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.
UDC Section 35-310 and downtown form-based district rules let projects modify height, setbacks, floor-area ratio, parking, and density when developers reserve a percentage of units for affordable rents or ownership. The SA Affordable Housing Bond and Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP) coordinate density bonuses with city tax abatements through the Center City Housing Incentive Policy (CCHIP) and the Inner City Reinvestment Infill Policy (ICRIP). Typical thresholds set 60 to 80 percent area median income caps. Neighborhood Improvements Bond projects also leverage density bonuses for mixed-income development. Compliance is monitored by the Neighborhood and Housing Services Department, which audits affordability covenants and rent rolls annually.
Failure to maintain affordability covenants triggers loss of bonus entitlements, return to base zoning, and Neighborhood Housing Services enforcement including civil penalties and tax-abatement recapture. Misrepresented income certifications void deals and may expose owners to fraud claims.
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio's Unified Development Code (UDC), codified at SAMC Chapter 35, governs zoning, subdivision, and land use citywide. The SA Tomorrow Comprehensive ...
San Antonio, TX
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 ...
See how San Antonio's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.