Texas / San Antonio

Fence Permit in San Antonio, Texas

By Mario Bailey Last verified 2026-06-17 · 2 official sources

Quick answer

San Antonio requires a building permit for residential fences over 6 feet in height. Fences 6 feet or under in side and rear yards generally do not require a permit. Front yard fences are typically limited to 3 feet. Permit applications are submitted through the BuildSA online portal at aca-prod.accela.com/COSA.

Permit required?

Sometimes, depending on the project.

Typical threshold: fences over 6 ft in height require a permit; fences 6 ft or under generally do not require a permit in San Antonio.

When a permit is usually needed

Before building any fence taller than 6 feet

Permit cost and what affects it

Fees are set by the locality and are not published here. See the official fee schedule or contact the office for current amounts.

Permit costs generally depend on the project valuation, the scope of work, and the inspections required. Ask the office how the fee is calculated for your specific project.

Where to apply

City of San Antonio Development Services Department

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a fence permit in San Antonio?
San Antonio requires a building permit for residential fences over 6 feet in height. Fences 6 feet or under in side and rear yards generally do not require a permit. Front yard fences are typically limited to 3 feet. Permit applications are submitted through the BuildSA online portal at aca-prod.accela.com/COSA. The typical threshold is fences over 6 ft in height require a permit; fences 6 ft or under generally do not require a permit in San Antonio. Always confirm with the office before starting.
How much does a fence permit cost in San Antonio?
Fees are set by San Antonio and are not published here. Contact the office for current amounts.
How long does a fence permit take in San Antonio?
Processing time for a fence permit in San Antonio varies by workload and project scope. Contact the City of San Antonio Development Services Department for a current estimate.
Where do you apply for a fence permit in San Antonio?
You can apply through the San Antonio permit portal or contact the City of San Antonio Development Services Department directly. The links are listed on this page.

Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-17 Report an error on this page

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