San Antonio, TX Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Specific Plans Overview (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning code
- SAMC Chapter 35 (UDC)
- Comp plan
- SA Tomorrow (2016)
- Sub-area plans
- Dozens of neighborhood plans
- Form-based zones
- Downtown corridors
- Review bodies
- Planning, Zoning Commissions
Summary
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.
(a) The owner of a tract of land located outside the limits of a municipality must have a plat of the subdivision prepared if the owner divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out:(1) a subdivision of the tract, including an addition;(2) lots; or(3) streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended by the owner of the tract to be dedicated to public use.(a-1) A division of a tract under Subsection (a) includes a division regardless of whether it is made by using a metes and bounds description in a deed of conveyance or in a contract for a deed, by using a contract of sale or other executory contract to convey, or by using any other method.(b) To be recorded, the p
Full Breakdown
San Antonio's UDC consolidates zoning, subdivision, and development standards in SAMC Chapter 35, originally adopted 2001 and continually amended. The SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan, adopted 2016, sets citywide growth strategy through 13 regional centers and corridors. Sub-area plans cover Downtown, Brooks, Midtown, Brackenridge, and dozens of neighborhood plans across all ten City Council districts. The UDC identifies base zoning districts (R-4, R-6, MF-33, C-1, etc.), overlay districts including Historic, Airport Hazard, and Military Lighting, and form-based districts in Downtown and along major corridors. Planning Commission and the Zoning Commission review rezoning, plats, and conditional uses before City Council action.
Violations & Fines
Zoning violations under UDC and SAMC trigger stop-work orders, daily fines up to 2,000 dollars under SAMC Chapter 6, and certificate of occupancy denial. Unpermitted use changes create disclosure obligations on resale and may void title insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Antonio's UDC?
Where do I find my neighborhood plan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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