Do I Need a Permit To Build This Deck? (sale, assessor)

[huckster]

Building Permits are needed even to scratch one's backside. contrarily I would not bother.

Originally Posted by Chargersrool

I've been thinking about the idea of building a deck since I have half an acre lot, but then I realize... I'm definitely going to need a permit to build a deck more then 140sqft. So I come across the idea of just putting a slate floor on the ground. Would I need a permit? Its basically backyard flooring... but then again so is a deck.

[Chargersrool]

So today I called the planning department of Bexar County, and guess what, they said your allowed to build anything as long as its two feet away from a utility easement and its on your property. So I'm guessing all the stuff to do with permits is directed towards contractors?... Anyways I recorded the conversation so if they make a fuss, I have evidence. And it seems like the Development Services Department doesn't know their ass from a hole in the ground when they have this on their website.

So I guess I'm safe if I decide to build a deck or patio...what do y'all think?

[Chargersrool]

Image codes: development services department

[ged_782]

Originally Posted by Chargersrool

So today I called the planning department of Bexar County, and guess what, they said your allowed to build anything as long as its two feet away from a utility easement and its on your property. So I'm guessing all the stuff to do with permits is directed towards contractors?... Anyways I recorded the conversation so if they make a fuss, I have evidence. And it seems like the Development Services Department doesn't know their ass from a hole in the ground when they have this on their website.

So I guess I'm safe if I decide to build a deck or patio...what do y'all think?

Building permits usually apply to improvements made to properties inside city limits. You said you called Bexar County, which tells me you are outside city limits, so that's the reason no permit required.

You still might not be in the clear if your subdivision has deed restrictions and/or an HOA, but neither the city nor the county enforces those covenants.

[txtea]

If you build it....they will come.

[goodmanm]

I live in bexar county, got the HOA approval, built a 16'x16' deck, no permit required per bexar county.

[TexHwyMan]

Originally Posted by ged_782

Building permits usually apply to improvements made to properties inside city limits. You said you called Bexar County, which tells me you are outside city limits, so that's the reason no permit required.

You still might not be in the clear if your subdivision has deed restrictions and/or an HOA, but neither the city nor the county enforces those covenants.

ged is correct-- what we've been discussing applies only within the San Antonio city limits. If you live in a different city or in the county, then different rules apply. For instance, here are the rules for the county:

A building permit is required in the unincorporated areas of the county any time an individual, company, corporation, or group of individuals acting as an organization constructs, builds, or erects a new building to be used for commercial, public accessible, or multi-family residential purposes; OR a pre-built building is located on a piece of property; OR anytime an existing building undergoes a "substantial improvement".
(BEXAR COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL Construction)

So out in the county, you don't need a permit for a deck.

[CA Alan]

I don't know how it is in the City of San Antonio, but most juristictions do not require a permit for flat work. This includes sidewalks, pads and driveways not in the road right of way. This is true even in permit happy California.

If you are just doing a concrete pad behind your house with no cover, chances are you don't need a permit. Ten minutes at your local building department could confirm this.

[KM1174]

Originally Posted by Chargersrool

Anyways I recorded the conversation so if they make a fuss

as a precautionary note, you should ALWAYS get consent before recording conversations. even though texas is a one party consent state, there are exceptions to that and the last thing you want is a wiretapping charge brought against you.

[FreedomOutdoorLiving]

MajorMadMax has the right answer. The city basically wants everyone to pull a permit for anything done to their real property (including the house).

We all have differing views of their motivation but one thing is for sure: Every permit gets sent to the appraisal office for review and consequently an adjustment of your property tax.

"If your property is within the City of San Antonio and you are erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, improving, removing, converting, moving, demolishing any building or structure or a portion within the structure, you are required to obtain City of San Antonio permits.

Specific examples of when permits are required are: room additions, walls, carports, decks, patios, in-ground & above-ground swimming pools, fences, re-roofs, foundation repairs, and general repairs to include siding, doors, and windows."