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Do you need a permit for a swimming pool in San Antonio?

Yes. San Antonio requires a permit for a swimming pool1.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Which permits you need
  2. Limits and conditions in San Antonio's rule
  3. Zoning rules: separate from the building permit
  4. What to submit
  5. Who can apply
  6. Pool permit fees in San Antonio
  7. Inspections
  8. Special areas and extra reviews
  9. Who to ask
  10. Pool permit rules in other cities
  11. Sources

Yes

San Antonio's rule

Table row: Swimming Pools (PDF) · Site Plan Proof of Ownership Permit Issued over the counter1

City of San Antonio, Development Services Department, Homeowners table

Which permits you need

PermitRequired whenThe city’s wording
Building permitResidential swimming pool or spaSwimming Pools (PDF) | Site Plan Proof of Ownership Permit Issued over the counter…1
Electrical permitSeparate MEP permitsSeparate permits are required for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work.2

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.

RuleValueThe city’s wording
Pools exempt below this depth24 inchesPrefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than twenty-four (24) inches (610 mm) deep and do not exceed five thousand (5,000) gallons (18,925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.3

Zoning rules: separate from the building permit

A project can be exempt from one and still need the other (zoning vs building permits).

Zoning ruleValueThe city’s wording
Side and rear setback5 feetResidential swimming pool spa setbacks are 5’ side and 5’ rear to existing property lines.2
LocationNot permitted in front of the propertySwimming Pools and Spas are not permitted in front of the property.2

What to submit

  • Scaled site plan with barrier, alarms and self-closing gates labeled2
  • Barrier compliance agreement2

Who can apply

  • Homeowner may apply if they will own (occupy or rent) the home 12 months after completion2
  • Registered Home Improvement Contractor1

Pool 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.

FeeTypeAs the schedule states it
Residential Swimming Pool FeeFlat feeResidential Swimming Pool Fee $414.004

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

  1. Foundation inspection2 Online anytime through BuildSA, or by phone 210-207-1111 during business hours5
  2. Barrier inspection before filling2
  3. Final inspection2

Special areas and extra reviews

  • Construction fencing at least 3 ft during in-ground pool construction3
  • Safety cover alternative to barrier3

Who to ask

Development Services Department (DSD)1

Building permits

Website
sa.gov1
Address
Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center (One Stop), 1901 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78204
5
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

Pool permit rules in other cities

Rules differ from city to city. Compare San Antonio with 19 other cities on the national swimming pool permit guide, or go straight to one:

Sources

  1. Residential Permits - City of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Residential Swimming Pool or Spa Permit ApplicationCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised September 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  3. 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
  4. FY 2027 Development Fee ScheduleCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised October 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Contact & Connect - City of San AntonioCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Information Bulletin 110: Accessing Information, Plan Review Comments, Inspections OnlineCity of San Antonio, Development Services DepartmentRevised April 2025Checked November 7, 2026