Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted shed: $100–$350 estimated city fees for a permitted shed (over 200 sq ft; structures ≤ 200 sq ft without utilities typically require no building permit fee)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential building permit + plan review (sheds over 200 sq ft) | $100–$350 (estimated range) | Fees are calculated based on project valuation using the DSD Fee Schedule. Sheds exempt from the building permit requirement incur no building permit fee. Verify current amounts on the official DSD fee schedule at sanantonio.gov/DSD. |
| Electrical permit | $75–$200 (estimated range) | Required if the shed has any electrical wiring, outlets, lighting, or a subpanel, regardless of shed size. Must be pulled by a licensed electrical contractor or the homeowner under the homeowner exemption. |
| Plumbing permit | $75–$200 (estimated range) | Required if the shed includes any plumbing fixtures. Must be pulled by a licensed plumber or the homeowner under the homeowner exemption. |
| Inspection fees | Included | Foundation, framing, and final inspections are included under the building permit. Electrical and plumbing permits have their own inspection stages. |
| Historic / RIO Certificate of Appropriateness | No fee (most residential) | Required if the property is in a designated historic district or River Improvement Overlay. Applications are reviewed by the Office of Historic Preservation. |
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Conditions
The rules that apply
- One-story accessory structures (storage sheds, tool sheds, playhouses) of 200 square feet or less, without electrical or plumbing, are exempt from the San Antonio building permit requirement under the 2021 IRC § R105.2 as adopted by the City of San Antonio.
- A residential building permit is required for any shed with a floor area greater than 200 square feet.
- A residential building permit is required for any shed taller than one story or exceeding the height limits in the Unified Development Code (UDC) for the applicable zoning district.
- An electrical permit is required for any shed with wiring, outlets, lighting, or a subpanel — regardless of the shed's size or exemption from the building permit.
- A plumbing permit is required for any shed with a sink, toilet, hose bib, or other fixtures — regardless of the shed's size.
- Permit-exempt sheds must still comply with Unified Development Code setback requirements — typically rear/side setbacks of 5 feet in most standard residential (R-4, R-5, R-6) zoning districts.
- Sheds may not be placed within the required front yard, over easements (drainage, utility, access), or inside floodplain overlay areas without additional review.
- Properties located in a locally designated historic district or River Improvement Overlay (RIO) require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Office of Historic Preservation before any accessory structure work.
- HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) may impose stricter size, setback, material, or placement requirements and are enforced separately from the City's rules.
Documents
What you'll need to file
- Completed residential building permit application through the BuildSA online portal.
- Site plan drawn to scale showing property lines, existing structures, setbacks, easements, and the proposed shed location and dimensions.
- Floor plan and elevation drawings showing shed dimensions, height, roof pitch, wall and roof materials, and door/window locations.
- Manufacturer's installation instructions and engineering documents for prefabricated shed kits.
- Foundation plan showing slab, pier, or skid design appropriate for the shed size and soil conditions.
- Property survey or recorded plat if the shed is near a rear or side setback line, easement, or shared property boundary.
- Certificate of Appropriateness from the Office of Historic Preservation for properties in a historic district or RIO overlay.
- HOA approval documentation if required by subdivision CC&Rs.
- Homeowner authorization if a contractor files on the owner's behalf.
Process
How the permit process works
Sequential — each step gates the next.
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Determine whether your shed requires a permit Check size, height, and utility plans. Sheds ≤ 200 sq ft, one story, with no electrical or plumbing are generally exempt from the San Antonio building permit. Larger sheds, multi-story sheds, or sheds with utilities require a building permit. Electrical and plumbing permits are required separately for any wiring or fixtures regardless of building permit status.
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Confirm zoning setbacks and lot coverage Check your property's zoning district in the UDC. Standard residential districts typically require rear/side setbacks of 5 feet for accessory structures. Confirm allowable lot coverage and placement rules with the Development Services Department before placing the shed.
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Check for easements and overlays Verify the shed location is clear of drainage, utility, and access easements. If the property is in a historic district or River Improvement Overlay (RIO), obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Office of Historic Preservation before applying.
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Prepare your site plan and drawings Draw a scaled site plan showing the lot boundary, existing structures, setbacks, and the shed's footprint. Include elevation drawings showing shed height, roof pitch, and materials. For larger or utility-equipped sheds, include foundation and framing details.
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Submit through the BuildSA portal Log in to BuildSA at aca.sanantonio.gov (Accela Citizen Access), start a new residential permit application, and select the accessory structure project type. Upload your plans and pay the initial fee. Add electrical or plumbing sub-applications if applicable.
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Respond to plan review comments DSD plan reviewers may request revisions to setback dimensions, structural details, or foundation design. Respond promptly through BuildSA.
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Receive permit and begin construction Download the issued permit and keep it accessible at the job site. Do not start permitted work until the permit is issued. For exempt sheds, confirm setback compliance before breaking ground.
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Schedule and pass required inspections Request inspections through BuildSA at the required stages — typically foundation/slab, framing, and final. Electrical and plumbing permits have their own inspection stages. Do not cover framing or utility rough-in work before inspection.
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Close out the permit After the final inspection passes, the permit is closed. Retain all documentation for insurance, title review, and future resale.
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Tools & materials
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Provenance
Code basis & official sources
Last verified 2026-04-17.
2021 International Residential Code (IRC) § R105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit) as adopted by the City of San Antonio, with local amendments; San Antonio Unified Development Code (UDC) Chapter 35 (Article III — zoning and accessory structure standards including § 35-371 for accessory uses and § 35-516 for setbacks).
Residential permit page: https://aca.sanantonio.gov/
If you skip the permit
- San Antonio DSD Code Enforcement can issue a stop-work order if unpermitted shed construction is discovered.
- Civil penalties can accumulate daily until the violation is resolved through an after-the-fact permit or removal of the structure.
- After-the-fact permits may require opening or removing completed work to verify foundation design, structural connections, and utility installations.
- Insurance claims involving shed damage or liability may be complicated or denied if the structure was unpermitted.
- Unpermitted sheds in setbacks or on easements can derail real estate transactions and may require removal at the seller's expense.
- Historic district or RIO violations can trigger mandatory removal orders from the Office of Historic Preservation.
- Unpermitted electrical work creates fire and safety hazards with no inspector verification.
FAQ
Common San Antonio shed permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed in San Antonio, TX?
It depends on size and utilities. A shed of 200 square feet or less, one story, and without electrical or plumbing is generally exempt from San Antonio's building permit under the 2021 IRC § R105.2 as adopted by the City. Larger sheds, multi-story sheds, or sheds with utilities require a permit. Regardless of permit status, sheds must comply with Unified Development Code setback rules.
What is the maximum shed size without a permit in San Antonio?
One-story accessory structures of 200 square feet or less used as storage sheds, tool sheds, or playhouses are exempt from the San Antonio building permit requirement if they contain no electrical or plumbing. You still must comply with UDC zoning setbacks — typically 5 feet from rear and side property lines in standard residential zones.
What are the setback requirements for a shed in San Antonio?
Accessory structures in standard San Antonio residential zoning districts (R-4, R-5, R-6) are generally required to be set back at least 5 feet from rear and side property lines and must be located in the rear yard. Exact setbacks vary by zoning district and overlay. Verify your specific zoning through DSD before placing a shed.
Does adding electricity to my shed require a permit in San Antonio?
Yes. Any electrical work — including outlets, lighting, or a dedicated circuit — requires a separate electrical permit regardless of whether the shed itself is exempt from the building permit. An electrical inspection is required before work is closed out.
Does adding plumbing to my shed require a permit?
Yes. Any plumbing fixtures — including a hose bib, utility sink, or toilet — require a separate plumbing permit. A plumbing inspection is required before any concealed work.
How much does a shed permit cost in San Antonio?
Building permit fees for a permitted shed (over 200 sq ft) are based on project valuation and typically run $100–$350 in city fees. Electrical permits add roughly $75–$200 depending on scope; plumbing permits are similar. Sheds exempt from the building permit incur no building permit fee. Verify current fees on the DSD fee schedule at sanantonio.gov/DSD.
How long does it take to get a shed permit in San Antonio?
Plan on 10 to 20 business days for plan review after a complete application, with total project timing of roughly 3 to 6 weeks including inspections. Permit-exempt sheds can proceed immediately after confirming setbacks. Historic district or RIO reviews and incomplete applications can add time.
Can I place a shed in my front yard in San Antonio?
Generally no. Most San Antonio residential districts require accessory structures to be placed in the rear yard, not within the front yard setback. Check your specific zoning through the Development Services Department before placing a shed.
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Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal advice. Rules change; verify with San Antonio permitting staff before you build.