Above-Ground Pool permit in San Antonio, TX
It depends — some above-ground pool work in San Antonio needs a permit, some doesn't.
Prefabricated pool less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, not exceeding 5,000 gallons (18,925 L), installed entirely above ground, and accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy is exempt; any deeper or larger above-ground pool requires a permit
| Permit needed? | Depends on size |
|---|---|
| Where the line falls | Under 24 in deep |
| Fee | Permit fee per city fee schedule based on estimated project valuation (Sec. 10-10); no dollar figures in the code. |
| Review time | Not in the ordinance |
| Code section | Sec. 10-6(e)(1)(i) |
| Based on | City of San Antonio Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, adopting IRC 2024 (Sec. 10-36) |
How to pull the permit
- Put together a site plan showing where the work goes, with dimensions.
- Apply through the San Antonio building department.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Work done before that isn't covered.
- Book each inspection listed on the permit as the job reaches that stage.
If you skip it
Work commenced before permit issuance is subject to double permit fees (Sec. 10-10(d)).
Nearby cities, same job
Rules stop at the city line. If your lot is near a boundary, or you work across several towns, this is where they differ.
| City | Distance | Permit? | Where the line falls |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | — | Depends | Under 24 in deep |
| New Braunfels | 30 mi | Depends | From 24 in deep |
| Austin | 74 mi | Depends | From 24 in deep |
| Killeen | 121 mi | Depends | Under 24 in deep |
| Laredo | 144 mi | Yes | No size threshold in the code |
| Sugar Land | 174 mi | Depends | Under 24 in deep |
Other work in San Antonio
Questions people ask
My above-ground pool is right at the limit. Does that count?
The exemption has to fit exactly — if the code says a size or height, being at or under it keeps you exempt, and going a single inch over doesn't. When you're close to the line, measure before you buy materials, and call the department if the number is borderline.
I already built it without a permit. What now?
San Antonio can issue a stop-work order and require you to apply after the fact, sometimes with an extra fee. Work that was covered up may have to be opened for inspection. Full walkthrough here.
Does unpermitted work cause problems when selling the house?
Often, yes. A buyer's inspector or the title company may flag it, and lenders can balk at financing a home with open or missing permits. What to do about it.