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San Antonio fence permit and height rules
Summarised from the city's own fence fact sheet. The city has the final word.
| Rule | City of San Antonio |
|---|---|
| When a permit is needed | To build a fence, or to repair more than 25% of an existing one. Repairing 25% or less is exempt. |
| Permit fee | $26.50 through the city's online portal, $36.50 in person |
| Front yard height | 3 feet if solid; 5 feet if predominantly open |
| Side and rear yard height | 6 feet. 8 feet is allowed in listed cases, such as a pool, a 4-foot grade difference, or a lot backing onto an alley, railroad, busy street, or commercial or multi-family property |
| Corner lots | No fence in the clear-vision area, measured 25 feet in each direction from the street curb |
| Allowed materials | Wood, chain link, brick, stone, concrete block, masonry, precast concrete panels, decorative wrought iron |
| Not allowed | Barbed wire, razor wire, sheet metal, corrugated metal, particle board, or any material not made for fencing |
| Who can pull the permit | The homeowner, or a contractor registered with the city. A permit is valid for 6 months |
Source: City of San Antonio Development Services fence fact sheet (June 2024) and residential fence permit application. Rules change; confirm with the city before building.
How to get the permit
- Check whether your home is in a historic district or has an HOA.
- Apply through the city's online permit portal, or in person at Development Services.
- The homeowner or a contractor registered with the city can apply.
- Build within 6 months, while the permit is valid.
Historic districts
Homes in a historic district need approval from the Office of Historic Preservation before building. Its guidelines are stricter on front-yard fences than the general rules above.
If the rules do not fit your lot
A variance can be requested from the Board of Adjustment. The city lists a fee of $400 for a homestead and a typical time of 30 to 45 days.
Before digging
Contact 811 at least two business days before digging post holes so buried utility lines can be marked. It is free.
Fences between neighbours
Texas has no law making a neighbour share the cost of a boundary fence. Unless you both agree, the owner who wants the fence pays for it.
Pools
Pool barrier rules for single-family homes come from local code. Tell the fence company the fence encloses a pool so the height and gate latch meet the rule.