San Antonio has limited ADU allowances, primarily in certain zoning districts. The city is less progressive on ADU regulations than Austin or Dallas, requiring careful site analysis to verify compatibility with local zoning.
Zoning & Size Requirements [1]
| Allowed Zones | Selected residential zones only |
| Max Size (Detached) | 800 sq ft |
| Max Size (Attached) | Not typically allowed |
| Max Size (JADU) | Not allowed |
| Max Height | 30 feet |
| Max Units | 1 ADU per lot |
Setback Requirements [1]
| Rear Setback | 20 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Front Setback | 25 feet |
| Parking Required | 2 spaces |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Min Lot Size | 7,500 sq ft |
Permit Process & Fees
| Approval Process | Conditional use permit required |
| Review Timeline | 90-120 days |
| Permit Fees | $4,000-$6,500 |
| Impact Fees | $1,200-$2,200 |
| Plan Check | 4-6 weeks |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Not available |
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Construction Costs [2][3]
| Average Build Cost | $110,000-$220,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $140-$275 |
| Garage Conversion | $50,000-$130,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $75,000-$170,000 |
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Rental Income Potential [4][5]
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $1,050-$1,550/mo |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $1,300-$1,950/mo |
| Short-Term Rental | Not permitted |
| Est. Annual ROI | 5-7% annual return |
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Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- Austin ADU ordinance expansion (2026): Larger units allowed on smaller lots
- Houston no-zoning ADU policy updated: Streamlined permitting for garage conversions
- San Antonio ADU pilot program results: 200+ permits issued, program made permanent
- Texas legislature considering statewide ADU preemption bill (HB 2345) for 2026
Tips for Building an ADU in San Antonio
- San Antonio requires conditional use permits; factor 90+ day timeline into plans
- Verify your specific zoning district; many zones don't allow ADUs
- Neighborhood compatibility considerations are heavily weighted in approval
- Strong rental market in central areas; location matters significantly for ROI
Sources & References
All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.
- ADU Permits — City of San Antonio Planning Department — Accessed 2026-02-24
- HomeAdvisor — ADU Construction Cost Data Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Angi — Local ADU Contractor Costs Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Zillow Rental Manager — Market Rent Data Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- HUD Fair Market Rents Government Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- San Antonio UDC § 35-371 — Accessory Dwellings Municipal Code — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Texas Local Government Code — Land Use Regulations Government Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
Frequently Asked Questions
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