The feasibility period is your critical window to evaluate whether a site in San Antonio is suitable for your development before investing in design. Early clarity on zoning requirements, permit scope, plan review steps, and fees prevents surprises and allows for more accurate budgeting and scheduling.

Checking Zoning & Site Plan Requirements

• San Antonio utilizes a Unified Development Code rather than traditional zoning districts. Regulations cover setbacks, lot size, landscaping, drainage, and traffic impacts.

• Comply with subdivision infrastructure rules, including warranties/bonds for streets and drainage under Chapter 35.

• For multi-family or commercial projects, a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) or trip generation analysis may be required based on vehicle counts, per thresholds in the code.

• The city also administers a Historic and Design Review Commission for projects within designated districts or with historic significance.

Plan Review Types & Submission Pathways

• Submit plans through the BuildSA portal (previously ProjectDox). The system routes your documents to relevant disciplines—building, fire, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, landscape, zoning, traffic, stormwater, public works, SAWS, historic preservation, and more. Expect your project to involve multiple reviewers.

• Residential plan reviews typically begin with a complete application and initial routing; commercial and multi-family projects undergo more extensive multi‑discipline review.

• Allow time for coordination with Public Works (stormwater/drainage), SAWS (utilities), and potentially Historic Review.

Estimating Review Timelines

• Initial plan routing begins when the portal receives a complete submittal. Residential reviews often take a few weeks; complex commercial reviews may span several months.

• The city undergoes intermittent system updates, which may temporarily require email or in-person plan submissions and may affect timelines.

• Additional board approvals—such as hearings required by Historic/Design Commission—can add weeks or months to the schedule.

Fee Structure & Payment

• Fees are based on project type, scope, and disciplines involved. A Fee Estimator tool allows you to preview permit and review fees.

• Common fees include plan review, zoning verification, notification list production, and historic review fees. These range from hundreds to thousands depending on project size.

• A fee waiver program may apply for qualifying projects—check eligibility during the feasibility study phase.

Coordination with City Departments

• The Development Services Department (DSD) oversees the coordination of all required reviews through the BuildSA portal and One‑Stop counter at the Cliff Morton Center.

• Key reviewers include Building, Planning, Public Works, SAWS, Traffic, Fire, Historic Preservation, PASA, and more.

• For shared-parking developments, formal cooperative parking agreements must be filed and approved by DSD before Certificate of Occupancy issuance.

Using Expedite Options & Planning Incentives

• Review often involves pre-screening and missing item checks. Submitting complete packets—including surveys, TIAs, utility letters, and stormwater compliance—helps avoid resubmittal delays.

• Historic properties and transit‑oriented developments may qualify for special incentives or policy exceptions to density, parking, or resource requirements.

Checklist of Feasibility Period Tasks

• Review Unified Development Code requirements for setbacks, drainage, traffic, and bonds

• Determine if a Traffic Impact Analysis or trip generation form is required

• Check if the property falls under Historic or Design Commission review

• Calculate preliminary fees using the city’s Fee Estimator and research fee waiver eligibility

• Prepare full plan submittals: site survey, architectural, structural, MEP, TIAs, utility documentation

• Submit via BuildSA portal and monitor routing to disciplines

• Plan ahead for potential board hearings or historic review

• Establish cooperative parking agreements if needed

• Track review timelines and plan for revisions and resubmittals

Call to Action

Successful San Antonio permit feasibility involves decoding Unified Development Code standards, coordinating across disciplines, navigating plan review portals, estimating fees, and anticipating special requirements. Let us help craft a preliminary site plan, compile permit-ready documentation, engage city staff, and produce a clear roadmap so your project proceeds with confidence.