City of San Antonio fence permit
Do you need a fence permit in the City of San Antonio? Yes. The City of San Antonio requires a permit before you build a fence.
buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of San Antonio (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes. Start with your address.
Quick facts
- Permit required
- Yes source
- Fee
- $26.50 online or $36.50 in person source
- Side and rear yards
- Up to 6 ft source
- Front (street) yard
- 5 ft chain link or wrought iron, or 3 ft solid (front yard) source
- Corner lots
- Clear Vision requirements apply (Sec. 35-514); traffic or zoning approval may be needed source
- Distance from lot line
- Fence can sit on or inside the property line; setback requirements in UDC Chapter 35, Article III apply. source
- Not allowed
- Sheet metal, particle board, razor wire, and other materials not intended for fencing. source
- How to apply
- In person source
How to file for a fence permit in the City of San Antonio
Steps based on sanantonio.gov — Residential
- Answer Yes to 'Are you installing a new fence?' on the DSD Residential page and use the General Repairs permit.
- Complete the Fence Permit Application (Homebase Online Tool or in person).
- Apply online via the Citizen Access Portal or at the One Stop, 1901 S. Alamo.
- Pay the fee; permits are usually issued same day at the counter or within two business days online.
- Call 811 before digging.
- Paying
- $26.50 online or $36.50 in person
- Review time
- Same day over the counter; within two business days online
- Inspections
- No fence inspection required
Who to contact
Development Services Call Center
- Phone
- 210-207-1111
- Hours
- 7:45 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
- Address
- One Stop, 1901 S. Alamo Street, San Antonio, TX 78204
Contact from sanantonio.gov — Residential
What to submit
- Fence Permit Application
- Proof of ownership (homeowners)
Other rules to know
- Permit required for a new fence or when repairing/replacing more than 25% of an existing fence; no fence inspection required.
- Some exceptions allow up to 8 ft (see Information Bulletin 223).
- Historic district, flood zone and neighborhood conservation district fences need separate review.
- Fence rules page (FAQFences.pdf) was found via search; verify it is linked from the current DSD site.
Before you dig
Call 811 before digging post holes so underground utility lines are marked. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. Find your lot corner markers and keep the fence on your side of the line. County parcel maps can be off by several feet; if you're not sure where the line is, a licensed land surveyor can stake it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in the City of San Antonio, TX?
Yes. The City of San Antonio requires a permit before you build a fence.
How tall can a fence be in the City of San Antonio?
Side and rear yards: Up to 6 ft. Front (street) yard: 5 ft chain link or wrought iron, or 3 ft solid (front yard). Corner lots: Clear Vision requirements apply (Sec. 35-514); traffic or zoning approval may be needed.
How close to the property line can I put a fence in the City of San Antonio?
Fence can sit on or inside the property line; setback requirements in UDC Chapter 35, Article III apply.
How much is a fence permit in the City of San Antonio?
$26.50 online or $36.50 in person.
How do I apply for a fence permit in the City of San Antonio?
Answer Yes to 'Are you installing a new fence?' on the DSD Residential page and use the General Repairs permit. Complete the Fence Permit Application (Homebase Online Tool or in person). Apply online via the Citizen Access Portal or at the One Stop, 1901 S. Alamo. Pay the fee; permits are usually issued same day at the counter or within two business days online. Call 811 before digging. buildit.dog can turn a fence drawn on an aerial photo of your lot into a complete permit application package for the City of San Antonio (site plan, aerial photo and filled-in details) in a few minutes.
Who do I contact about a fence permit in the City of San Antonio?
Development Services Call Center. Phone 210-207-1111.
Sources
Summarized from the City of San Antonio's own ordinances, forms and permit pages. Each link opens the original.
Ordinance: Information Bulletin 223 / UDC Sec. 35-514
Work for the City of San Antonio? Help us keep this right
If anything on this page is wrong or out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Municipal staff reports are reviewed first. Please include a link to the current ordinance, form or fee schedule if you can.