How Much Does a Building Permit Cost in San Antonio, TX? (2026 Guide)
San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, and with that growth comes a lot of construction activity. Whether you're a general contractor working on new residential builds or a commercial builder tackling tenant improvements, here's what you need to know about building permit costs in San Antonio for 2026.
San Antonio Building Permit Costs at a Glance
San Antonio's permit fees are calculated based on project type, square footage, and complexity. The city uses a fee estimator tool rather than publishing flat rates.
Residential permit costs:
- Fees vary by project type and size
- Calculated based on square footage and scope of work
- Use the city's online fee estimator for accurate quotes
Commercial permit costs:
- Based on project valuation, square footage, building type, and location
- Projects in historic districts incur additional review fees
- Multi-departmental review (Building, Fire, Planning) can add fees
Where to Apply for a Building Permit in San Antonio
Permits are handled by the Development Services Department (DSD) at the Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center.
- Address: 1901 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78204
- Online portal: San Antonio Permits Portal
How Long Does It Take to Get a Building Permit in San Antonio?
- Minor repairs and simple projects: Same-day review available
- Standard projects: Multi-departmental review required
- Expedited review: Available for an additional fee
Permits are valid for 180 days from issuance.
Special Requirements to Know About
Historic districts: San Antonio has extensive historic districts. Projects in these areas face additional review requirements from the Historic Preservation Office.
Multi-departmental review: San Antonio routes permits through multiple departments (Building, Fire, Planning, and potentially Health, Historic, and Storm Water).