Deconstruction Requirements
Information about the deconstruction ordinance that went into effect on October 1, 2022
What is deconstruction? Learn more →
Overview
On September 8, 2022, San Antonio City Council adopted a deconstruction ordinance, including code language, that requires certain projects seeking a demolition permit to be fully deconstructed as opposed to mechanically demolished. With the approval of the ordinance, San Antonio became the largest city in the country to ensure that valuable materials are salvaged for reuse instead of crushed and landfilled. The ordinance went into effect on October 1, 2022.
All small-scale residential structures (single family, duplex, triplex, fourplex) and rear accessory structures (garages, carriage houses, accessory dwelling units) are subject to the deconstruction ordinance if:
The structure was built on or before December 31, 1920, and is located anywhere within San Antonio city limits; or
The structure was built on or before December 31, 1945, and is designated historic (is located within a historic district or is a local historic landmark) and/or is located within a Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD). To verify historic or NCD status, please search the property address on the One Stop Map.
Important note on build dates in San Antonio: Ordinance applicability is not based on Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) information. Build dates listed in BCAD are often incorrect for structures built pre-1960. As part of demolition permit review, Office of Historic Preservation staff will verify build date through primary research sources and an architectural assessment. To verify building age prior to the submission of a demolition permit, please contact Stephanie Phillips.
Future ordinance expansion: On January 1, 2025, the ordinance will automatically expand to include residential structures up to eight units. The year-built threshold will be raised from 1920 to 1945 anywhere within the City limits, and from 1945 to 1960 for properties designated historic or located within a Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD).
A Certified Deconstruction Contractor must perform the deconstruction work. Certified Deconstruction Contractors are trained to safely and effectively disassemble the house and salvage valuable materials for reuse. Once you have selected a deconstruction contractor for your project, they will need to submit a Pre-Deconstruction Form before your demolition permit can be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Permitting questions
Q: What kind of permit do I need to take down my building if it is subject to the deconstruction ordinance?
A: You need a demolition permit. No separate permit is required for deconstructing a building.
Q: I’m not sure when my building was constructed. How can I verify that it is subject to the ordinance?
A: As part of demolition permit review, Office of Historic Preservation staff will verify build date through primary research sources and an architectural assessment. Staff will notify the permit applicant whether or not the ordinance applies. To verify building age prior to the submission of a demolition permit, please contact Stephanie Phillips.
Q: My building is currently zoned commercial. Why is it subject to the ordinance?
A: The deconstruction ordinance's applicability is based on original use, not current use. This is defined in Section 12-22(1)(b) of the ordinance: Applicability and administration.
Q: Is the permit fee more for a deconstruction?
A: No, the fee for a demolition permit is fixed and how the building comes down does not change the price.
Q: There is an inspection requirement on my demolition permit that requires Deconstruction Documentation. What’s that?
A: Your deconstruction contractor will submit a Post-Deconstruction Form at the end of the project and will identify all salvaged material and submit receipts for what was salvaged and what was recycled/disposed. Once this form is submitted and approved by the Office of Historic Preservation, a final inspection can be scheduled and the permit can be closed.
Contractor questions
Q: Why do I have to use a Certified Deconstruction Contractor?
A: Certified Deconstruction Contractors have been trained in safe and effective techniques for dismantling a structure. They are also accountable if they do not meet the deconstruction requirements.
Q: Can I deconstruct my own house?
A: No, only Certified Deconstruction Contractors can deconstruct your building. You can work with them to identify strategies to help cut costs.
Q: What if I don’t have a contractor selected for my demolition permit? Can I still apply for my permit?
A: Yes, you can still apply for the demolition permit without a Certified Deconstruction Contractor, however your permit will not be issued until one is selected and they have submitted a Pre-Deconstruction Form for the project.
Quick Links
Chapter 12, Article II: The chapter of San Antonio City Code that contains the requirements for deconstruction of certain structures.
Information Bulletin 106: Development Services Department (DSD) Information Bulletin that guides customers through the demolition, deconstruction, and pedestrian protection process and associated permitting requirements.
Deconstruction Ordinance: Adopted on September 8, 2022, and effective October 1, 2022, this resolution approved City Code amendments to Chapter 12.
Certified Deconstruction Contractors: List of contractors that have met minimum requirements to perform deconstruction under the adopted ordinance.