying an authorized placard. The city's EVSA (Electric Vehicles San Antonio) program coordinates citywide EV and charger adoption. CPS Energy offers EV charging programs. No specific building code mandate currently requires EV charging infrastructure in new construction.
San Antonio has no tradition of 'dibs' or space-saving on public streets, as the city rarely experiences snow or ice events. Placing objects in public parking spaces to reserve them is not recognized by city ordinance. All public street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
San Antonio regulates on-street parking through Chapter 19, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances. Time-limited parking is enforced between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM in posted areas (Sec. 19-196). Oversized vehicles are prohibited from parking in front of residential lots in specified zoning districts at all times under Sec. 19-194. Vehicles left parked after park curfew (11 PM) are subject to towing per Sec. 22-28.
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.
Home daycare operations in San Antonio are regulated by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD) and must comply with state licensing through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The UDC allows small home-based daycare as a permitted accessory use in residential zones. SAMHD conducts inspections and requires compliance with health and safety standards. Fees apply for child care facility inspections.
Cottage food operations are explicitly allowed in San Antonio's residential zones. UDC § 35-378(b)(4) exempts cottage food businesses from home occupation prohibitions. Operators must comply with Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 437 (Cottage Food Production), which requires a food handler certification, proper labeling, and direct-to-consumer sales. SB 541 expanded allowable food types and modified labeling requirements at the state level.
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.
Since 2021, Texas House Bill 1927 lets most adults 21 and older carry a handgun concealed without a permit. The optional License to Carry under Texas Government Code chapter 411 still gives reciprocity, school-zone benefits, and federal background-check shortcuts in San Antonio.
Texas allows open carry of handguns in a holster for adults 21 and older. House Bill 1927 (2021) removed the License to Carry requirement. Long guns have long been openly carried. San Antonio adds no local rules; only state sensitive-place limits apply.
Under the Motorist Protection Act, Texas Penal Code section 46.02(a-1) lets adults legally entitled to possess a firearm carry a handgun inside their own motor vehicle or watercraft without a permit, provided it is not in plain view if the carrier is engaged in criminal activity.
San Antonio cannot enact local firearm ordinances — Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 preempts municipal regulation of the transfer, ownership, keeping, transportation, licensing, or registration of firearms. Carry, purchase, and possession rules are uniform statewide.
San Antonio tobacco and vape retailers must hold a state retail permit from the Texas Comptroller and follow Texas Health & Safety Code chapter 161, plus San Antonio Municipal Code chapter 17 alignment on minor access, signage, and self-service display restrictions.
Selling, giving, or furnishing tobacco, e-cigarettes, or any nicotine product to anyone under 21 is illegal in San Antonio under Texas Health & Safety Code section 161.082, which aligns with the federal Tobacco 21 law enacted in December 2019.
San Antonio cannot ban flavored tobacco or flavored vape products. Texas House Bill 1771, signed in 2023, preempts cities and counties from regulating the sale, distribution, marketing, or flavoring of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products beyond state law.
San Antonio has no ordinance restricting expanded polystyrene foam cups, plates, or takeout containers. Texas state law preempts local container bans, so restaurants and retailers may freely use foam packaging across the city.
San Antonio does not regulate plastic straws or stirrers. Texas state law preempts city container regulations, and restaurants may distribute single-use plastic straws freely without on-request or upon-request limits anywhere in the city.
San Antonio cannot enforce a plastic bag ban or fee. Tex. Health & Safety Code § 361.0961 preempts local checkout-bag ordinances, as the Texas Supreme Court confirmed in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Ass'n (2018). San Antonio considered a ban in 2013 but tabled it pending the appellate ruling; after Laredo, the city dropped the proposal entirely.
Texas has no statewide tenant relocation assistance law, and San Antonio has not adopted a relocation-payment ordinance. Tenants displaced by no-fault terminations or condemnation receive no city-mandated payment, though federal Uniform Relocation Act may apply if federal funds are involved.
Texas Property Code Sections 92.101 through 92.110 set statewide security-deposit rules for San Antonio landlords. Deposits must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized list of deductions. San Antonio does not impose stricter local limits.
Texas allows landlords to end fixed-term leases at expiration and to terminate month-to-month tenancies with at least 30 days' written notice for any lawful reason. San Antonio has no just-cause requirement and no ordinance restricting no-fault, end-of-lease nonrenewal.
San Antonio has no comprehensive tenant anti-harassment ordinance like Los Angeles or Seattle. Tenants rely on Texas Property Code Section 92.331 retaliation rules and SA Fair Housing Code Chapter 2-92 for protection against landlord harassment based on protected characteristics.
Texas has no statewide source-of-income protection. San Antonio Fair Housing Code Chapter 2-92 covers traditional protected classes but does not broadly add source of income citywide. Limited voucher protections apply through federally assisted housing and SA's nondiscrimination policy for city-funded projects.
Opportunity Home San Antonio, formerly the San Antonio Housing Authority, administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher program for the city. Voucher holders find private rentals; Opportunity Home inspects for HUD Housing Quality Standards and pays the subsidy directly to participating landlords.
San Antonio has NO local just-cause eviction ordinance. Texas is a no-cause termination state under Tex. Prop. Code § 91.001 — a month-to-month tenancy may be ended by either party on 30 days' written notice without stating a reason. Fixed-term leases may be terminated for breach under Tex. Prop. Code Ch. 24.
San Antonio has NO local rent control ordinance. Tex. Local Gov't Code § 214.902 preempts any Texas municipality from adopting rent control unless the governor approves it after a declared housing-emergency disaster. The City of San Antonio Code of Ordinances has no rent stabilization chapter.
San Antonio does not have a comprehensive rental property registration program for standard residential rentals. However, the city does require short-term rental registration through the STR permit system (UDC § 35-374.01). The Absentee Property Owner's Registration program under Chapter 6 applies to properties not occupied by the owner and ensures a local point of contact for code enforcement purposes.
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.
Texas Labor Code Chapter 62 reserves minimum-wage authority to the state and ties Texas to the federal $7.25 floor. San Antonio cannot enact a higher private-employer minimum, so federal FLSA rules govern most private workers in the city.
San Antonio's 2018 Earned Paid Sick Leave Ordinance was struck down by Texas courts in 2019 before enforcement. The 2023 Texas Regulatory Consistency Act (HB 4) finalized state preemption of city paid-leave mandates, leaving no local paid-leave rule today.
The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act (HB 4, 2023) bars cities from regulating employer scheduling practices. San Antonio has no fair-workweek or predictive-scheduling ordinance, and any future attempt would be preempted under Texas law.
Texas SB 4 (2017), codified in Government Code Chapter 752, prohibits any Texas city from adopting sanctuary policies. San Antonio is not a sanctuary city; SAPD must honor ICE detainers and may inquire about immigration status during lawful stops.
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 Agriculture Code Chapter 251 protects farms operating one year or longer from nuisance suits based on changed surrounding conditions. The state shield applies in San Antonio but mostly affects edge-of-city and Bexar County agricultural parcels.
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.
San Antonio Metro Health and Code Enforcement respond to rodent complaints under SAMC Chapters 13 and 14. Property owners are responsible for harborage abatement, while Metro Health treats food establishments and addresses vector-borne disease risks.
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438 requires every San Antonio food employee to complete an accredited food handler course within 60 days of hire. Metro Health enforces during inspections, and a Certified Food Manager must also be on staff.
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District inspects food establishments in Bexar County using a numerical demerit score rather than letter grades. Scores and inspection reports are posted online, and high-demerit results trigger reinspection and possible permit suspension.
San Antonio relies on Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 728 and Metro Health guidance for sharps disposal. Used syringes must go in puncture-resistant containers, never in household trash or recycling, and Metro Health partners with pharmacies on take-back drop-offs.
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.
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 481 prohibits all personal cannabis cultivation. San Antonio cannot authorize home grows under home-rule authority, and any number of plants exposes the grower to felony manufacturing charges under state law.
Texas has no recreational cannabis program, so San Antonio's Unified Development Code provides no commercial cannabis zoning. Only state-licensed Compassionate Use dispensing organizations and licensed hemp and CBD retailers operate, subject to standard retail zoning and state oversight.
Home cultivation of marijuana is illegal in San Antonio under Texas state law. Texas Health & Safety Code § 481.121 makes possession of marijuana a criminal offense, and cultivation constitutes manufacture under § 481.112-113. Texas does not distinguish between recreational and home-grown marijuana. Only licensed dispensaries under the Compassionate Use Program (CUP) may cultivate low-THC cannabis for registered patients.
Cannabis dispensary zoning is governed entirely by Texas state law, which preempts local regulation. The Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP) allows licensed dispensing organizations to cultivate, process, and dispense low-THC cannabis. San Antonio cannot enact separate zoning for cannabis dispensaries. Only three licensed dispensaries operate statewide under DSHS oversight. Recreational marijuana dispensaries are prohibited in Texas.
San Antonio has not banned gas-powered leaf blowers and likely cannot enforce one because Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 382 reserves air-quality regulation to the state, while HB 4 Regulatory Consistency further limits municipal authority over equipment.
San Antonio's Sustainable Procurement Policy, administered by the Finance Department, directs city departments to evaluate environmental and equity criteria when buying goods, services, and construction, complementing the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
San Antonio City Council adopted the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) in October 2019, committing to net-zero community greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 with interim targets for energy, transportation, buildings, and equity outcomes citywide.
Bexar County opted into TCEQ Rule 30 TAC 114.512, prohibiting commercial vehicles over 14,000 pounds GVWR from idling more than five consecutive minutes when temperatures fall between 40 and 90 degrees, with several work-related exemptions.
San Antonio adopted the IECC with local amendments through SAMC Chapter 10, requiring high-reflectance and high-emissivity roofing on low-slope commercial and multifamily roofs in climate zone 2A, reducing cooling loads and urban heat island effect.
San Antonio's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and Tree Canopy Strategy target heat-island reduction through expanded canopy, cool-roof requirements, shaded transit stops, and the citywide goal of growing canopy cover above 30 percent in vulnerable neighborhoods.
San Antonio is an inland city located approximately 200 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and has no coastal development zones. The Texas General Land Office administers the Coastal Management Program for communities along the Texas coast. San Antonio is not subject to any coastal development regulations, the Coastal Zone Management Act, or beach setback requirements.
Erosion control on San Antonio construction sites is enforced by SAWS as the MS4 operator. All construction activity requires proper erosion and sedimentation controls including silt fences, rock gabions, and phased clearing. SAWS inspectors visit active job sites to verify BMP compliance. The Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone requires additional permanent BMPs including sedimentation and filtration basins, with multi-family and commercial projects capturing the first half-inch of runoff.
San Antonio enforces comprehensive stormwater management through the UDC, SAWS, and TCEQ compliance. Projects in the Edwards Aquifer recharge or contributing zones must file an Edwards Aquifer Protection Plan (EAPP) with TCEQ and maintain a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) under Construction General Permit TXR150000. SAWS serves as the MS4 operator and conducts site inspections for erosion control compliance.
San Antonio enforces floodplain development standards through the UDC and Chapter 34 (Water and Sewers). FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) restrict building in the 100-year floodplain. Building in floodplains requires permits and compliance with elevation and construction standards. FEMA released updated flood maps for San Antonio and Bexar County effective July 2023, and the Concepcion Creek project will add 4,000+ structures to the floodplain by 2027.
San Antonio's UDC requires property developers to manage all stormwater flowing through their property, including drainage from upstream development. The Storm Water Design Criteria Manual (Jan 2016) governs design standards. The Edwards Aquifer Protection Ordinance (Chapter 34, Div. 6) limits impervious cover to 15% for residential development on the Recharge Zone and prohibits impervious cover in floodplain buffer zones.
San Antonio regulates development near waterways through the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) and the Unified Development Code. The Edwards Aquifer Protection Program imposes strict development standards over the aquifer recharge and contributing zones. Creekway setbacks and buffer zones protect the San Antonio River and its tributaries from encroachment and erosion.
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.
San Antonio enforces IFC and IBC sprinkler requirements through SAMC Chapter 10 and 11 for new commercial and multifamily construction. Texas Government Code Section 1301.551 preempts mandatory sprinklers in detached one and two-family homes despite IRC R313.
San Antonio childcare centers are licensed and inspected by Texas Health and Human Services Commission Child Care Regulation under 26 TAC Chapter 746, layered with SAMC Chapter 10 building, fire, and zoning requirements before opening.
San Antonio has not adopted a mandatory green building code such as IgCC or CALGreen. The Build San Antonio Green program and CPS Energy rebates incentivize voluntary residential and commercial green construction beyond Energy Code minimums.
San Antonio follows federal EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule requirements for lead paint in pre-1978 structures. Texas DSHS administers lead abatement licensing. Landlords must disclose known lead paint hazards to tenants. San Antonio's Development Services Department enforces building code compliance including lead-safe work practices.
San Antonio's Property Maintenance Code (SAPMC) requires all structures to be maintained free of pest infestations. Property owners must eliminate rodent, insect, and vermin harborage through approved methods. The city's Code Compliance Department enforces pest-related nuisance violations with fines of $100-$2,000.
San Antonio adopts the International Building Code (IBC) with local amendments through Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances. Scaffold erection and use must comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L standards. Scaffolds on public sidewalks or rights-of-way require a permit from the Development Services Department.
Elevator safety in San Antonio is regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 754. All elevators, escalators, and related equipment must be registered with TDLR, inspected annually, and maintained by licensed contractors.
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 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.
San Antonio's Unified Development Code (UDC), codified at SAMC Chapter 35, governs zoning, subdivision, and land use citywide. The SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan and dozens of community and neighborhood sub-area plans guide rezoning decisions.
San Antonio's Unified Development Code offers density-bonus tools letting developers exceed base zoning intensity in exchange for affordable units, expedited permitting, or fee waivers, aligned with the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan and Bond.
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.
San Antonio licenses sexually oriented businesses under San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 21 and zones them through Unified Development Code Section 35-373, requiring annual permits, manager screening, and 1,000-foot buffers from churches, schools, parks, residences, and other SOBs.
Massage therapists and establishments in San Antonio must hold Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation credentials under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 455. SAPD Vice and Code Enforcement target illicit parlors through joint inspections, zoning checks, and human-trafficking referrals to Bexar County.
Every San Antonio retailer selling cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, or alternative nicotine must hold an annual Texas Comptroller permit under Tax Code Chapter 154 and Health and Safety Code Chapter 161. State preemption bars San Antonio from imposing a separate city tobacco license.
San Antonio secondhand dealers, including used-jewelry buyers, used-merchandise stores, and metal recyclers, must register under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 and report transactions to SAPD's Pawn Detail through LeadsOnline within 48 hours to support stolen-property recovery.
Pawnbrokers operating in San Antonio must hold a Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner license under Texas Finance Code Chapter 371. Maximum interest is roughly 20% per month on small pawns, items must be held 30 days, and SAPD monitors transactions through LeadsOnline.
San Antonio towing companies must hold a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation license under Occupations Code Chapter 2308 plus a city wrecker permit under SAMC Chapter 19. Nonconsent tow rates are capped, signage is required at every lot entrance, and storage fees are limited.
SAWS WaterSaver Landscape Coupon, administered by the Conservation Department, pays residential customers for replacing high-water turf with drought-tolerant landscape, supporting drought-stage compliance and the Edwards Aquifer Management Plan.
San Antonio Water System enforces year-round watering schedules and tightening drought-stage restrictions tied to Edwards Aquifer levels at the J-17 index well, limiting irrigation to specific days and hours by address under the Aquifer Management Plan.
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 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.
San Antonio's Bike Plan and SAMC Chapter 19 govern bicycle operation on city streets, requiring motorists to provide three feet of passing distance, while the citywide bike network expands protected lanes, neighborhood greenways, and bayou trails.
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.
San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 21 bans aggressive solicitation involving touching, blocking pedestrians, persistent following, threatening conduct, or solicitation near ATMs and bus stops. Texas Penal Code Section 22.06 covers any offensive contact. Passive sign-holding remains protected speech.
San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 21 and Texas Penal Code Section 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct) prohibit urinating or defecating in any public place. The act is a Class C misdemeanor, and aggravated cases near minors can support enhanced charges or sex-offender screening.
San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 21 caps residential noise at 70 dB(A) day and 63 dB(A) overnight at the property line. SAPD can cite hosts and tenants, while repeat-call cost-recovery rules under Chapter 12 charge property owners for each follow-up response within 12 months.
The 2011 San Antonio Smoke-Free Air Ordinance, codified at SAMC Chapter 13, bans smoking in restaurants, bars, workplaces, sports venues, and within 20 feet of building entrances. Public parks, plazas, and the River Walk are also covered. E-cigarettes were added by 2015 amendment, making it among the strongest in Texas.
Texas Transportation Code Section 552.005 requires pedestrians outside marked crosswalks to yield to oncoming vehicles. San Antonio Police continue to cite jaywalkers, unlike California's Freedom to Walk reform, with base fines around $100 plus court costs in San Antonio Municipal Court.
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.
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.
San Antonio Unified Development Code Section 35-523 protects significant trees six inches DBH and larger and heritage trees 24 inches and larger, with elevated mitigation multipliers for native live oak, post oak, bald cypress, and pecan. It is among the strongest tree-preservation ordinances in Texas.
Tree removal permits are required under UDC § 35-477 before any activity that may result in the removal of significant or heritage trees. The City Arborist reviews applications within 30 days. A pre-construction conference with the arborist is mandatory before permitted work begins. The tree preservation ordinance applies to all private property within city limits and the ETJ. First adopted in 1997, the ordinance has been amended multiple times through 2015.
Heritage trees in San Antonio are defined as any tree measuring 24 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH) under UDC § 35-523. Heritage trees must be preserved at 100% — removal is only permitted with mitigation approved by the Tree Preservation Commission. Multi-trunk trees are measured with the largest trunk at full DBH plus 50% of the remaining trunks. Fees for heritage tree removal are in UDC Appendix C (§ 35-C110).
San Antonio has a comprehensive Tree Preservation Ordinance under UDC Section 35-523. Trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 8 inches or more are considered significant and are protected during development. Heritage trees (24 inches DBH or greater, or certain species at 10 inches DBH) receive the highest level of protection and generally cannot be removed.
When protected trees are removed beyond the minimum 35% preservation requirement in San Antonio, the excess removal must be properly mitigated under UDC § 35-523. The Tree Preservation Commission may recommend replacement plantings, a cash payment to the city's tree mitigation fund for future public plantings, or denial of the application. All oak tree cuts must be painted within 30 minutes, and pruning of oaks should be minimized February 1 through July 1 due to oak wilt risk.
San Antonio Municipal Code Chapter 21 prohibits camping, sleeping, or storing personal property on public sidewalks, parks, and rights-of-way. SAPD's Mental Health Unit and the Office of Homeless Strategy coordinate diversion to Haven for Hope before citing under Martin v. Boise constraints.
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 collects yard trimmings weekly in the green organics cart for composting at the Nelson Gardens facility. Branches under 4 inches diameter fit in the cart; larger limbs require the brush collection cycle. Christmas trees are taken curbside in early January.
San Antonio provides weekly curbside collection for trash, recycling, and organics under Chapter 14 (Solid Waste). Each service type is collected on a different assigned day. Carts must be at the curb by 7 AM. Residents receive a brown trash cart (fees: $14.76–$30.75/month by size), a free blue recycling cart, and a free green organics cart. Up to 3 carts per service type are allowed. A $3.00 environmental fee provides drop-off center access.
San Antonio provides curbside bulky item collection for single-family residents through the Solid Waste Management Department. Items not accepted include brush, construction debris, hazardous materials, mirrors/glass, vehicle parts, and electronics. Placing prohibited items in bulky piles is a violation of Chapter 14 with fines up to $2,000/day plus collection and disposal fees. The $3.00 monthly environmental fee provides access to drop-off centers for additional disposal.
Under Chapter 14, Sec. 14-45, it is unlawful to park a vehicle within 3 feet of a collection container on collection day. Carts must be placed against the curb on the assigned collection day. Contaminated recycling or organics carts may result in non-collection, container removal, or contamination fees under enforcement provisions. Chronic contamination violators face additional refuse charges and no fee reduction.
San Antonio mandates recycling for both single-family and multi-family properties under Chapter 14. Single-family residents receive free blue recycling carts for weekly collection. Multi-family properties (3+ units) must provide on-site recycling under Sec. 14-43, submit a Multi-Family Recycling Plan, and place recycling containers as conveniently as trash. Non-compliance penalties can reach $2,000 per violation per day.
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifying installation or removal dates, brightness limits, or amplified audio rules for residential holiday light displays. General nuisance provisions of City Code Chapter 21 and noise ordinances under Chapter 21 Article IX apply. Light trespass directed at neighbors and amplified outdoor music tied to displays can trigger complaints. HOAs typically govern dates and aesthetics.
San Antonio has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Property owners may install yard decorations year-round subject to general property maintenance and right-of-way rules. Political signs are protected by First Amendment limits on city regulation. HOAs typically impose aesthetic and architectural review rules under Texas Property Code Ch. 202.
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays (giant Santas, snowmen, pumpkins). Inflatables are permitted on residential property subject to general nuisance and noise rules under City Code Chapter 21. Continuous blower noise can trigger noise complaints after 10 p.m. HOAs typically impose size, lighting, and duration limits.
San Antonio adopts the 2021 International Fire Code under Chapter 11 of the City Code, which prohibits open-flame cooking devices (including charcoal and propane grills) on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at multi-family buildings. Single-family homes face no city restriction on backyard grilling. Drought-period burn bans do not apply to commercially built grills.
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifically regulating backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Operation is governed by the general nuisance provisions of Chapter 21 of the City Code and the fire-prevention provisions of Chapter 11. Smoke that drifts onto neighbors and creates a persistent nuisance can trigger code enforcement. HOAs typically govern aesthetic and frequency limits.
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Antonio require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a Residential Improvements building permit, a gas-line permit for natural gas or propane, an electrical permit if powered, and a plumbing permit if connected to water/sewer. Structures must comply with UDC § 35-516 setback requirements. Propane lines over 5 gallons require additional fire review.
Mobile food vending in San Antonio requires permits from multiple agencies under Chapter 13 (Food and Food Handlers). Operators need a mobile food establishment permit from SAMHD, a Fire Mobile Vending Permit ($300 + 3% surcharge) from SAFD, a business license from Finance, and a Texas Sales Tax Permit. Annual health inspections are conducted by appointment. A Central Prep Facility (commissary) letter is required for inspection.
San Antonio restricts mobile food vending hours in residential areas to 7 AM until half an hour after sunset (extended to 10 PM in June, July, and August) under Chapter 13. Food trucks must comply with Chapter 21, Article III noise requirements and must turn off all music and recorded messages while stationary. Downtown mobile food truck operations have separate rules and regulations governing permitted locations.
San Antonio maintains a no-soliciting framework where residents can display 'No Soliciting' signs. While the city does not operate a formal no-knock registry, solicitors who ignore posted signs may face enforcement action. The peddler permit ordinance (Chapter 16, Sec. 16-226) authorizes SAPD to respond to complaints about solicitors in posted neighborhoods. Soliciting from vehicle occupants is separately prohibited under Sec. 19-8.
San Antonio Code Chapter 22 requires solicitors, peddlers, and itinerant vendors to obtain a permit from the city through SAPD. Applicants undergo fingerprinting and a background check. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing is exempt. Permitted hours are 9 AM to sunset and "No Soliciting" signs are enforceable.
San Antonio parks are closed from 11 PM to 5 AM daily under Sec. 22-28 of the Code of Ordinances. Exceptions include the River Walk (Josephine St. to Eagleland Dr.), Alamo Plaza, La Villita, Market Square, and HemisFair Park. Woodlawn Lake Park closes at midnight. Vehicles left in parks after curfew are subject to towing. Special events may operate during curfew hours with written director approval.
San Antonio bars minors under 17 from public places between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM Sunday-Thursday and 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM Friday-Saturday. A daytime school-hours curfew runs 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Exceptions include parental accompaniment, work commute, and school events. Parents face fines up to $500.
San Antonio's setback requirements are established in UDC § 35-516. Standard residential setbacks include: front setback of 10–35 feet (with 20 ft minimum from sidewalk to garage entry), side setback of 5 feet minimum, and rear setback of 10 feet (garages and ADUs may have no rear setback). A 25-foot setback is required from high-pressure fuel lines. Projecting features may extend up to 5 feet into yards but not closer than 3 feet to property lines.
Building height in San Antonio is regulated by UDC § 35-517. Standard R-3 residential height limit is 35 feet / 3 stories. Non-residential structures may exceed the height limit if set back one foot from side and rear setback lines for every two feet of excess height. Accessory Detached Dwelling Units (ADDUs) are limited to 25 feet / 2 stories. The Board of Adjustment may grant special exceptions or variances for height.
San Antonio regulates lot coverage through the UDC. Accessory structures may cover a maximum of 50% of the total side and rear yard area, with total accessory floor area not exceeding 2,500 square feet in residential districts. Each lot must maintain at least 500 contiguous square feet of open space in the rear yard. Impervious cover is further restricted over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone to 15% for residential development.
Garage sale signage in San Antonio is regulated under Chapter 16, Article XII (Garage Sales) and Chapter 28 (Signs). Residents may post up to 3 signs to advertise their sale, beginning 2 days before the event. All signs must be removed when the sale ends. Signs may not be placed on telephone poles, light standards, street signs, or city right-of-way. A garage sale permit ($16) must be obtained before the sale.
Political signs in San Antonio are regulated as temporary signs under Chapter 28 (Signs) of the Code of Ordinances. They may be displayed for up to 90 consecutive days, must be staked to the ground or securely affixed, and cannot be placed on city-owned property. Signs must have property owner approval and cannot create hazardous conditions. Violations are punishable through Municipal Court with fines up to $500.
San Antonio's sign code (Chapter 28) does not specifically regulate seasonal or holiday displays on private residential property. Temporary signs on residential-zoned properties are governed by Sec. 28-73 and are generally permitted with standard temporary sign restrictions. Holiday decorations and lighting are not classified as signs unless they contain commercial messaging. The Military Lighting Overlay Districts may affect holiday lighting near military bases.
San Antonio enforces property blight standards through the San Antonio Property Maintenance Code (SAPMC, effective May 2025) and Chapter 6, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances. Code Enforcement Services addresses property maintenance, inoperable vehicles, graffiti, and general blight. Properties with unfit structures or unsafe equipment are handled under SAPMC Section 108. Appeals go through the Building Standards Board under Chapter 6, Article VIII.
San Antonio addresses vacant structures and land under SAPMC Section 301.3, with boarding standards in Section 301.3.1. Lot clearance is governed by Chapter 14, Article VII (Solid Waste). The city maintains a Vacant Property Owner Registration Program under Chapter 6. Properties must be maintained free of excessive vegetation, debris, and hazardous conditions. The Absentee Property Owner's Registration program applies to properties not occupied by the owner.
San Antonio rarely experiences snow or ice accumulation due to its subtropical climate. The city does not have a specific snow or ice removal ordinance for sidewalks. General property maintenance standards under the SAPMC require properties to be maintained in a safe condition, which would apply during rare winter weather events. The city's emergency management handles severe winter weather through its Office of Emergency Management.
San Antonio requires a garage sale permit under Chapter 16, Article XII (Sec. 16-301). The permit costs $16 and is available at select H-E-B stores or DSD. Residents may hold 4 sales per year (once per quarter), limited to 2 consecutive days from 9 AM to 6 PM. Items must be at least 5 feet from lot lines. Code Enforcement may inspect during sale hours. Nonprofits may hold 12 sales per year.
San Antonio's solid waste ordinance (Chapter 14) and Property Maintenance Code regulate trash cart placement and storage. Carts must be placed against the curb by 7 AM on the assigned collection day. It is unlawful to park a vehicle within 3 feet of a collection container on collection day (Sec. 14-45). Residents receive brown trash carts (48/64/96 gallon options), free blue recycling carts, and free green organics carts.
Commercial drone operations in San Antonio follow FAA Part 107 rules, as Texas state law preempts local regulation. Operators need a Remote Pilot Certificate (paid exam, recertified every 24 months). San Antonio is developing zoning for Drone Delivery Stations, which would require Specific Use Authorization in C-3, L, and I-1 zoning districts under a 2025 city staff recommendation. Delivery stations must comply with city noise ordinances.
Texas law (Government Code § 423.009) preempts local drone regulation, so San Antonio cannot enact its own UAS ordinances. Recreational drone operators must follow FAA rules, including obtaining a TRUST certificate and registering drones over 0.55 lbs. San Antonio's proximity to five JBSA military installations creates significant controlled airspace; operators must use the LAANC system for airspace authorization near military airfields.
Light trespass in San Antonio is regulated within Military Lighting Overlay Districts under UDC § 35-339.04. All trespass lighting shall not exceed 2.5 foot-candles measured at the property line. Sign lighting within three-quarters of a mile of a military installation must contain dark-sky approved shielding to reduce spillover. Outside MLOD areas, light trespass is addressed through general nuisance provisions.
San Antonio's primary dark sky regulation is the Military Lighting Overlay District (MLOD) under UDC § 35-339.04. The MLOD applies within areas surrounding Camp Bullis/Camp Stanley, Randolph AFB, and Lackland AFB. Within the most restricted zone (MLR1, within 3 miles), lights must be fully shielded, color temperatures cannot exceed 4100K, and business outdoor lights exceeding 2 foot-candles must be turned off after 11 PM. Searchlights and laser lights are prohibited.
Solar panel installation in San Antonio requires a building permit from the Development Services Department and pre-approval from CPS Energy for grid-tied systems. UDC § 35-398 governs renewable energy systems, setting zoning rules for ground-mounted solar farms and height limits of 12 feet for panel arrays. Roof-mounted residential systems require structural engineering analysis and must comply with the adopted electrical code. Permit fees range from $275 to $525.
Texas Property Code § 202.010 prohibits HOAs from banning or unreasonably restricting solar energy devices, including solar panels and solar roof tiles (added by HB 431). HOAs may require devices to conform to the property's roof slope and color but cannot deny installation. San Antonio follows state law, and CPS Energy's solar rebate program provides additional incentives for residential solar regardless of HOA status.
San Antonio requires a free garage sale permit from Development Services before each sale. Properties are limited to four permitted sales per calendar year, each up to three consecutive days. Hours are 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Signs must include the permit number and may only be placed on private property. Violations carry $100-$500 fines.
San Antonio limits residential properties to 4 garage sales per year, one per quarter, under Chapter 16, Article XII. Each sale may last no more than 2 consecutive days. Registered nonprofit organizations are allowed up to 12 garage sales per year. The sale of more than 5 items on residential property triggers the permit requirement. Estate sales must follow the same rules and regulations as garage sales.
Garage sales in San Antonio may only be conducted between 9 AM and 6 PM under Chapter 16, Article XII. Items for sale may not be placed closer than 5 feet to the front or side lot line. The garage sale permit must be visible from the street or sidewalk, or available upon request by Code Enforcement. Code Enforcement is authorized to enter the property during sale hours to inspect for compliance.
Texas Property Code Chapter 209 (the Residential Property Owners Protection Act) requires all HOA board meetings to be open to homeowners. Boards must provide advance written notice of meetings, and meetings where assessments are discussed must include member notification. San Antonio HOAs follow these state-level requirements as there is no separate municipal HOA ordinance.
Texas Property Code Chapter 202 and Chapter 209 govern HOA architectural review authority. Associations may enforce deed restrictions on exterior modifications, but must follow specific procedural requirements including written notice and an opportunity to cure before taking enforcement action.
Texas Property Code Chapter 209 governs HOA assessments and liens. Associations with 15 or more lots must offer payment plans for overdue assessments (minimum 3-month term). Before filing a lien, the HOA must send a written notice allowing at least 30 days to cure. HOAs may foreclose on assessment liens but must follow strict notice and procedural requirements.
Texas Property Code Section 209.007 provides homeowners with the right to a hearing before the board or a board-appointed committee to dispute violations or fines. Before filing suit, the association must attempt resolution through this hearing process. Mediation is encouraged but not mandatory under state law.
Texas Property Code Chapters 202 and 209 govern enforcement of CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions). The association must provide written notice and a 30-day cure period before fines or legal action. San Antonio requires all HOAs with mandatory assessments to register with the city's Association-Organization Registry.
San Antonio's Public Works Department issues block party permits for temporary residential street closures. Applicants must submit a request with signatures from at least 75% of residents on the affected block. Permits are free and typically processed within 10-15 business days.
San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department issues special event permits for events in city parks. Events with 100+ attendees require a Special Event Application submitted at least 60 days in advance. Park hours are 5 AM-11 PM unless a special events permit grants after-hours access.
San Antonio's Center City Development Office issues annual Sidewalk Cafe Permits for outdoor dining on public sidewalks. Restaurants must maintain a minimum 5-foot clear pedestrian path and carry insurance naming the City as additional insured. The permit is renewable annually.
San Antonio requires mobile food vendors to obtain a Mobile Food Establishment Permit from the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD). No person may vend food without a valid permit. Downtown vending has additional restrictions through the CCDO. Afoot food vendors may not sell potentially hazardous food.
San Antonio designates specific downtown vending zones through the Center City Development and Operations (CCDO) Department. Downtown food truck vending and downtown raspa vending each have designated locations. Roaming vending is not permitted in the Central Business District. The River Walk area has its own vending restrictions.
San Antonio regulates vending cart equipment through SAMHD health standards and CCDO downtown requirements. Mobile food establishments must have approved handwashing facilities, wastewater containment, food temperature controls, and a commissary agreement. Carts must pass inspection before receiving a permit.
Most renovations in San Antonio require a building permit from the Development Services Department. The Residential Improvements Permit covers interior and exterior alterations. Cosmetic work like painting and flooring is generally exempt. Permits can be applied for at 1901 S. Alamo or online.
San Antonio does not require a building permit for sheds and accessory buildings 200 square feet or less without utilities. Sheds over 200 square feet require a Residential Improvements permit. All sheds must comply with UDC setback requirements.
Most standard residential fences in San Antonio do not require a building permit. Fences over 6 feet, masonry fences over 4 feet, and fences in historic or overlay districts require permits through the Development Services Department (DSD).
San Antonio requires a Residential Improvements Permit for most deck construction. Ground-level patios and concrete slabs typically do not require permits. Deck permit fees start at $150. All structures must comply with UDC setback requirements.
San Antonio Code Enforcement prioritizes complaints by severity. Life-safety hazards receive immediate attention. Standard property maintenance complaints are typically investigated within 3-5 business days. The city's code enforcement process includes investigation, notice of violation, compliance period, and re-inspection.
San Antonio residents can report code violations by calling 311 (or 210-207-6000), through the SA311 mobile app, online at 311.sanantonio.gov, in writing, or in person at 1901 S. Alamo St. Code Enforcement Services is part of the Development Services Department (DSD).
The most common code violations in San Antonio include overgrown vegetation (weeds over 12 inches), inoperable vehicles, accumulated junk and debris, illegal dumping, graffiti, substandard structures, and zoning violations. Code Enforcement Services has three divisions: Neighborhood Code, Nuisance Abatement, and Consumer Health.
San Antonio does not have a specific municipal ordinance restricting bamboo planting. Texas has no statewide bamboo ban. However, bamboo that encroaches on neighboring properties may be addressed under nuisance provisions of the San Antonio Code of Ordinances. The Unified Development Code (UDC) governs landscaping standards for development projects.
San Antonio's Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 35-523 governs tree preservation and includes a list of nuisance tree species. The Texas Invasive Species Institute and Texas Parks & Wildlife identify prohibited invasive plants. SAWS promotes native and drought-tolerant species for water conservation.
San Antonio allows front yard vegetable gardens on residential properties. Texas state law (HB 1686, effective 2023) prohibits HOAs from banning vegetable gardens. The city enforces vegetation height limits (12 inches) for weeds but does not restrict food gardening. SAWS offers water-wise gardening resources.
Security cameras are legal on residential and commercial properties in San Antonio. Texas law permits video recording in areas without a reasonable expectation of privacy. Cameras should not be intentionally aimed at neighbors' private spaces. San Antonio has no city-specific camera ordinance beyond state law.
Texas is a one-party consent state. You may legally record a conversation if you are a party to it or have consent from one participant. Texas Penal Code §16.02 governs wiretapping. Audio recording on security cameras is legal if at least one party consents or conversations are in public areas.
San Antonio allows privacy fences up to 6 feet in rear and side yards without a permit. Fences up to 8 feet may be permitted in certain circumstances. Front yard fences are generally limited to 4 feet in residential areas. The Unified Development Code (UDC) Division 8 governs fence regulations.
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.