Back to Blog Casita / ADU Can I Build a Casita on My Property in San Antonio? Zoning & Eligibility Guide
Mark WhiteJune 17, 20266 min read Can You Build a Casita on Your San Antonio Property?
One of the most common questions we hear at Legacy Home Improvements is: 'Can I build a casita on my property?' The short answer for most San Antonio homeowners is yes. San Antonio allows casitas (also called ADUs or accessory dwelling units) in most residential zoning districts.
But there are specific requirements your property needs to meet. Let's walk through exactly how to find out if your lot qualifies.
Step 1: Check Your Zoning District
San Antonio's Development Services Department (DSD) determines what can be built on each property based on its zoning designation. Most single-family residential zoning districts (R-4, R-5, R-6, etc.) allow accessory dwelling units.
You can look up your property's zoning for free using the City's One Stop Map at gis.sanantonio.gov/OneStop. Enter your address and look for your zoning designation. If you're unsure what your zoning means, Legacy can help you interpret it during a free consultation, or you can call DSD directly at (210) 207-1111.
Step 2: Verify Lot Size and Setback Requirements
Your lot needs enough space to accommodate a casita while meeting the City's setback requirements (the minimum distance from property lines). Key considerations include:
The casita can be up to 800 sq ft or 50% of the primary home's living area, whichever is less. Setbacks vary by zoning district but typically require 5 to 10 feet from rear and side property lines. The total lot coverage (all structures) cannot exceed the maximum allowed for your zoning district. Access to the casita must be maintained, either through a side yard or shared driveway.
Legacy conducts a site assessment as part of our free consultation to verify that your specific lot can accommodate the casita plan you're interested in.
Step 3: Check HOA Rules
If your property is in a HOA roofing, you'll need HOA approval before building a casita. Some HOAs are supportive of casitas, while others may have restrictions on secondary structures, exterior finishes, or maximum heights.
If you're applying for City incentives, you'll need an HOA approval letter as part of your application. Legacy recommends checking with your HOA early in the process to avoid surprises.
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Learn About Roof Certifications →Step 4: Consider Historic District Requirements
If your property is in one of San Antonio's historic districts, you'll need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from the Office of Historic Preservation before building. The good news: one of the City's permit-ready casita plans (Plan 1, The Maricela) is already approved by the Historic Design Review Commission (HDRC).
Legacy has experience working in San Antonio's historic districts and can guide you through the additional approval process.
Step 5: Check Incentive Eligibility
Even if your property qualifies for a casita, you may also qualify for up to $35,000 in forgivable City incentives. Eligibility depends on your household income relative to the Area Median Income (AMI). The property must be owner-occupied, and the casita must be rented at affordable rates during the compliance period.
Use the eligibility checker on our Casita Program page to instantly see which incentive level you qualify for. Or call us at (210) 272-7272 for a personalized assessment.
The Easiest Way to Find Out: Free Legacy Consultation
The fastest and most reliable way to determine if you can build a casita on your San Antonio property is to schedule a free consultation with Legacy Home Improvements. We'll check your zoning, assess your lot, review setback requirements, discuss plan options, and determine your incentive eligibility, all at no cost.
As a contractor on the City of San Antonio's official Casita Contractor List with over 25 years of local building experience, we've helped homeowners across Bexar County navigate this process. Call (210) 272-7272 or visit legacytx.com/casita to get started.
Have Questions? Call Us Directly
Talk to a real person, not a call center. Mark and the Legacy team answer roofing questions all day, every day.
Call (210) 272-7272 → MW Mark White
Owner, Legacy Home Improvements · San Antonio since 1999
Mark has been in the roofing business for over 25 years. He personally inspects homes, works with insurance adjusters, and answers every email at mwhite@legacytx.com.
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