ADU Permit Online Portal Guide in San Antonio, Texas

Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in San Antonio, Texas — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.

Key Facts

Permit required
Yes
Submission method
Online
Typical fee range
$4,500 – $13,200
Review time
Varies by jurisdiction
Inspections
7 inspections required
VerifiedLast verified: Feb 15, 20262 verified sources

San Antonio Development Services Department

Verified

7-step online submission process — account registration required[1][2]

Open Portal

Step 1: Zoning Review

[3][4]

Request zoning verification letter to confirm ADU eligibility under San Antonio land development code. Note: Texas has no statewide ADU law; local code controls.

What You Need

  • Zoning Verification Letter

Portal steps may change without notice. Always confirm the current process at San Antonio's online portal.

Avoid rejections — generate a submission-ready packet

Get a personalized ADU permit packet for San Antonio, Texas — tailored to your project details.

  • Required forms: Building Permit Application, and more
  • Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
  • Fee breakdown: $1,500–$8,000 estimated total
  • Step-by-step San Antonio Development Services Department portal submission guide
  • Inspection prep checklist (7 items)
  • Personalized for your specific project details
Build My Permit Packet

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Required Documents

San Antonio requires the following documents for this permit application.

R

Building Permit Application

Completed City of San Antonio building permit application with project description and property information

R

Architectural Plans

Complete architectural drawings signed by a licensed Texas architect or engineer, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction specifications

R

Site Plan

Site plan showing lot boundaries, building footprint, setbacks, parking areas, utilities, and property access

R

Zoning Verification Letter

Zoning verification letter from San Antonio Development Services confirming current zoning and ADU eligibility

R

Structural Engineering Plans

Structural calculations and engineering design by a licensed professional engineer for foundation and structural system design

R

Utility Connection Plans

Plans showing water, sewer, electrical, and gas connections with separate metering information for ADU

Fees and Timeline

Fee Breakdown

FeeRangeConfidence
ADU Permit Fee$3,000 – $8,000Verified
Plan Review Fee$1,500 – $5,200Verified

Inspections Required

Foundation and footings inspection

Foundation and footings inspection

Framing and structural member inspection

Framing and structural member inspection

Electrical rough-in and separate service panel inspection

Electrical rough-in and separate service panel inspection

Plumbing rough-in and fixture inspection

Plumbing rough-in and fixture inspection

Mechanical systems and HVAC installation inspection

Mechanical systems and HVAC installation inspection

Fire separation wall and egress inspection (if applicable)

Fire separation wall and egress inspection (if applicable)

Final inspection for Code compliance and occupancy approval

Final inspection for Code compliance and occupancy approval

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

San Antonio Development Services Department

Last verified: February 15, 2026

2 sources referenced

Official page
Portal guide
Official page
San Antonio Planning and Development

Verified February 15, 2026

Fee schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a adu permit in San Antonio?
Yes. San Antonio requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
How long does adu permit approval take in San Antonio?
Processing times in San Antonio vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact San Antonio Development Services for current timelines.
What documents are required for a adu permit in San Antonio?
San Antonio requires 6 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Zoning Verification Letter, and others. See the full list above for details.
What happens if I build without a adu permit in San Antonio?
Building without a permit in San Antonio can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in San Antonio?
Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to San Antonio's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
How much does a adu permit cost in San Antonio?
ADU permit fees in San Antonio typically range from $4,500 to $13,200, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with San Antonio.

Related Permits

Ready to apply? Build your submission packet.

Answer a few project questions and get a adu permit packet for San Antonio, Texas — with every document, form, and fee organized for submission.

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