Do you need a permit for a deck in San Antonio?
It depends on the project. San Antonio exempts some decks from a building permit and requires one for the rest1; the exemption's limit is 300 square feet, with the conditions in the city's wording below.
On this page
Depends on size or scope
San Antonio's rule“More than 300 sq. ft. OR more than 30” above grade OR attached to dwelling OR serves a required exit door.”1
City of San Antonio, Development Services Department, General Building Setback Requirements table, row "Deck or Handicap Ramp", column…
Where San Antonio names decks“Uncovered decks accessory to one-and two-family dwellings not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve a required exit door.”2
City of San Antonio, Development Services Department, Sec. 10-6(e)(1)o
Which permits you need
| Permit | Required when | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit | Uncovered deck over 300 sq ft, more than 30 in above grade at any point, attached to a dwelling, or serving a required exit door | Uncovered decks accessory to one-and two-family dwellings not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve a required exit door.2 |
| Electrical permit | Any lighting, receptacles, water/drain lines or gas lines | Any lighting, power receptacles, sinks with water and drain lines, and or gas lines to equipment require separate trade permits with fees and inspections.3 |
Limits and conditions in San Antonio's rule
Each limit sits next to the sentence it comes from; the conditions in that sentence are part of the rule.
| Rule | Value | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Exempt up to this area | 300 square feet | Uncovered decks accessory to one-and two-family dwellings not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve a required exit door.2 |
| Exempt up to this height above grade | 30 inches | Uncovered decks accessory to one-and two-family dwellings not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve a required exit door.2 |
| Attached to the house: permit required? | Yes | Uncovered decks accessory to one-and two-family dwellings not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve a required exit door.2 |
| Serves a required exit door: permit required? | Yes | Uncovered decks accessory to one-and two-family dwellings not exceeding three hundred (300) square feet in area, that are not more than thirty (30) inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve a required exit door.2 |
Zoning rules: separate from the building permit
A project can be exempt from one and still need the other (zoning vs building permits).
| Zoning rule | Value | The city’s wording |
|---|---|---|
| Side and rear setback | Front 10 ft, side 5 ft, rear 20 ft (attached) / 5 ft (detached) | Deck or Handicap Ramp 10 ft 5 ft 20 ft (attached) / 5 ft (detached)…1 |
What to submit
- Small decks: detailed site plan and construction details3
- Large decks (>1,000 sq ft or 2-story): engineered/architect plans3
Who can apply
- Homeowner who will live in the home more than 12 months; otherwise a licensed contractor3
- Licensed contractor if selling short term3
Deck permit fees in San Antonio
Fee lines as San Antonio's schedule states them. A minimum or base fee is not the whole price when the line says the fee grows with project value.
| Fee | Type | As the schedule states it |
|---|---|---|
| Carport Covers and Decks Fee | Flat fee | Carport Covers and Decks Fee $184.004 |
San Antonio’s schedule adds, unless a line says otherwise, a 4% Technological Improvement surcharge and a 4% Development Services surcharge to every fee, and a $11.50 Convenience Fee for applications not submitted online.
All of San Antonio's fee lines are on the San Antonio permit page.
Inspections
- Foundation and framing (decks under 48 in) or engineer/architect letter3 Online anytime through BuildSA, or by phone 210-207-1111 during business hours5
- Engineer/Architect letter for decks 48 in and higher3
- Final inspection3
Review time
Small decks: normally one to two days; large decks: first technical review 2-3 days3. This is the department's published figure, not a guarantee.
Special areas and extra reviews
- Zoning or historic preservation review possible3
Who to ask
Development Services Department (DSD)6
Building permits
- Apply online
- aca-prod.accela.com7
- Phone
- (210) 207-11115
- Address
- Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center (One Stop), 1901 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 782045
- Hours
- Monday - Friday: 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.5
- Inspections
- Online through BuildSA anytime, or by phone 210-207-1111 during business hours5
Deck permit rules in other cities
Rules differ from city to city. Compare San Antonio with 18 other cities on the national deck permit guide, or go straight to one:
- New York City, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Charlotte, NC
- Columbus, OH
- Indianapolis, IN
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Philadelphia, PA
- Austin, TX
Sources
- Residential Improvements Permit ApplicationCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised September 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Chapter 10 Building-Related Codes (2024 International Building-Related Codes), City Code of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentEffective May 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Information Bulletin 151: Residential Deck Permits and Handicapped Accessible Ramp PermitsCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised May 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- FY 2027 Development Fee ScheduleCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised October 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Contact & Connect - City of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Residential Permits - City of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Information Bulletin 110: Accessing Information, Plan Review Comments, Inspections OnlineCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised April 2025Checked November 7, 2026