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.
San Antonio tree protection ordinance requires a permit to remove trees exceeding a specified trunk diameter, typically 6 to 12 inches measured at 4.5 feet above grade (DBH). Applications require an arborist assessment for larger trees. Street trees and right-of-way trees are managed by San Antonio public works and cannot be removed by residents. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees may qualify for expedited permits. Unauthorized removal of protected trees results in significant fines and replacement requirements.
Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree depending on size and species. Replacement planting required at 2:1 or 3:1 ratio.
San Antonio, TX
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) n...
San Antonio, TX
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 th...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Property owners may install yard decorations year-r...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays (giant Santas, snowmen, pumpkins). Inflatables are permitted on residen...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifying installation or removal dates, brightness limits, or amplified audio rules for residential holiday light display...
San Antonio, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Antonio require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a Residential Improvements building permit, a ...
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