What's Required in San Antonio
- Every reroof or roof replacement needs a re-roof permit; ordinary repairs do not.
- The re-roof permit is a flat fee regardless of roof size or job cost.
- No more than 2 layers of roofing materials are allowed.
- A change in slope or a change to tile requires an engineer's assessment inspection report.
- Change-of-pitch re-roofs go to full plan review rather than over-the-counter issue.
- Removing and replacing solar panels needs an electrical permit by a licensed contractor.
- Vents, flues or other penetrations extended above the new roofline need trade permits.
- Homeowners applying themselves attest to 12 months of ownership after completion.
Do you need a permit to replace a roof in San Antonio?
Yes. San Antonio's list of work exempt from permit, City Code Section 10-6(e), has no reroofing exemption, and the Development Services Department (DSD) says plainly in its Home Remodeling FAQ that any time you are replacing or installing a roof you need a permit, and that re-roofing your home needs a permit. Ordinary repairs are different: Section 10-6(g) says no application is required for ordinary repairs to structures that do not cut structural members or change egress, so patching a leak is not a reroof. The city publishes no square-footage line between a repair and a replacement; if you are stripping and recovering a slope, treat it as a reroof and confirm with DSD.
How much is a roof permit in San Antonio?
A flat $28.75, the Residential Repair Existing Re-Roof Fee in DSD's FY 2027 Development Fee Schedule (revised September 2026). It does not depend on the size of the roof or the price of the job. Two 4% surcharges bring it to $31.05 online; a paper application processed by staff adds the $11.50 convenience fee for $42.55, and card payments add 3%. Starting work before the permit doubles the fee.
| What you are doing | City filing | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Patching a leak or replacing a few shingles | None | Ordinary repair (10-6(g)) |
| Tear-off and reroof, same pitch and material | Re-roof permit, $28.75 | Issued over the counter |
| Overlay a second layer | Re-roof permit, $28.75 | Maximum 2 layers of roofing |
| Changing the roof pitch | Re-roof permit + full plan review | Engineer's assessment report |
| Switching to a tile roof | Re-roof permit + engineer report | Clears the framing inspection |
| Removing and reinstalling solar panels | Electrical permit number on the application | Licensed electrician |
| Extending vents or flues above the new roofline | Mechanical, electrical or plumbing permits | Licensed trade contractors |
What does the re-roof application ask?
DSD's Re-Roof Permit Application asks whether a photovoltaic system will be removed and replaced, whether the slope changes and whether you are changing to tile. A yes on slope or tile means an engineer's assessment inspection report to clear the framing inspection, and DSD's residential page sends change-of-pitch jobs to full plan review instead of the counter. The form also reminds you that a maximum of 2 layers of roofing materials is allowed, that roof penetrations extended above the new roofline need trade permits from licensed contractors, and that opening the attic may require added insulation under the energy code if what is there is inadequate. The city does not enforce HOA covenants or deed restrictions, so check those separately.
Can a homeowner pull a roof permit in San Antonio?
Yes. A homeowner can apply for a re-roof permit with proof of ownership by attesting on the form that they own and will own, occupy or rent the home for 12 months after the project under City Code 10-115(a)(1), and by taking responsibility for the inspections. A roofer applying for you must be registered with the city; DSD lists re-roofs with no change in pitch among the permits a registered home improvement contractor may obtain. Permits are valid for 6 months from issuance.
How to Get a Roof Replacement Permit in San Antonio
Define the scope
Decide whether this is a repair or a reroof, and whether the pitch, the material or solar panels will change.
Count existing layers
If the roof already has two layers, plan a tear-off; a third layer is not allowed.
Apply on BuildSA or at the One Stop
Submit the Re-Roof Permit Application as the homeowner or through a city-registered contractor and pay the flat fee.
Line up engineer and trade work
For pitch or tile changes, hire an engineer for the assessment report; have licensed trades permit any panels or penetrations.
Finish and inspect
Schedule inspections online, where scheduling is free, and close the permit within its 6-month validity.