San Antonio Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for San Antonio, TX. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
1,500,000
Total Zone Types
24
Planning Department
City of San Antonio Planning Department
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
Bexar County
Metro Area
San Antonio-New Braunfels
San Antonio Zoning System
The San Antonio zoning system includes 24 total zone classifications: 9 residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and others) and 3 commercial zones (C-1, C-2, C-3), as well as 2 mixed-use zones (MXD, TOD) and 3 industrial zones (L, I-1, I-2). San Antonio's zoning is governed by the Unified Development Code (UDC), administered by the Development Services Department (DSD). Unlike neighboring Houston, San Antonio has a comprehensive zoning ordinance. The UDC uses traditional residential zone codes (R-1 through R-6 and RM-4 through RM-6) with increasing density as the numbers rise. The city also uses 'secondary dwelling unit' as its local terminology for ADUs. San Antonio is the second-largest city in Texas and the seventh-largest in the US. Bexar County wraps the city. Texas has no statewide ADU law, so San Antonio regulations are entirely from local UDC provisions. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View San Antonio Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The San Antonio Building Department (City of San Antonio Development Services Department (DSD)) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (210) 207-1111 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the City of San Antonio Planning Department at (210) 207-7873. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Building Department
City of San Antonio Development Services Department (DSD)
(210) 207-1111
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build a secondary dwelling unit (ADU) on my San Antonio property?
Yes. San Antonio allows secondary dwelling units on most residential lots under the Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 35-311. The unit can be up to 1,000 sqft for detached units. No owner-occupancy requirement in most zones. You'll need a building permit from the Development Services Department (DSD). SAWS (San Antonio Water System) connection fees apply for new utility service.
What zone is my San Antonio property in?
Use the San Antonio GIS Zoning Map at gis.sanantonio.gov/DSD/ZoningMap to look up your property's zoning designation. The city uses R-1 through R-6 for single-family and RM-4 through RM-6 for multifamily residential zones. You can also contact DSD at (210) 207-1111 for zoning verification.
Are short-term rentals (Airbnb) allowed in San Antonio?
Yes, with registration. San Antonio requires STR registration for all rentals of 30 days or fewer. The fee is $200/year. Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs are allowed with registration. Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) must be collected. Your registration number must appear on all booking platform listings. Noise ordinance and occupancy limits apply.
Does San Antonio have historic district restrictions?
Yes. San Antonio has some of the strongest historic preservation rules in Texas. If your property is in a local historic district (King William, Lavaca, Government Hill, and others) or is a designated landmark, exterior alterations require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Design and Review Commission (HDRC). The process applies to all exterior changes including additions, new construction, and demolition.
What are the utility providers in San Antonio?
CPS Energy (City Public Service) provides electricity and natural gas for San Antonio. SAWS (San Antonio Water System) provides water and wastewater service. Both are city-owned utilities. CPS Energy handles interconnection for solar installations and offers net metering. New SAWS connections and impact fees apply when adding dwelling units.
Does San Antonio charge impact fees for residential development?
Yes. Unlike Dallas, San Antonio does charge impact fees for residential development. Fees depend on location and the type of utility connection required. SAWS (San Antonio Water System) charges connection fees for new water and wastewater service. Contact San Antonio DSD and SAWS for current fee schedules before planning a project.
Source: San Antonio Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 35-311 — Secondary Dwelling Units; library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source