Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permits

Step 1.Complete Affidavit

Complete an affidavit acknowledging the property owner must live on the property for the legal use and occupancy of the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). An affidavit is a written statement from a person that they sign and swear is correct. This affidavit must be recorded in Bexar County's public records.

An application for an ADU and sample affidavit and covenant are available online.

Affidavit and Covenant

Step 2.Required Documents

Besides permit-ready plans, there are additional items to submit before getting a permit.

• site plan
• foundation plan
• energy report must comply with adopted International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• calculations for mechanical HVAC sizing (Manual J, IECC R403.7)
• a list of proposed mechanical system equipment (Manual S, ECC R403.7)

More information can be found in IB 101 - New Residential Permit Information (PDF)

Step 3.Apply for Permit

Apply for your permit application through BuildSA.

1. Click on Residential Building Permit Application.
2. Complete your affidavit and provide proof or residency. Include proof that the affidavit was recorded in Bexar County as part of the application packet.

Apply Now

Step 4.Pay the Plan Review Fee

The plan review fee is invoiced, and once paid, the application is automatically routed to a plan reviewer. This technical review can take up to three business days for the initial redline comments. Redline comments are comments from a reviewer saying what edits should be made to a document. Once approved, additional permit fees, which are separate from the plan review fee, are applied to the application. After you pay these additional fees, the permit is issued.

NOTE: Some fee waivers may apply.

Step 5.Receive Permit

Inspectors review construction for compliance with adopted building codes. Once all inspections pass, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, and the ADU may be occupied.