Fence Installation Permits in San Antonio

Local Rule

San Antonio Development Services Department; Unified

San Antonio requires a Development Services permit for new fence construction within city limits regardless of height, under Unified Development Code Section 35-514; only limited minor work is exempt. Height limits still apply: front-yard fences are capped at 3 feet if solid (wood privacy, masonry, precast concrete) or 4 feet if predominantly open (chain link, decorative wrought iron); side and rear yards allow up to 6 feet, extending to 8 feet where the lot abuts a commercial, industrial, or multifamily use, or where slope justifies it. Eight feet is generally the ceiling for a residential fence. Any solid screen fence built in excess of 8 feet requires certification by a Texas-licensed engineer that the foundation and support meet International Building Code wind-load standards. The standard residential fence permit fee is a flat $26.50.

Source · Verified September 2026

San Antonio Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Bexar County

San Antonio's own rule is shown above (Permit required). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

City of San Antonio / Bexar County

Texas has no statewide fence code, so the cities in Bexar County set the rules. A permit is typically required only for taller fences (over 6 to 7 feet) or front-yard fences over about 4 feet; a standard backyard fence usually needs none. Masonry fences and fences in a mapped floodplain often need a permit regardless of height, and neighbors are not required to share fence costs.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near San Antonio with a confirmed fence installation rule:

FAQs

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