With over 200 days of sunshine in San Antonio, you may have dreamed of either building a concrete patio or lounging outdoors on a newly built deck; but with any home improvement project, one of the first questions you want to ask is whether or not you need a building permit. Before you start buying lumber and laying down the groundwork for your deck, always ensure you know the codes and regulations for building in the Alamo City.
In most cases, a permit is required to build a deck in the city of San Antonio. There are circumstances where you might not need a permit to build; this will depend on your deck’s size and height. Be aware that certain areas have more permit requirements.
When attempting to tackle any home improvement project getting in contact with the city’s Department of Developmental Services is an excellent first step. San Antonio has a robust library of online resources for home remodeling and residential permitting on their website. It is always better to be safe and contact the city to make sure you are up to building code. This can become a real headache when you try to sell your home with a deck that is not up to code.
What’s the Process for Getting a Permit to Build a Deck in San Antonio?
If you plan to build your deck by yourself, you will need to tackle the permitting process by yourself. Before you move forward, you need to access your build. Depending on the proposed size of your deck, the process of getting a permit can be different.
Here are a couple of situations you might run into:
- Under 200 square Feet – If your build is under 200 sq. ft. and under 30 inches in height, then you may not need a permit at all.
- Above 200 sq. ft. but under 1000 sq. ft. – This would be considered a general repair, and you will need a general repair permit application.
- Over 1000 sq. ft. – Anything over 1000 sq. ft. is considered a new home construction and will need the appropriate permit application.
For both a general repair and new residential construction, you will need to have access to your site plan and proof of ownership. For most general repairs, decks under 300 sq. ft., you should be able to gain access to a permit over the counter at the permitting office. With new residential construction, you will need not only to show building plans, but you will also need to wait through a full plan review before you start building.
There is also the question of zoning that may need to be addressed. While you will find yourself dealing with just residential zoning in most cases, there are some other situations you should be aware of. The city has several zoning areas that divide the city.
There are also some other circumstances you should know about. Suppose you are located in a flood plain, for example. In that case, you will need your building plans to be reviewed by the Department of Developmental Services and have your deck approved by Public Works to ensure that it is safe from the stormwater and flooding possibilities. This is also the case with historic homes.
If you find your home is considered historic by San Antonio, you will need all permitted building projects to be approved by the Office of Historic Preservation. This office aims to maintain the rich cultural and architectural history of the Alamo city by safeguarding the charm and design the city is known for.
Generally speaking, here is an overview of what the permitting process looks like:
- Zoning – This step will help you determine if your home is platted in a residential zone.
- Applying for a permit – Depending on your deck’s size, this could mean a general repair permit or a new residential construction permit.
- Permit Review – If you apply for a new residential construction permit, you will need to wait for your building plans to be reviewed. This process can take, on average, 24 days.
- Inspection – Required at all stages of the build, the inspection is included in the cost of your permit application.
- Utility Release – Depending on your project’s size and scope, CPS may need to review your project before turning on access to power and utilities.
Important Numbers and Resources Before Building a Deck in San Antonio
When planning to build any new addition to your home, being aware of all the departments and resources can be a great way to get started. Here is a list of some of those resources that can help you in your plans to build a deck:
- City of San Antonio Department of Developmental Services – This department will be your go-to for permitting and reviews. They can be reached at 210-207-1111 and have a great website filled with information at gov.
- CPS Energy – The main power provider for the city, they can be reached at 210-353-2222 or their website com.
- Land Development Division – If you are unsure about what zone you are in, reach out to the Land Development Division at 210-207-0121.
- Department of Public Works – If you are on a floodplain, you will need to contact this office. You can get a hold of them at 210-207-8022 or their webpage on gov.
- Office of Historic Preservation – If you are in a historic home, or are wondering if you are, reach this office at 210-207-0035 or through their page on gov.
Working with these departments and making sure that you are applying for the proper permits and building up to code is essential to creating a deck that will be up to code and a fantastic addition to your home.
The process of building a deck can be complicated, let alone the actual permitting process. There is a lot to know and do throughout the build. Fortunately, there are some great options for you if a DIY project is not your style.
All Pro Decks and Patios: A Cost-Effective and Quality Alternative to Doing it Yourself
All Pro Decks and Patios has been offering that San Antonio area excellent and cost-effective deck installations since 2014. This family-centered business can provide you with a lot when it comes to planning and building a deck. If you are looking for professional installers to take care of your outdoor deck dreams, there is no better option in the area.
When it comes to designing and installing a new addition to your home, you always want to make sure you are going for quality of quantity. If you think about the wear and tear an outdoor deck gets over its lifetime, it makes sense to source not only quality materials but also gets professionals to plan and build if you are not up for the challenge.
Going with a licensed and bonded contractor that has a history in your community can be an excellent option too. Not only are installations most likely more cost-effective than you imagine, but they also come with peace of mind in knowing that all the work of getting permits, buying supplies, and installation are taken care of by a team you can trust.
What do All Pro Decks and Patios in San Antonio Offer?
All Pro Decks and Patios offer a wide range of services and types of installations. The company focuses on designing perfectly planned outdoor spaces and walks you through your new dream decks’ design and installation.
All Pro offers clients access to multiple types of deck installations. If you are looking for a wide range of composite materials, All Pro has you covered. (Why choose composite decking over wood? Find out in that article.) Not only are they pro certified with manufacturers like Deckerators, but they also offer options that give a more traditional wood look with a robust and durable material that has an excellent strength to weight ratio.
They also offer the classic look of timber with their all-wood installations. If the allure of real wood is something you are looking for, All Pro Decks and Patios can provide a clean and professional installation that will last you and your home for years to come.
Outside of decks, they also offer clients outdoor kitchens and patio enclosures. Regardless of if you are looking for a deck, a patio, or even a place to grill and chill outdoors, All Pro has some great options to explore.
How Can I Get a Hold of All Pro Decks and Patios?
If you are looking to get into contact with All Pro Decks and Patios to help you make your deck dreams a reality, you’ll be happy to find out that getting a hold of them is as easy as sending a quote inquiry on their webpage here.
With just a few short clicks and some basic information, you can go ahead and take the first step in getting your new deck built. If you are looking to reach out by email, you can get in contact by sending mail to Allpro@apdecks.com.
If you are more of a talk on the phone kind of person, you’ll be happy to know that All Pro Decks and Patios prides themselves on providing excellent customer service. You can reach out to them during business hours at (210) 660-8250.
They also have an office at 27424 Okent Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78260.
Their hours are:
Monday/Friday 9AM – 6PM
Saturday 9 AM-4 PM
Sunday 9 AM-Noon
Wrapping Up
Building a new deck or patio in the River City can be an involved process. Not only do you need to source the materials, plan, and build all by yourself; you will also need to navigate the complicated permits process. San Antonio is also a city with lots of zoning requirements and special circumstances like living in a floodplain or a historic home that can cause issues down the road.
Understanding what the steps are in getting a permit and the right departments to get a hold of is a great way to move through the application and review process without too many issues. If this all seems more of a headache than it is worth, there are excellent contractors in the area who specialize in outdoor installations like decks.
All Pro Decks and Patios is one of the most qualified and cost-effective options if you are looking for professional quality and installation in San Antonio. They not only offer customized deck installation in composite and wood; they also provide a wide range of other outdoor spaces like patios and kitchens. With All Pro Decks and Patios, you know you are getting the best deck builder in San Antonio!
All in all, permitting for a new deck in San Antonio can be complicated. Whether you are building a small deck or a large one, you will most likely need to figure out what kind of permitting you will need. There is a lot to know about residential zoning and permitting regulations in the Alamo City, so make sure you are reading up on the city’s website or contacting a professional like All Pro before you start building.
If you are facing issues while getting a permit for your deck, then the professionals at All Pro Decks in San Antonio will take care of it. With years of experience in the industry, they know how to get the job done right – and fast. Contact us to Get A Free Estimate Today!
Sources:
Webuyuglyhouses.com – Remodeling Projects That Requires a Permit in San Antonio
