Setback Requirements in San Antonio, TX (2026)
Front, side, and rear setback requirements by zoning district for San Antonio, TX. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Setbacks by Zoning District
| Zone | Front | Side | Rear | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-3 | 20 feet | 5 feet | 5 feet | San Antonio UDC R-3 (Single-Family Residential) — standard single-family zone. 20 ft front, 5 ft side and rear setbacks. |
| R-4 | 20 feet | 5 feet | 5 feet | San Antonio UDC R-4 (Single-Family Residential, medium density). Same setback pattern as R-3 with slightly increased density allowances. |
| R-5 | 15 feet | 5 feet | 5 feet | San Antonio UDC R-5 (Single-Family Residential, higher density). Reduced front setback allows closer-to-street placement. |
| R-6 | 10 feet | 5 feet | 5 feet | San Antonio UDC R-6 (Single-Family Residential, high density). Reduced front setback. Allows duplexes by right in some versions of R-6. |
| RM-4 | 20 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet | San Antonio UDC RM-4 (Multi-Family Residential, low density). Increased side and rear setbacks for multifamily use. |
| RM-5 | 20 feet | 10 feet | 10 feet | San Antonio UDC RM-5 (Multi-Family Residential, medium density). Allows mid-rise multifamily with appropriate setbacks. |
All setbacks measured from property line. Verify with City of San Antonio Development Services Department (DSD) before submitting permit applications.
Frequently 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 Zoning Code — Setback Requirements. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source