The Department of Code Compliance enforces City codes and regulations that result in the protection of the health, safety and welfare of all citizens. The Department is responsible for enforcing the following codes:

***Disclaimer***

• vacant dangerous premises and structures
• junked vehicles
• weeded vacant lots
• zoning (Unified Development Code)
• illegal dumping
• minimum housing including unsanitary premises
• animals and fowl (does not include animals at large)
• barbed wire and fences
• certificate of occupancy
• front & side yard parking
• garage sales
• livestock permits
• alley and right-of-way violations
• vendors, hawkers and peddlers

To view the codes of ordinances for the City of San Antonio, click on the image below.

Codified through Ord. No. 94100, adopted June 14, 2001(Supplement No. 58).

SUMMARY

DANGEROUS PREMISES    

A vacant and dilapidated building may be considered a dangerous premise as defined in City code if the structure is seen as a threat to public health or safety. Depending on the condition of the property, City officials could order its demolition or cleaning and securing at the owner's expense. In addition the City may file a case in Municipal Court against the owner of the property.

Shown below is an example of what the Code Compliance Department is trying to achieve in neighborhoods all over San Antonio. This property had been in a state of disrepair for many years. A court case was filed against one of its' prior owners. It was eventually sold to someone who was willing to make the repairs.

back to top

JUNKED VEHICLES.

The City prohibits the keeping of a junked vehicle in ordinary public view. Any inoperable motor vehicle without a current safety inspection sticker or current license plate can be considered a junked motor vehicle. A $200.00 per day fine can be imposed on owners of junked motor vehicles and/or the vehicle could be towed and destroyed if the violation is not corrected within 10 days of receipt of notification.

 back to top

VACANT LOTS.

Allowing weeds, grass or brush to grow more than 12 inches high and/or allowing an accumulation of trash and debris is a violation of City code.  The City of San Antonio encourages all owners of vacant lots to keep them neatly mowed and cleared.

If your lot is overgrown in excess of 48 inches in height it may be cleaned without prior notice to the property owner regardless of its' location in the City! The City may clean the lot by private contractor at the property owner's expense! A lien can be placed on the property for the cleaning fees plus a $150.00 administrative fee.

Municipal Court Action. In addition to the above remedies, the City may also file a case against the property owner in Municipal Court.  If convicted, property owners face a fine of up to $2,000.00 per violation.

back to top

ZONING.

Zoning regulations have been made in accordance with a comprehensive plan to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the community. These regulations include provisions for the use of property and limitations upon the shape, bulk and location of buildings which occupy the land. It is a violation, for instance, to operate a commercial activity in a district designated for residential use. Violations carry a fine of up to $2,000 for failing to comply.

ILLEGAL DUMPING.