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San Antonio Building Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Last updated:
May 22, 2025
The construction pipeline in San Antonio, Texas is steady and growing. Whether you’re building single-family homes, managing commercial TI work, or installing HVAC equipment, the job can’t move forward until the permits are squared away.
This guide breaks down the essentials of San Antonio permitting so your team can spend less time navigating red tape — and more time on site.
Simplify permitting in San Antonio with PermitFlow. Learn more.
What requires a building permit in San Antonio?
The City of San Antonio requires permits for most new construction, renovation, or system work that impacts the structure, safety, or utility systems of a building.
Common projects that require a construction permit in San Antonio include:
- New construction: Residential and commercial buildings
- Additions: Expanding an existing structure, including garages and patios
- Interior remodels: Moving or removing walls, updating layouts, or adding new rooms
- MEP work: Installing or modifying mechanical (HVAC), electrical, or plumbing systems
- Roofing: Replacements or repairs involving decking or structural elements
- Accessory structures: Sheds over 200 sq ft, detached garages, or carports
- Fences: New fences or major replacements over 6 feet
- Demolitions: Full or partial removal of a structure
Always verify with the San Antonio Development Services Department (DSD) if you're unsure whether your project needs a permit.
Projects that may not require a permit
Some minor improvements or repairs may not require a permit:
- Cosmetic upgrades like painting, flooring, or cabinetry
- Fences under 6 feet in height
- Roof overlays without decking replacement
- Playground equipment or non-permanent yard features
- Temporary shade structures under a certain size
Still, it’s smart to check. If you’re ever in doubt, check this handy list of projects that don’t require a permit from the City of San Antonio. You can also contact the San Antonio permit office before beginning work.
San Antonio building permit fees
Permit fees in San Antonio vary — some are based on project square footage, others are charged as a flat fee. Below is a simplified overview of the city's published fees for common types of permits.
Pro tip: Check the city’s complete fee schedule for more details.
| Permit Type |
Fee Structure |
| Building Permits (Residential & Commercial) |
$5.00 per $1,000 of job valuation (minimum fee: $82.50) |
| Electrical Permit |
Base fee: $82.50 + additional charges depending on scope (e.g., circuits, panels) |
| Mechanical Permit |
Base fee: $82.50 + per unit/device fees |
| Plumbing Permit |
Base fee: $82.50 + per fixture/connection fees |
| Demolition |
$165.00 for residential; commercial varies based on structure size |
| Plan Review |
50% of permit fee (applies to most building permit applications) |
| Reinspection Fee |
$65.75 per reinspection |
| Residential Swimming Pool |
$360 |
| Foundations |
$160 |
| Residential fence permit |
$25 |
| Residential re-roof permit |
$25 |
How long do building permits last in San Antonio?
Most building permits issued by the City of San Antonio are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If no inspections are scheduled within that period, the permit may expire. You can request an extension prior to expiration, but additional fees may apply.
San Antonio building permit application process
Here’s a step-by-step guide for navigating the city of San Antonio building permits process:
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Review your scope of work to identify which permits you’ll need — building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or others. San Antonio’s Permit Guide can help you determine specific requirements for your project type.
Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation
Depending on the complexity of your project, you’ll likely need:
- A completed permit application
- Site plan or survey
- Construction drawings (architectural, MEP, structural)
- Energy compliance forms
- Engineering reports or calculations (for structural work)
Step 3: Submit application
The City of San Antonio accepts permit applications online, or in person at Development Services (1901 South Alamo, San Antonio, Texas).
If you want to apply online, use the San Antonio Permits Portal to upload your application and supporting documents. First-time users will need to create an account.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
Once your application is submitted, your plans will undergo a multi-departmental review. Common review groups include Building, Fire, Planning, and other relevant departments depending on your project's scope.
The review timelines vary based on project complexity:
- Same-day reviews:
- Projects such as minor repairs and those that don't require reviews by Health, Historic, Neighborhood, or Storm Water/Flood departments may qualify for same-day review.
- Minor projects:
- Interior finish-outs or remodels between under 8,000 sq. ft., additions up to 1,000 sq. ft., or new structures up to 1,000 sq. ft. typically have an average review time of 26 days.
- Complex projects:
- Interior finish-outs and renovations greater than 8,000 sq. ft., additions over 1,000 sq. ft., or new structures over 1,000 sq. ft. generally have an average review time of 70 days.
These timelines are averages and can vary based on workload and project specifics. For the most accurate estimate, we recommend that you consult directly with the Development Services Department or refer to the City of San Antonio's Average Time to Obtain a Building Permit.
Step 5: Permit issuance and inspections
After plans are approved and fees are paid, your permit will be issued. You’ll need to schedule inspections throughout the construction timeline — framing, MEP rough-ins, and finals are common checkpoints.
Pro tip: Reduce permitting timelines by investing in permit management software like PermitFlow. PermitFlow handles the permit preparation, submission, and tracking nationwide, across all municipalities you’re building in.
San Antonio permitting resources
Here are some helpful resources if you're navigating San Antonio permitting:
Contact information:
- Email: Contact form
- Phone: 210-207-1111
- Address: Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center (One Stop), 1901 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78204
- Hours: Monday - Friday: 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Streamline San Antonio permitting with PermitFlow
Managing permits in San Antonio can eat up valuable time — especially when you’re coordinating across departments or dealing with incomplete submissions. PermitFlow simplifies the entire process for builders, developers, and contractors.
With PermitFlow, you get:
- Pre-vetted research: We know exactly what the city needs to issue approvals fast.
- Application prep and submission: No more back-and-forth with missing documents.
- Status tracking: Stay up to date with real-time updates across all your permits.
- Fewer delays: Avoid costly rework and start breaking ground sooner.
Ready to simplify your next project in San Antonio? Talk to our permitting experts today.
The construction pipeline in San Antonio, Texas is steady and growing. Whether you’re building single-family homes, managing commercial TI work, or installing HVAC equipment, the job can’t move forward until the permits are squared away.
This guide breaks down the essentials of San Antonio permitting so your team can spend less time navigating red tape — and more time on site.
Simplify permitting in San Antonio with PermitFlow. Learn more.
What requires a building permit in San Antonio?
The City of San Antonio requires permits for most new construction, renovation, or system work that impacts the structure, safety, or utility systems of a building.
Common projects that require a construction permit in San Antonio include:
- New construction: Residential and commercial buildings
- Additions: Expanding an existing structure, including garages and patios
- Interior remodels: Moving or removing walls, updating layouts, or adding new rooms
- MEP work: Installing or modifying mechanical (HVAC), electrical, or plumbing systems
- Roofing: Replacements or repairs involving decking or structural elements
- Accessory structures: Sheds over 200 sq ft, detached garages, or carports
- Fences: New fences or major replacements over 6 feet
- Demolitions: Full or partial removal of a structure
Always verify with the San Antonio Development Services Department (DSD) if you're unsure whether your project needs a permit.
Projects that may not require a permit
Some minor improvements or repairs may not require a permit:
- Cosmetic upgrades like painting, flooring, or cabinetry
- Fences under 6 feet in height
- Roof overlays without decking replacement
- Playground equipment or non-permanent yard features
- Temporary shade structures under a certain size
Still, it’s smart to check. If you’re ever in doubt, check this handy list of projects that don’t require a permit from the City of San Antonio. You can also contact the San Antonio permit office before beginning work.
San Antonio building permit fees
Permit fees in San Antonio vary — some are based on project square footage, others are charged as a flat fee. Below is a simplified overview of the city's published fees for common types of permits.
Pro tip: Check the city’s complete fee schedule for more details.
| Permit Type |
Fee Structure |
| Building Permits (Residential & Commercial) |
$5.00 per $1,000 of job valuation (minimum fee: $82.50) |
| Electrical Permit |
Base fee: $82.50 + additional charges depending on scope (e.g., circuits, panels) |
| Mechanical Permit |
Base fee: $82.50 + per unit/device fees |
| Plumbing Permit |
Base fee: $82.50 + per fixture/connection fees |
| Demolition |
$165.00 for residential; commercial varies based on structure size |
| Plan Review |
50% of permit fee (applies to most building permit applications) |
| Reinspection Fee |
$65.75 per reinspection |
| Residential Swimming Pool |
$360 |
| Foundations |
$160 |
| Residential fence permit |
$25 |
| Residential re-roof permit |
$25 |
How long do building permits last in San Antonio?
Most building permits issued by the City of San Antonio are valid for 180 days from the date of issuance. If no inspections are scheduled within that period, the permit may expire. You can request an extension prior to expiration, but additional fees may apply.
San Antonio building permit application process
Here’s a step-by-step guide for navigating the city of San Antonio building permits process:
Step 1: Determine permit requirements
Review your scope of work to identify which permits you’ll need — building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or others. San Antonio’s Permit Guide can help you determine specific requirements for your project type.
Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation
Depending on the complexity of your project, you’ll likely need:
- A completed permit application
- Site plan or survey
- Construction drawings (architectural, MEP, structural)
- Energy compliance forms
- Engineering reports or calculations (for structural work)
Step 3: Submit application
The City of San Antonio accepts permit applications online, or in person at Development Services (1901 South Alamo, San Antonio, Texas).
If you want to apply online, use the San Antonio Permits Portal to upload your application and supporting documents. First-time users will need to create an account.
Step 4: Plan review and approval
Once your application is submitted, your plans will undergo a multi-departmental review. Common review groups include Building, Fire, Planning, and other relevant departments depending on your project's scope.
The review timelines vary based on project complexity:
- Same-day reviews:
- Projects such as minor repairs and those that don't require reviews by Health, Historic, Neighborhood, or Storm Water/Flood departments may qualify for same-day review.
- Minor projects:
- Interior finish-outs or remodels between under 8,000 sq. ft., additions up to 1,000 sq. ft., or new structures up to 1,000 sq. ft. typically have an average review time of 26 days.
- Complex projects:
- Interior finish-outs and renovations greater than 8,000 sq. ft., additions over 1,000 sq. ft., or new structures over 1,000 sq. ft. generally have an average review time of 70 days.
These timelines are averages and can vary based on workload and project specifics. For the most accurate estimate, we recommend that you consult directly with the Development Services Department or refer to the City of San Antonio's Average Time to Obtain a Building Permit.
Step 5: Permit issuance and inspections
After plans are approved and fees are paid, your permit will be issued. You’ll need to schedule inspections throughout the construction timeline — framing, MEP rough-ins, and finals are common checkpoints.
Pro tip: Reduce permitting timelines by investing in permit management software like PermitFlow. PermitFlow handles the permit preparation, submission, and tracking nationwide, across all municipalities you’re building in.
San Antonio permitting resources
Here are some helpful resources if you're navigating San Antonio permitting:
Contact information:
- Email: Contact form
- Phone: 210-207-1111
- Address: Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center (One Stop), 1901 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78204
- Hours: Monday - Friday: 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Streamline San Antonio permitting with PermitFlow
Managing permits in San Antonio can eat up valuable time — especially when you’re coordinating across departments or dealing with incomplete submissions. PermitFlow simplifies the entire process for builders, developers, and contractors.
With PermitFlow, you get:
- Pre-vetted research: We know exactly what the city needs to issue approvals fast.
- Application prep and submission: No more back-and-forth with missing documents.
- Status tracking: Stay up to date with real-time updates across all your permits.
- Fewer delays: Avoid costly rework and start breaking ground sooner.
Ready to simplify your next project in San Antonio? Talk to our permitting experts today.
