Alamo City Lawn & Stone
Here is the short answer. Everyday landscaping in San Antonio, like planting beds, laying sod, and mulching, needs no permit. A permit comes into play when the work becomes structural or touches the water supply: retaining walls over 4 feet (or shorter walls carrying a load), any new fence or a repair covering more than 25 percent of an existing fence, decks over 300 square feet or more than 30 inches off the ground, every underground irrigation system, and tree removal or land clearing on property being developed. We permit these projects across San Antonio every week, and this guide covers what the City of San Antonio Development Services Department (DSD) actually requires. This is general guidance, not legal advice. Lots in historic districts, flood zones, or conservation districts get extra review, so confirm your project with Development Services before you dig.
Last Updated: July 2026
Retaining Walls
Per the City’s Information Bulletin 171, a retaining wall is exempt from permitting if it is 4 feet or less in height along its entire length, measured from grade at the front of the wall to the top, and carries no surcharge. A surcharge means extra load, such as retained soil sloping steeper than 3:1, a driveway, a foundation, or an attached solid fence. Walls over 4 feet, and shorter walls with a surcharge, need a permit designed by a Texas licensed professional engineer. One carve-out: on an established residential lot, a wall of 4 feet or less whose only surcharge is a wood or similar fence stays exempt (the fence still needs its own permit). Even exempt walls require a separate tree affidavit or tree permit.
Fences
The City’s Residential Fence Permit FAQ is clear: a fence permit is required for any new fence, or when you repair or replace more than 25 percent of an existing one. Height limits are 6 feet in side and rear yards, and in the front yard 5 feet for chain link or wrought iron but only 3 feet for a solid fence. Fences up to 8 feet are possible in limited situations under Information Bulletin 223. The permit is inexpensive ($26.50 online at last published rates) and usually issues within days.
Patios, Decks, and Hardscape
Under Information Bulletin 151, a covered or uncovered residential deck needs a permit when it exceeds 300 square feet or sits more than 30 inches above grade at any point. One-story decks up to 1,000 square feet use the simpler Residential Improvements Permit; anything larger or two-story uses the full Residential Building Permit. Homeowners may apply themselves if they will live in the home at least 12 months. For at-grade paver patios, walkways, and similar flatwork, check with the City of San Antonio Development Services Department before assuming no permit is needed.
Irrigation and Backflow Prevention
This one surprises people: per Information Bulletin 183, a DSD permit is required for all underground lawn irrigation installations and additions, inside city limits and in the 5-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction. Every system needs a proper backflow prevention assembly with a test report filed on the permit, plus a rain shut-off device. If chemicals are injected through the system, a reduced pressure assembly is mandatory. On top of the city permit, state rules enforced by the TCEQ require irrigation work to be done under a state irrigator license, and unlicensed irrigators can be ticketed.
Tree Removal
San Antonio’s tree preservation ordinance (UDC Chapter 35, Section 523) protects trees citywide and in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Per the City’s Tree Ordinance Fact Sheet.pdf), a significant tree is generally 6 inches or more in diameter at breast height (10 inches for certain listed species, 5 inches for small species), and a heritage tree is 24 inches or more. A tree permit or tree affidavit is required before any clearing, construction, or tree removal on regulated property. Good news for homeowners: at an existing home where all construction is complete, you can remove your own trees without a permit, though any contractor you hire must hold a city-issued Tree Maintenance License.
Grading and Drainage
Commercial site grading is permitted through the Commercial Project Application per Information Bulletin 235, and a tree affidavit or permit is required before clearing vegetation anywhere the tree ordinance applies. Flood zone work triggers Storm Water review. For residential regrading and drainage thresholds, check with the City of San Antonio Development Services Department before changing how water leaves your lot.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to plant trees, shrubs, or a new lawn in San Antonio?
No. Ordinary planting, sod, and bed work need no permit. Permits attach to structures, irrigation, and protected-tree removal.
Can I install my own sprinkler system?
The city permit and inspection still apply, and state licensing rules govern who may perform irrigation work, so plan on a TCEQ-licensed irrigator.
How tall can my backyard fence be without special approval?
Up to 6 feet in side and rear yards with a standard fence permit. Taller fences must fit the limited exceptions in Information Bulletin 223.
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*Method note: thresholds verified against official City of San Antonio Development Services documents (IB 171, IB 151, IB 183, IB 235, Residential Fence Permit FAQ, Tree Ordinance Fact Sheet) and the TCEQ landscape irrigation page, fetched July 2026. General guidance, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with Development Services at 210-207-1111.*
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