Pop. 20,843 · Bexar County
Universal City allows home occupations as an accessory use in residential districts when the business is clearly incidental to residential use, conducted by residents, and does not change the neighborhood character.
Universal City limits home occupation signage to a single small non illuminated sign on the residence, consistent with the accessory character of a home business and preservation of residential neighborhood appearance.
Universal City home occupation standards limit customer visits to levels that do not change the residential character of the neighborhood, typically discouraging regular walk in retail or daily client appointments.
Universal City pools must meet federal VGB anti-entrapment standards, include proper bonding and GFCI protection, and maintain safe access and barriers.
Universal City pools over 24 inches deep require a 48-inch-minimum barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates meeting IRC Appendix G standards.
Universal City requires building permits for in-ground and most above-ground pools, with plan review, inspections, and barrier requirements per the adopted IRC.
Above-ground pools in Universal City over 24 inches deep still require barrier compliance and typically a permit, even if the wall itself counts as the fence.
Hot tubs and spas in Universal City require permits, bonding, GFCI protection, and a locked safety cover or 48-inch barrier under IRC and VGB rules.
Universal City prohibits the keeping of dangerous wild animals in residential areas, consistent with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter E requirements.
Backyard beekeeping in Universal City is allowed under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 131 with registration, but local nuisance and setback rules still apply in residential zones.
Universal City discourages feeding wild animals such as deer, feral hogs, and raccoons. Feeding that creates a public nuisance or attracts dangerous wildlife can be cited under the citys nuisance ordinance.
Horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and swine are not permitted in standard residential districts in Universal City. Livestock is limited to agricultural tracts or lots with specific zoning approval.
Universal City does not ban specific dog breeds but enforces dangerous-dog rules under Texas Health and Safety Code 822 (Lillians Law), with strict confinement and insurance requirements.
Universal City permits a limited number of backyard hens on larger residential lots but prohibits roosters and most livestock in standard residential zoning.
Universal City requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet when off the owners property. Off-leash dogs are subject to impoundment and citation.
Bexar County requires cats over four months old to be vaccinated against rabies under Texas Health and Safety Code 826.021, but the unincorporated county has no leash law for cats, allowing outdoor and community cat populations through TNR programs administered by Animal Care Services.
Bexar County treats coyotes as non-game wildlife under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code 71.001, allowing landowner removal without permit when coyotes threaten livestock, pets, or property, while emphasizing hazing and habitat modification through Bexar County Animal Care Services education programs.
Bexar County prosecutes animal hoarding under Texas Penal Code 42.092 (animal cruelty) and Texas Health and Safety Code 821 (seizure of cruelly treated animals), with Bexar County Animal Care Services and BCSO investigating complaints in unincorporated areas.
Bexar County does not mandate microchipping for privately owned pets in unincorporated areas, but Bexar County Animal Care Services microchips all adopted animals and strongly recommends owners register chips with national databases to facilitate lost pet recovery.
Bexar County does not regulate retail pet store sourcing in unincorporated areas, deferring to Texas Occupations Code Chapter 802 licensed-breeder rules and federal USDA APHIS oversight, with no countywide ban on commercial puppy or kitten sales as some Texas cities have adopted.
Bexar County does not impose mandatory spay-neuter on all pets, but Texas Health and Safety Code 828 requires sterilization of animals adopted from public shelters including Bexar County Animal Care Services, with enforcement through adoption contracts and veterinary follow-up.
Bexar County does not impose a hard pet-limit ordinance in unincorporated areas, deferring to nuisance, sanitation, and zoning rules under Texas Local Government Code 240, with Bexar County Animal Care Services responding to complaints when conditions exceed reasonable property capacity.
Wildlife rehabilitation in Bexar County requires a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rehabilitator permit under 31 TAC 69.45 plus federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service migratory-bird permits where applicable, with no separate county permit but mandatory facility inspections and species-specific authorization.
Construction noise in Universal City is generally restricted to 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, with Sunday and holiday work requiring special permission from the city.
Industrial and commercial operations in Universal City must not emit noise that unreasonably interferes with residential use, with enforcement through zoning performance standards and the general noise ordinance.
Outdoor live and recorded music in Universal City must comply with the general noise ordinance and stop by 10:00 PM unless a special event permit is granted.
Universal City prohibits habitual or prolonged dog barking that disturbs neighbors, especially during quiet hours. Owners can face citations after documented complaints and warnings from Animal Control.
Universal City relies primarily on a plainly audible standard rather than specific dBA limits, though zoning performance standards for commercial and industrial districts may reference measurable levels.
Universal City sits directly adjacent to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Military aircraft noise is exempt from local noise rules and is governed by the federal AICUZ program.
Universal City allows gas and electric leaf blowers during normal daytime hours but subjects them to the general noise ordinance and construction-equipment hours during early mornings and nights.
Amplified music audible beyond a property line in Universal City can trigger a noise violation at any time, with stricter enforcement between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM quiet hours.
Universal City enforces nighttime quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM under the city noise ordinance, prohibiting sounds audible at property lines during these hours. Randolph AFB activity is exempt.
Universal City fences must meet zoning height limits, sight-triangle rules, permit requirements, and pool barrier standards. Fences must be maintained in safe, upright condition.
Most residential fences in Universal City require a building permit from the Development Services department. Permits verify setbacks, height, and utility easement compliance before installation.
Pool fences in Universal City must meet IRC and Texas H&S Chapter 757 requirements: 48-inch minimum height, self-closing self-latching gates, and no climbable features within 4 feet.
Universal City allows fences up to 8 feet in rear and side yards and up to 4 feet in front yards. Corner lots and sight triangles have additional height restrictions.
Universal City fence rules address placement on or near property lines. Shared fences are a private matter under Texas common law, though good-side-out customs are widely expected.
Retaining walls in Universal City over 4 feet in height require a building permit and engineered design. Walls also need permits when part of drainage or slope stabilization near waterways.
Universal City allows wood, masonry, wrought iron, vinyl, and chain-link fences but restricts barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones.
Universal City requires smoke alarms in every new and substantially remodeled dwelling under its adopted 2015 IRC and IFC, with hard wired interconnected alarms on every level and inside each sleeping room.
Universal City requires property owners to keep lots free of high weeds, brush, and combustible debris under nuisance code provisions. Randolph AFB proximity makes wildland fuel reduction a priority.
Universal City bans the sale, possession, and discharge of consumer fireworks inside city limits under its municipal code, consistent with Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154 authority for incorporated cities.
Universal City is not mapped as a high risk WUI zone, but Texas A and M Forest Service identifies moderate wildfire potential along Cibolo Creek and eastern Bexar County buffers.
Universal City allows recreational backyard fires for cooking, warmth, and pleasure when they meet IFC 307 size and setback requirements and no Bexar County burn ban is in effect.
Universal City allows recreational fire pits under the 2015 IFC when kept small, fueled with clean wood, and sited 25 feet from structures. Randolph AFB airspace proximity increases scrutiny of smoke and embers.
Universal City prohibits outdoor burning of trash, leaves, and yard debris under TCEQ rule 30 TAC 111.209 applied to municipalities. Only small recreational fires for cooking or warmth are allowed.
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.
Universal City regulates weeds through its general nuisance and high grass ordinance, requiring owners to keep properties free of weeds over 12 inches and of noxious species that threaten public health.
Universal City requires property owners to keep grass and weeds cut to no taller than 12 inches under its nuisance ordinance, with 7 to 10 day notice before city abatement and lien.
Universal City requires property owners to keep trees trimmed to maintain 8 feet clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets, and to avoid pruning oak trees from February through June to prevent oak wilt spread.
Universal City does not prohibit residential artificial turf. Texas Property Code 202.007 limits HOA outright bans on turf used as part of a water conservation plan, though aesthetic standards may apply.
Universal City has no residential tree preservation ordinance for private lots, so homeowners may generally remove trees without a permit. New developments face mitigation under the subdivision code.
Texas Property Code 202.007 prevents HOAs from banning drought tolerant landscaping, and Universal City encourages native and xeriscape plantings through SAWS rebates. Oak wilt precautions apply to Live Oak planting.
Universal City water customers follow San Antonio Water System SAWS year round conservation rules tied to the Edwards Aquifer level, with progressively tighter watering schedules during drought Stage 1 through 4.
Texas Property Code 202.007 preempts HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting systems, and Universal City does not restrict residential rain barrels. SAWS offers rebates for qualifying rainwater systems.
Converting a garage into living space in Universal City requires a building permit, compliance with IRC egress and energy codes, and preservation of the required off street parking spaces under zoning.
Universal City allows carports as accessory structures with zoning setbacks and design standards. Front yard carports face stricter limits, and Randolph AFB area overlays may add height and material requirements.
Universal City requires any permanent dwelling to meet the adopted International Residential Code and zoning minimum lot and floor area. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and not permitted as permanent residences.
Universal City allows residential storage sheds in rear and side yards with setback and size limits. Sheds under 200 square feet typically do not require a building permit but still must meet zoning setbacks.
Universal City zoning does not include an accessory dwelling unit category for typical single family districts, so a second independent dwelling is generally not permitted by right. Randolph AFB height limits apply.
Universal City STR operators must collect 6 percent Texas hotel occupancy tax plus applicable local hotel taxes authorized under Texas Tax Code Chapter 351.
Universal City STRs should provide off-street parking for all guest vehicles and keep them off lawns, sidewalks, and blocked driveways.
Universal City STR operators should maintain commercial or short-term rental liability insurance, commonly with limits of 500,000 to 1,000,000 dollars.
Universal City STR operators should register with the city (if required) and with the Texas Comptroller for hotel occupancy tax before accepting bookings.
Universal City does not impose a statewide night cap on STRs, but some Texas cities limit total rented nights per year; verify local rules with the city.
STR occupancy in Universal City is typically tied to bedroom count and building code, commonly around 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants.
Short-term rentals in Universal City must comply with local registration, Texas hotel occupancy tax rules, and applicable zoning; contact the city to confirm STR permits.
Short-term rental operators in Universal City must follow citywide noise standards, typically with stricter nighttime limits from roughly 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
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.
Universal City permits Level 2 home EV charger installations with an electrical permit and adopts the National Electrical Code, while public charging stations are installed by CPS Energy and private operators.
Universal City generally allows on-street parking on public streets but prohibits parking on sidewalks, within 15 feet of fire hydrants, and in posted no-parking zones under Texas Transportation Code Chapter 545.
Universal City prohibits parking of large commercial vehicles, tractor-trailers, and heavy trucks in residential zones and on residential streets, with limited exceptions for active loading or service calls.
Universal City generally allows overnight on-street parking for residential vehicles but prohibits leaving any vehicle in one spot for over 24 hours and bans overnight parking of RVs and commercial trucks.
Universal City follows Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 to tag, tow, and dispose of abandoned vehicles left on public or private property for over 48 hours with notice requirements to owners.
Universal City requires driveways to be constructed of paved surfaces like concrete or asphalt, limits width at the curb, and mandates permits for new driveways or curb cuts on public streets.
Universal City restricts parking of RVs, travel trailers, and boats in residential front yards and public streets, typically requiring storage in the side or rear yard on a paved or approved surface.
Food trucks operating in Universal City need a mobile food vendor permit from the city plus a Bexar County mobile food establishment permit from San Antonio Metro Health District.
Universal City permits food truck operation primarily in commercial and mixed-use zones along Pat Booker Road and FM 78, with restrictions in residential areas and at events requiring special permits.
Carts must be at the curb with a minimum three-foot clearance, three feet from vehicles and mailboxes, and stored out of front-yard public view between collections to comply with property maintenance rules.
Universal City provides weekly residential trash collection through its contracted hauler. Carts must be at the curb by 7:00 AM on collection day and removed within 24 hours after pickup.
Universal City offers curbside single-stream recycling every other week. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, metal cans, and plastics 1 and 2. Glass and plastic bags are not accepted.
Universal City offers scheduled bulk waste pickup for residential customers on specified days. Items must be limited by volume and set out no earlier than 24 hours before collection.
Trash and recycling carts must be stored out of front-yard public view between collection days. Visible carts left at the curb for extended periods can result in property maintenance citations.
Garage sales in Universal City are limited in frequency and duration with signage restrictions. Sales are typically capped at a set number per year with no more than three consecutive days each.
Universal City prohibits junk accumulation, inoperable vehicles, high weeds over 12 inches, and structural dilapidation under its property maintenance and nuisance ordinances with progressive enforcement.
Universal City does not impose snow removal duties on property owners due to the mild South Texas climate. Owners must keep sidewalks clear of vegetation, debris, and trip hazards year-round.
Owners of vacant lots must keep weeds and grass below 12 inches, remove trash and debris, and secure the property against dumping. City can mow and lien nonpayers under state law.
HOAs in Universal City must follow Texas Property Code 209.00505 for architectural review, including written procedures, decisions, and appeals.
Under Texas Property Code Chapter 209, Universal City HOAs can levy assessments, apply payments per 209.0063, and must follow strict lien and foreclosure rules.
HOA CCR enforcement in Universal City must follow Texas Property Code Chapter 209 and respect state protections in 202.007 and 202.010.
HOAs in Universal City must follow Texas Property Code Chapter 209 dispute and hearing procedures before imposing fines, suspending rights, or suing owners.
HOA boards in Universal City follow Texas Property Code Chapter 209 procedures, including open meetings, written notice, and record retention for member review.
Universal City requires property owners to keep premises free of rodents, vermin, and insect infestations under its adopted International Property Maintenance Code, with code enforcement handling nuisance complaints.
Universal City requires building permits for scaffolding tied to construction work and adopts the International Building Code with OSHA safety standards for worker protection on all job sites.
Elevators in Universal City are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under TDLR elevator rules and require annual inspections.
Homes built before 1978 in Universal City are subject to federal EPA RRP lead-paint rules; contractors disturbing painted surfaces must be certified.
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.
Universal City zoning typically limits single-family lot coverage by buildings to 35 to 45 percent, with impervious surface caps that include driveways, patios, and accessory structures.
Universal City limits residential structures to 35 feet and 2.5 stories in most single-family districts, with additional FAA Part 77 height restrictions near Randolph Air Force Base.
Universal City zoning requires typical residential setbacks of 25 feet front, 10 feet rear, and 5 to 7.5 feet side yards in single-family districts, with larger setbacks along arterial streets.
Universal City operates under a Texas MS4 stormwater permit through TCEQ, prohibiting illicit discharges to storm drains and requiring construction site BMPs for any project disturbing one acre or more.
Universal City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, with FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas along Cibolo Creek requiring elevation, flood vents, and floodplain development permits.
Universal City requires erosion and sediment control on all construction sites that disturb soil, with silt fencing, stabilized entrances, and inlet protection required under the TCEQ construction general permit.
Universal City requires grading permits for projects moving over 50 cubic yards of soil and mandates drainage plans that preserve sheet flow and avoid concentrating runoff onto neighbors.
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.
Universal City treats excessive light spilling onto neighboring properties as a nuisance, and residents can file complaints with code enforcement for lighting that disrupts sleep or causes glare.
Universal City does not have a formal dark-sky ordinance but requires outdoor lighting to be shielded to prevent glare onto adjacent properties, especially important near Randolph AFB operations.
Texas Property Code Section 202.010 prohibits HOAs in Universal City from banning solar panel installations, though reasonable aesthetic guidelines on placement are allowed.
Universal City requires building and electrical permits for rooftop solar installations with review under the International Residential Code and National Electrical Code Article 690.
Universal City has no just-cause eviction ordinance. Texas Property Code Chapter 24 controls, allowing month-to-month terminations with 30 days written notice and no local reason requirement.
Universal City does not require general rental property registration. Landlords must comply with Texas Property Code 92 habitability rules and standard building and occupancy codes.
Universal City has no rent control because Texas Local Government Code Section 214.902 preempts cities from enacting rent control unless the governor declares a housing emergency approved by the council.
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.
Universal City parks close at dusk or 10:00 PM depending on the facility and reopen at dawn. Entering a closed park is criminal trespass and subject to Municipal Court citation.
Universal City has a juvenile curfew ordinance authorized under TX Local Gov Code 370.002. Minors under 17 are generally prohibited from public places between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM on weeknights.
Political signs on private residential property are protected under Texas Property Code 202.009 and generally cannot be banned by HOAs or cities. Size and placement limits still apply.
Garage sale signs must be posted on the sale property only and removed within 24 hours after the sale ends. Signs in the right-of-way are prohibited and removed by code enforcement.
Temporary holiday decorations on private residential property are permitted without a permit and are exempt from most sign regulations. Lighting must not create traffic hazards or nuisance glare.
Door-to-door commercial solicitors must register with the Universal City Police Department, obtain a permit, and display identification. Religious and political canvassing is exempt under the First Amendment.
Residents can post No Soliciting signs at their front door. Texas Penal Code 30.05 makes ignoring the sign criminal trespass, and city solicitor permits can be revoked for violations.
Recreational drone flight in Universal City is governed by FAA rules and Texas Government Code Chapter 423. Randolph AFB restricted airspace covers most of the city, requiring LAANC authorization.
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization for nearly all of Universal City due to Randolph AFB Class D airspace. TX Gov Code 423 adds surveillance restrictions.
Home cannabis cultivation is illegal in Universal City. Texas Health and Safety Code 481 prohibits all marijuana cultivation, with penalties escalating with plant count and weight.
Recreational and medical cannabis dispensaries are prohibited throughout Texas. Only three state-licensed TCUP organizations may dispense low-THC products, none of which are located in Universal City.
Bars in unincorporated Bexar County operate under TABC permits and TX Penal Code 42.01 with no local dBA. San Antonio combines Chapter 21 dBA limits, entertainment district rules, and TABC review.
Generators in unincorporated Bexar County are regulated only by TX Penal Code 42.01 and electrical permit rules. Emergency-outage use is broadly reasonable; San Antonio Chapter 21 dBA limits apply inside city.
Unincorporated Bexar County does not regulate HVAC noise; complaints rely on TX Penal Code 42.01. San Antonio Chapter 21 applies residential dBA limits at the property line to fixed equipment.
Sidewalks in Bexar County must stay clear of vehicles, bins, vegetation, and temporary structures. Obstructions blocking ADA passage can trigger county enforcement under state nuisance law.
Unincorporated Bexar County has limited sidewalks. Where they exist, adjacent property owners are typically responsible for repairs under state law and subdivision plats.
Privacy fences in Bexar County are generally allowed up to 8 feet in rear yards and 4 feet in front yards. San Antonio requires the finished side facing outward. Permits are required for masonry walls and fences over 8 feet.
Residential security cameras are legal in Bexar County without a permit. Texas allows video recording on your property and publicly visible areas. Cameras must not target private areas. Texas is a one-party consent state for audio recording.
Texas is a one-party consent state for audio recording. Only one party to a conversation must consent. Video recording in public is legal. Recording in private areas where individuals expect privacy is a state jail felony under Penal Code §21.15.
Renovation work involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC requires a building permit in Bexar County. Cosmetic work like painting and flooring does not. All construction documents must comply with the 2021 International Building Code.
In Bexar County, storage sheds under 120 square feet without electrical or plumbing generally do not require a building permit. Larger sheds require permits under the 2021 International Building Code adopted by the county in 2024.
Standard residential fences under 8 feet in Bexar County generally do not require a building permit. Masonry walls and fences over 8 feet require permits. Front-yard fences are limited to 4 feet in most residential zones.
Decks over 30 inches above grade require a building permit in Bexar County. Ground-level patios at grade generally do not require a permit. Covered patios and pergolas attached to the house may require permits depending on size.
Bexar County partners with Haven for Hope, the regional megashelter near downtown San Antonio, as the primary bridge-housing site. SARAH coordinates the Continuum of Care across roughly 50 partner agencies serving unhoused residents.
Bexar County has no ordinance prohibiting sitting or lying on public property in unincorporated areas. San Antonio's panhandling and obstruction rules apply only inside city limits, leaving most county sidewalks unregulated for sit-lie conduct.
Bexar County addresses homeless encampment sanitation through coordinated SARAH outreach plus Sheriff and Public Works response, not a standing ordinance. Cleanups are scheduled with notice and outreach contact before removal.
San Antonio Metropolitan Health District inspects restaurants countywide, including unincorporated Bexar County, under a joint city-county agreement, scoring facilities and posting inspection results online for public review.
Bexar County property owners must control rodents, mosquitoes, and other vectors on their land. Metro Health responds to vector complaints in San Antonio and unincorporated areas, and may abate nuisance conditions at owner expense.
Texas treats bed bugs as a habitability issue handled through landlord-tenant law rather than a county ordinance. Bexar County does not run a dedicated bed bug program but Metro Health may inspect under general nuisance authority.
Bexar County does not mandate healthy food retail standards, but Metro Health and partner programs offer voluntary corner store conversions and incentives in food-insecure neighborhoods to expand fresh produce access.
Bexar County residents must dispose of household sharps in approved rigid containers, never in regular trash or recycling. Several Metro Health and pharmacy drop-off sites accept used needles countywide.
Food employees in Bexar County must complete an accredited Texas food handler course within 60 days of hire and keep certification current. Metro Health enforces the requirement during routine restaurant inspections.
Bexar County cannot ban plastic carryout bags. The Texas Supreme Court in City of Laredo v. Laredo Merchants Association struck down local bag bans as preempted by the Texas Health and Safety Code container provision.
Bexar County does not restrict expanded polystyrene foam containers. Texas container preemption under TX HSC Section 361.0961 likely blocks local foam bans, mirroring the outcome for plastic bag ordinances.
Bexar County does not require restaurants to switch from plastic straws or to provide them only on request. Texas container preemption discourages local straw mandates, leaving the choice to each business.
Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161.0815 prohibits sale of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vapor products to anyone under 21 statewide, with a narrow exception for active military members 18 or older with valid ID.
Vape and e-cigarette retailers in Bexar County must hold a Texas Comptroller permit, follow Tobacco 21 age verification, and post required signage. Local zoning is limited but business licensing rules apply.
Bexar County does not ban flavored tobacco or flavored vape products. Texas has no statewide flavor ban, and Texas tobacco preemption discourages county-level prohibitions on menthol, mint, or fruit-flavored products.
Marijuana possession and use remain illegal statewide. Bexar County operates a cite-and-release program for low-level possession under TX Code Crim Proc Article 14.06, but public use can still lead to arrest and prosecution.
Public urination in Bexar County is enforced under Texas Penal Code Section 42.01 disorderly conduct, which includes exposing the anus or genitals in a public place. Convictions are typically Class C misdemeanors carrying fines up to 500 dollars.
Bexar County deputies enforce loud-party and nuisance gathering complaints under disorderly conduct, noise, and unruly gathering rules. Hosts of repeat loud parties in unincorporated areas can face citations, cost recovery for repeat responses, and civil nuisance abatement.
Texas Penal Code Section 49.02 makes public intoxication a Class C misdemeanor. Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code rules and local TABC permits govern open container enforcement on Bexar County roadways and in special events such as Fiesta and River Walk venues.
Bexar County follows state minimums under Texas Health and Safety Code 161 and supports city-level smoking ordinances. Smoking and vaping are restricted near hospitals, schools, public buildings, and inside many parks, with bans on smoking in vehicles carrying minors under 18.
San Antonio Water System enforces year-round lawn watering rules across most of Bexar County. Drought stages add tighter weekday windows. Hose-end sprinklers are limited to morning or evening hours on a single assigned day per address.
SAWS asks Bexar County customers to report visible water leaks promptly through its 24-hour line. Customers are responsible for leaks past the meter; SAWS handles main breaks and meter-side issues at no charge.
SAWS WaterSaver Landscape Coupons offer rebates when Bexar County customers replace high-water turf with drought-tolerant beds. Participation is voluntary, but the Edwards Aquifer reliance makes the program a major regional water tool.
SAWS operates one of the largest recycled water systems in Texas, serving the San Antonio River Walk base flow and major Bexar County industrial customers. Connections, signage, and cross-connection controls are governed by SAWS service rules.
Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 preempts Bexar County from setting a minimum wage above state law. The Texas minimum wage tracks the federal floor of 7.25 dollars per hour, leaving the county no authority to raise it.
Texas HB 4 of 2023 preempts local fair workweek and predictive scheduling ordinances. Bexar County cannot require employers to post advance schedules, pay predictability premiums, or grant offered shifts to existing workers.
Texas House Bill 4 of 2023, the Texas Regulatory Consistency Act, broadly preempts local labor regulation. Bexar County cannot require private employers to provide paid sick leave, paid family leave, or other paid time off beyond state and federal law.
Bexar County has only narrow zoning power under Texas Local Government Code 240. Most land-use control in unincorporated areas runs through subdivision platting, the Unified Development Code's regional pieces, and Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone rules, not full zoning.
Northern Bexar County sits over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. Development there faces TCEQ Edwards Rules, impervious cover caps, and Bexar County Public Works review beyond ordinary subdivision platting under Local Government Code 232.
Shared dockless scooters operate primarily inside San Antonio city limits, not unincorporated Bexar County. The City of San Antonio regulates fleet caps and downtown rules; county roads have no scooter share program.
Bexar County follows Texas Transportation Code rules for bicycles on roadways. Cyclists ride with traffic, use lights at night, and may use the full lane when the lane is too narrow to share. Few unincorporated roads have dedicated bike lanes.
Bexar County does not require tree removal permits on most private property in unincorporated areas. Subdivision platting may trigger tree preservation review, and Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone projects face TCEQ-related canopy considerations.
Bexar County has no countywide heritage tree ordinance for private land. Heritage live oaks may be protected by subdivision plat notes, conservation easements with the Hill Country Conservancy, or HOA covenants rather than direct county regulation.
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 243 authorizes Bexar County to regulate sexually oriented businesses in unincorporated areas through location, hour, and licensing rules. The county requires permits, age 18 minimum, and significant separation from churches, schools, and homes.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1956 requires metal recycling entities and certain secondhand dealers in Bexar County to register with the Department of Public Safety, verify seller identity, and file daily transaction reports to deter theft and fencing.
Texas Finance Code Chapter 371 places pawnshop licensing under the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. Bexar County pawnbrokers must report transactions to the Sheriff, hold pledged property for set holding periods, and follow strict interest and recordkeeping rules.
Massage establishments and therapists in Bexar County must hold a license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation under Occupations Code Chapter 455. The county and Sheriff partner with TDLR on inspections, anti-trafficking checks, and zoning enforcement.
Texas Health and Safety Code Section 161.0815 sets the minimum tobacco purchase age at 21 and requires retailers in Bexar County to hold a tobacco permit issued by the Comptroller. Sales to anyone under 21 are prohibited, with limited military exceptions.
Under Texas Government Code Section 673, Bexar County agencies, public colleges, and state contractors with seven or more employees must enroll in the federal E-Verify system to confirm the work authorization of new hires.
Texas Senate Bill 4 of 2017 prohibits any county or city from adopting sanctuary policies. Bexar County and the Bexar County Sheriff must honor federal immigration detainers and cannot bar deputies from inquiring about immigration status during lawful detentions.
Bexar County defers to the Texas Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list. The region's most problematic invasive plants include giant reed (Arundo donax), Chinaberry, and ligustrum (privet). San Antonio has tree preservation ordinances but no separate prohibited plant list.
Bexar County and San Antonio do not have specific ordinances restricting bamboo. Texas state law does not regulate bamboo planting. Encroaching bamboo may be addressed under general nuisance ordinances or through civil remedies between neighbors.
Texas HB 1686 (2023) protects front-yard vegetable gardens across Bexar County. Neither municipalities nor HOAs can ban food production on residential property. San Antonio also supports water-wise gardening through SAWS conservation programs.
Bexar County Code Compliance handles violations in unincorporated areas and can be reached at (210) 335-6700 at 1948 Probandt St, San Antonio. Within San Antonio city limits, code enforcement is handled through 311 or the SA311 app.
Bexar County Code Compliance investigates complaints with initial inspections typically within 5-10 business days. A Notice of Violation is sent by certified mail with a compliance deadline. San Antonio 311 aims to respond within 3-5 business days for routine complaints.
Common violations in Bexar County include overgrown lots, junk vehicles, illegal dumping, substandard buildings, unpermitted construction, and zoning violations. San Antonio's code enforcement processes over 200,000 service requests annually.
Texas authorizes License to Carry (LTC) holders to carry concealed handguns statewide under Government Code Chapter 411. Since 2021, permitless constitutional carry under HB 1927 also allows most adults 21 and older to carry without a license, with municipalities preempted from added restrictions.
Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001 broadly preempts municipal regulation of firearms, ammunition, knives, and related accessories. Cities cannot adopt or enforce ordinances regulating the transfer, ownership, possession, transport, or discharge of firearms beyond narrow exceptions for discharge in densely populated areas.
Texas authorizes open carry of holstered handguns statewide for adults 21 and older under Penal Code 46.02 and HB 910 (2015). Long guns may be openly carried subject to disorderly conduct limits. Municipalities cannot impose additional open carry restrictions.
Texas Penal Code 46.02(a-1) lets any non-prohibited adult lawfully carry a handgun inside a personally-owned or leased motor vehicle or watercraft without a License to Carry, provided the firearm is not in plain view and the person is not engaged in criminal activity or gang membership.
Texas Local Government Code Chapter 212 and Agriculture Code Chapter 251 limit municipal authority to zone or regulate land qualified for agricultural use appraisal. Counties have no general zoning authority, and cities face restrictions on annexing or imposing land use rules on established farms.
The Texas Right to Farm Act, Agriculture Code Chapter 251, protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits and local regulations after one year of operation. SB 1421 (2023) significantly strengthened protections, preempting municipal ordinances that restrict generally accepted agricultural practices.