TEXAS METAL BUILDINGS LLC
San Antonio • Bexar County • Texas Hill Country
How to Get a Metal Building Permit in San Antonio & Bexar County
Built Texas Tough. Permitting Guidance Made Simple.

Inside San Antonio city limits? Outside the city but still in Bexar County? In the San Antonio ETJ? Or building on rural Hill Country land? The permit path depends on exactly where your property is located and what you plan to build.

Find Your Starting Point Get a Building Quote
Before you order a metal building, verify:
  • City limits vs. unincorporated county
  • ETJ status
  • Building use and occupancy
  • Floodplain and drainage
  • Septic / OSSF
  • Driveway and right-of-way access
  • Required engineered plans and foundation documents
  • Roof finish, color, SRI and applicable energy requirements
Inside San Antonio Unincorporated Bexar County San Antonio ETJ Residential Acreage Area Counties Roof SRI & Energy Color Swatches FAQ
Start here
The first question is not “Do I need a permit?”

The first question is “Who has jurisdiction over my property?” A San Antonio mailing address does not always mean the property is inside San Antonio city limits. Being outside the city also does not automatically mean no approvals are required.

Important: A rural or unincorporated property can still be affected by county rules, fire-code requirements, floodplain regulations, septic rules, driveway permits, platting, deed restrictions, utility requirements and an applicable city ETJ.
1
Inside San Antonio city limits

Start with the City of San Antonio Development Services Department for zoning, plan review, permits and inspections.

2
Outside the city, inside Bexar County

Start with Bexar County and identify which development, Fire Marshal, floodplain, septic, access or stormwater requirements apply.

3
Outside city limits, inside an ETJ

County requirements can overlap with certain requirements of the city whose extraterritorial jurisdiction covers the property.

Common permit scenarios
Which situation describes your property?

Your exact requirements can change based on building use, square footage, occupancy, utilities, floodplain status, site work and driveway access.

Scenario 1: My property is inside San Antonio city limits

For projects within the incorporated City of San Antonio.

The City of San Antonio Development Services Department handles building permits for properties located within city limits. New construction can involve zoning or plat verification, plan review, permits, inspections and related trade approvals.

Property→ Zoning / Plat→ Site Plan→ Building Plans→ Plan Review→ Permit→ Inspections
Official San Antonio resources Residential Permits  •  Business & Commercial Projects
Scenario 2: My property is outside San Antonio but still in Bexar County

For properties in unincorporated Bexar County.

Do not assume that “outside the city” means “no permit.” Bexar County regulates certain construction in unincorporated areas, and covered projects can involve County Fire Marshal plan review, permitting and inspections.

Depending on the property and project, separate requirements may also involve floodplain, stormwater, driveway/right-of-way, septic/OSSF and other development approvals.

Official Bexar County resources Building Permits  •  Code Enforcement & Inspections
Scenario 3: My property is outside San Antonio but inside the San Antonio ETJ

One of the most commonly misunderstood situations.

ETJ means Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. A property can be outside the incorporated city limits while certain development-related requirements still involve San Antonio.

Bexar County's current building-permit guidance addresses projects located in the City of San Antonio ETJ and directs applicants to verify applicable city-related requirements in addition to county requirements.

Outside City Limits + Inside ETJ → Check Bexar County + Check Applicable COSA Requirements
Scenario 4: I want a shop, garage, barn or metal building on acreage

The answer depends heavily on location, use and site conditions.

A private shop on rural acreage can have a very different permit path from a warehouse, church, retail building, barndominium or public-use facility.

  • Does the structure require a building or development permit?
  • Are engineered structural plans required?
  • Is a separate engineered foundation plan required?
  • Do plumbing, electrical or HVAC systems require trade permits?
  • Is the property in a floodplain or drainage area?
  • Will septic / OSSF approval be required?
  • Is a driveway or right-of-way permit required?
  • Are there plat notes, easements or private deed restrictions?
  • Is the property inside a city ETJ?
Possible approvals
A metal building project may involve more than one permit

Not every project needs every item, but these are common categories to verify.

🏗️Building PermitStructural construction and code review where required.
📐Site / DevelopmentProperty layout, drainage, access and development review.
🌧️FloodplainAdditional review when construction affects a mapped flood hazard area.
🚙Driveway / ROWAccess to county or public roads can require approval.
🚽Septic / OSSFOn-site sewage rules can affect building placement and site planning.
💧StormwaterDrainage and site-development rules can apply, especially in an ETJ.
⚡Trade PermitsElectrical, plumbing and mechanical permits may be separate.
🔥Fire MarshalCommercial and public-use occupancies can trigger fire-code review.
San Antonio region & Texas Hill Country
Permit rules change from county to county

Do not use one county's answer for another property. The San Antonio region crosses multiple counties, municipalities and ETJs.

Bexar County

Unincorporated Bexar County can involve building, Fire Marshal, floodplain, stormwater, access and septic requirements.

Bexar County Building Permits →

Comal County

Comal County's Fire Marshal publishes a permit and inspection process for covered projects in unincorporated areas.

Comal County Permit Overview →

Guadalupe County

In unincorporated Guadalupe County, covered commercial projects and regulated operations require Fire Marshal permitting. Check septic/OSSF, floodplain and driveway approvals separately, and ask the Fire Marshal whether a pre-development meeting is needed.

Guadalupe County Fire Marshal Permitting →
Septic & Floodplain Information →
Driveway Permits & Addressing →

Kendall County

Kendall County publishes development information covering development permits, access, septic, floodplain, driveway/ROW and Fire Marshal resources.

Kendall County Development Information →

Bandera County

Bandera County publishes a development permit application for residential and non-residential development.

Bandera County Development Permit →

Medina County

Medina County development rules can apply to unincorporated property, with additional considerations where a city ETJ is involved.

Medina County Official Website →

Inside a city?

Seguin, Schertz, Cibolo, New Braunfels, Boerne, Bulverde, Fair Oaks Ranch, Helotes and other cities can have their own permitting, zoning, development and inspection processes.

Roof selection & energy requirements

Solar Reflectance Index (SRI):
why your roof finish matters

Your roof choice can affect more than the look of your building. For projects subject to cool-roof requirements, the finish can affect permit review, material selection, price and scheduling.

SR · Reflect sunlight

Solar reflectance

The fraction of sunlight a surface reflects. A value of 0.65 means it reflects 65% of incoming solar energy.

TE · Release heat

Thermal emittance

How effectively a surface releases absorbed heat as thermal radiation. A shiny metal roof can reflect sunlight well but have low emittance.

SRI · Compare performance

Solar Reflectance Index

An ASTM E1980 calculation combining reflectance and emittance. Higher SRI generally means a cooler surface under the same conditions. It is not a percentage or an insulation R-value.

How does the building department use SRI?

The reviewer checks the roof against the energy rules that apply to the project. That means confirming the jurisdiction, building use, roof slope, whether the space below is cooled, and the chosen compliance method. Where roof reflectance requirements apply, product ratings help document that the specified roof meets them.

The submittal may need the exact panel finish and color, manufacturer test data or an accepted rating listing, and the required initial or aged values. The roof ordered and installed should match the approved documents; substitutions may need another review.

What does this mean for you?

Your roof choicesA preferred color or finish may need to change to meet the project requirement. Similar-looking colors can have different ratings.
Your final priceA different coating, roof assembly or documented compliance solution can change the quote. Confirm the requirement while comparing building packages.
Your scheduleMissing ratings can lead to plan-review comments. Changes after ordering can add material costs, paperwork and lead time.
Your building comfortA roof that absorbs less solar heat can reduce cooling demand. Results depend on climate, insulation, HVAC and building use; SRI alone does not predict utility savings.
San Antonio roof requirements: slope makes a difference

Local code check: September 28, 2026. San Antonio currently identifies the 2021 IECC as its energy code, with local amendments. The following summarizes the commercial roof provision in Section C402.3 for roofs directly above cooled conditioned spaces, subject to its applicability and exceptions.

San Antonio commercial roof reflectance provisions
Roof slopeRequirement to verify
Low slope
2:12 or less		Table C402.3 includes a 3-year-aged SRI of at least 64, or 3-year-aged solar reflectance of at least 0.55 AND thermal emittance of at least 0.75, for covered roofs in Climate Zones 0–3.
Steeper slope
Greater than 2:12		The local amendment requires solar reflectance of at least 0.35 OR SRI of at least 29 for covered roofs. Confirm the accepted rating basis with the reviewer.

A 2:12 slope rises 2 inches for every 12 inches horizontally. These are project-dependent code provisions, not one universal SRI requirement for every Texas building. Initial-value allowances, exceptions and other compliance methods must be checked under the applicable code.

Homes, barndominiums and unconditioned buildings: confirm the applicable residential or commercial path. A roof over uncooled space is treated differently under the provision above. Residential roof and radiant-barrier provisions need a separate review. Do not assume the city's rules apply to every county property.

San Antonio adopted codes · City amendments: Section 10-92 / C402.3 · CRRC code reference

Initial vs. aged ratings: which number counts?

Initial describes the new surface. Aged describes performance after weathering under the applicable test or rating procedure. A new-roof number cannot automatically be used where an aged rating is required. Confirm that the report documents the aging period and method the code accepts.

A finish can have an initial SRI above 64 and still lack documentation of an aged SRI of 64. Likewise, an initial SRI below a particular initial threshold does not automatically disqualify a product that meets the accepted aged requirement.

LEED columns are a separate comparison. A finish report may include LEED v4.1 screening columns. Those YES/NO entries are not a San Antonio permit decision or approval for your building.

Real roof-finish examples: Galvalume, painted steel and color ratings

These examples show why the exact product, finish and rating age matter. Ratings apply only to the tested finishes. Confirm the product documentation and availability with Texas Metal Buildings before ordering.

Selected roof-finish SRI reference values
Product / finishInitial SRIAged SRI
Galvalume Plus, acrylic
Certified report 2026-027R		6249
Solar White
SMP · 2023 report		8683
Light Stone
SMP · 2023 report		6565
Charcoal
SMP · 2023 report		3938
Bright White
SMP · January 2026 specifications		81Not listed
Arctic White
PVDF · January 2026 specifications		83Not listed

Galvalume example: report 2026-027R lists aged reflectance of 0.65, aged emittance of 0.10 and aged SRI of 49. If a project's selected path requires aged SRI ≥64, the reported 49 falls below it. The alternative reflectance/emittance pair above is also not demonstrated because the reported emittance is below 0.75. This does not mean Galvalume is prohibited on every building.

Do not assign one SRI to all Galvalume. A January 2026 product specification sheet lists Galvalume at 62 in one table and 72 in another, using different reflectance/emittance pairs. Both entries are marked as non-SMP/PVDF options. Confirm which tested product is being supplied; do not select the larger number by name alone.

Reference documents: certified report 2026-027R, January 9, 2026; finish report 2023-436R, April 10, 2023; and coating specifications dated January 2026. The January 2026 painted-color tables list initial SRI only. Texas Metal Buildings can help coordinate current documentation for the exact finish specified on your order.

What should be confirmed before the roof is ordered?
  • The applicable code, roof slope, cooling conditions and accepted compliance method.
  • The exact roof panel product, coating system and color.
  • The required rating: initial or aged SRI, or the reflectance/emittance combination.
  • Current product documentation accepted by the reviewer, including a CRRC listing where required.
  • Any approved exception or alternate design, and the cost and lead time before ordering.

Insulation, roof reflectance and air sealing are different parts of energy compliance. Adding insulation alone is not a blanket approval to disregard a roof-finish requirement. Any applicable exception or alternate compliance method should be documented by the project design professional and accepted by the reviewing authority.

See the finish. Check the rating.

Texas Metal Buildings color guide

Explore panel color references with Texas Metal Buildings. Each card shows its coating and available SRI data. Open a collection to compare swatches, then contact us to confirm available finishes for your building.

Use a physical sample for final selection. These swatches are screen approximations. HEX values describe the display color, not a paint formula, SRI rating or order code. Collections group reference finishes; similar color names can have different coatings and ratings. Confirm the exact color reference, panel system, gauge and coating with Texas Metal Buildings.

SMP colors · Collection 1 9 colors

SMP means silicone-modified polyester. Color codes identify the finishes in this collection. Initial SRI values are from January 2026 specifications; aged values are not listed. This collection is not offered for standing-seam roof systems. Confirm the available panel and finish with Texas Metal Buildings.

Bright White

Color code: BW · SMP coating

Initial SRI
81
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #D6D1DA

Driftwood

Color code: DW · SMP coating

Initial SRI
69
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #C0BAAA

Fox Gray

Color code: FG · SMP coating

Initial SRI
58
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #AB9FA1

Sagebrush Tan

Color code: SA · SMP coating

Initial SRI
59
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #B79581

Brick Red

Color code: BD · SMP coating

Initial SRI
40
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #883D34

Aztec Blue

Color code: AB · SMP coating

Initial SRI
26
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #426274

Forest Green

Color code: FO · SMP coating

Initial SRI
25
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #3B4E47

Burnished Slate

Color code: BS · SMP coating

Initial SRI
32
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #472E26

Charcoal Gray

Color code: CL · SMP coating

Initial SRI
39
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #5E5B59

PVDF colors · Collection 1 13 colors

PVDF identifies the coating type. Color codes identify the finishes in this collection. SRI values are initial ratings from January 2026 specifications. Ask Texas Metal Buildings for the exact product documentation, including accepted aged data where required.

Arctic White

Color code: AR · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
83
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #D9DCDC

Reflective White

Color code: RF · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
76
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #CDCBD7

Warm White

Color code: WW · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
76
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #D7C7C5

Regal Gray

Color code: RG · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
62
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #B0B3B0

Dune

Color code: DU · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
68
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #C2BCAC

Harvest Beige

Color code: HB · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
56
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #AF988A

Carbon Gray

Color code: CG · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
40
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #787376

Royal Blue

Color code: RO · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
30
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #33556E

Cypress Green

Color code: CY · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
31
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #41534F

Dark Bronze

Color code: DB · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
33
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #504543

Brite Red

Color code: BT · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
44
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #9A2531

Storm Gray

Color code: ST · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
33
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #635D61

Midnight Black

Color code: BL · PVDF coating

Initial SRI
24
Aged SRI
Not listed

Screen HEX: #2C2E30

SMP & polyester colors · Collection 2 18 colors

This collection includes SMP finishes and Polar White in premium polyester (PPOL). Matched SRI ratings are from finish report 2023-436R, April 10, 2023. Cards marked Verify need confirmation of the exact color or coating before a rating can be assigned. Contact Texas Metal Buildings for assistance.

Polar White

Premium polyester (PPOL)

Initial SRI
70
Aged SRI
68

Screen HEX: #D0D6D4

Light Stone

SMP coating

Initial SRI
65
Aged SRI
65

Screen HEX: #BCB79A

Ash Gray

SMP coating

Initial SRI
52
Aged SRI
53

Screen HEX: #979A93

Desert Sand

SMP coating

Initial SRI
Verify
Aged SRI
Verify

The SRI report names Desert Tan. Confirm the exact color match.

Screen HEX: #898265

Charcoal Gray

SMP coating

Initial SRI
Verify
Aged SRI
Verify

The SRI report names Charcoal. Confirm the exact color match.

Screen HEX: #40403E

Burnished Slate

SMP coating

Initial SRI
35
Aged SRI
34

Screen HEX: #282722

Saddle Tan

SMP coating

Initial SRI
53
Aged SRI
53

Screen HEX: #A18766

Hawaiian Blue

SMP coating

Initial SRI
31
Aged SRI
31

Screen HEX: #26666F

Rustic Red

SMP coating

Initial SRI
38
Aged SRI
38

Screen HEX: #701F24

Fern Green

SMP coating

Initial SRI
28
Aged SRI
28

Screen HEX: #0B1013

Solar White

SMP coating

Initial SRI
86
Aged SRI
83

Screen HEX: #F8FCFD

Koko Brown

SMP coating

Initial SRI
Verify
Aged SRI
Verify

The color chart and SRI report identify different coating versions. Confirm the exact coating with Texas Metal Buildings.

Screen HEX: #41272A

Evergreen

SMP coating

Initial SRI
37
Aged SRI
35

Screen HEX: #19332A

Aztec Gold

SMP coating

Initial SRI
61
Aged SRI
58

Screen HEX: #B79E64

Crimson Red

SMP coating

Initial SRI
42
Aged SRI
40

Screen HEX: #8C1513

Colony Green

SMP coating

Initial SRI
37
Aged SRI
35

Screen HEX: #526551

Burgundy

SMP coating

Initial SRI
27
Aged SRI
26

Screen HEX: #463437

Coal Black

SMP coating

Initial SRI
Verify
Aged SRI
Verify

The newer report lists Black with different data. Confirm the product.

Screen HEX: #181916

PVDF colors · Collection 2 11 colors

This collection uses PVDF coatings. Matched SRI ratings are from finish report 2023-436R, April 10, 2023. Confirm current availability and specifications with Texas Metal Buildings before selecting the finish for your order.

Regal Red

PVDF coating

Initial SRI
55
Aged SRI
52

Screen HEX: #9D040E

Medium Bronze

PVDF coating

Initial SRI
36
Aged SRI
35

Screen HEX: #342C29

Snow White

PVDF coating

Initial SRI
78
Aged SRI
74

Screen HEX: #D0D9DE

Slate Gray

PVDF coating

Initial SRI
40
Aged SRI
41

Screen HEX: #63645E

Almond

PVDF coating

Initial SRI
77
Aged SRI
77

Screen HEX: #E9E5CE

Classic Green

PVDF coating

Initial SRI
33
Aged SRI
31

Screen HEX: #142827

Brownstone

PVDF coating

Initial SRI
55
Aged SRI
55

Screen HEX: #98886F

Colonial Red

PVDF coating

Initial SRI
31
Aged SRI
30

Screen HEX: #5B1B29

Bone White

PVDF coating

Initial SRI
85
Aged SRI
85

Screen HEX: #FBFBF9

Midnight Bronze

PVDF coating

Initial SRI
29
Aged SRI
28

Screen HEX: #1F1D1E

Galvalume / Galvalume Plus

Galvalume is a metallic finish, separate from the SMP and PVDF painted collections. Its appearance varies; the swatch here is an illustration. For the specific acrylic Galvalume Plus tested in certified report 2026-027R, the reported SRI is 62 initial / 49 aged. Those values do not apply automatically to every Galvalume product. Ask Texas Metal Buildings to confirm the exact finish and supporting data.

A swatch does not establish code compliance. Use the exact coating, current test documentation and accepted rating age for your project. Reference colors and ratings were reviewed September 28, 2026. Contact Texas Metal Buildings for samples and finish information.

Confirm the roof requirement before you order.

Send Texas Metal Buildings your project location and any roof-finish or SRI requirements from your plans or reviewer. We can help coordinate available product information and pricing. Energy calculations, architectural design and permit approval are handled separately by the appropriate project professionals and reviewing authority.

Discuss Your Roof Options

Learn more: Cool Roof Rating Council: SRI and cool-roof FAQs · Rated Roof Products Directory

A practical order of operations
What should I do before ordering a metal building?

The cheapest time to discover a permitting issue is before the building is engineered, fabricated or delivered.

Confirm the jurisdiction

Determine whether the property is inside a city, on unincorporated county land and whether an ETJ applies.

Confirm the proposed use

Tell the jurisdiction exactly how the building will be used. A private shop and a public-use building can be treated very differently.

Get the submittal checklist

Ask the reviewing authority for its current building or development permit checklist.

Verify site restrictions

Check setbacks, floodplain, drainage, septic, access, plat notes, easements and private restrictions.

Confirm required engineering

Ask which sealed building plans, calculations and foundation documents must be submitted.

Then finalize the building

Once requirements are known, confirm the roof finish, any SRI requirement and the energy documentation, then finalize the building package around the correct use, loads and jurisdictional requirements.

Frequently asked questions
San Antonio metal building permit FAQ
What is Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) for a metal roof?
SRI combines solar reflectance and thermal emittance into a calculated measure of how a roof surface rejects solar heat. Higher values generally mean a cooler surface under the same conditions. SRI is not an insulation R-value or a percentage.
Does every metal building need the same roof SRI?
No. Requirements depend on the jurisdiction, code edition, roof slope, building use, cooling conditions and compliance method. Initial and aged values are not interchangeable. Confirm the exact requirement with the project design professional and reviewing authority before ordering.
Does a Galvalume roof automatically meet cool-roof requirements?
No. The exact product and documented ratings matter. Certified report 2026-027R lists initial SRI 62 and aged SRI 49 for the tested Galvalume Plus acrylic product. Those values do not establish approval for every roof or jurisdiction; request current documentation for the product being supplied.
Do I need a permit for a metal building in San Antonio?
Most structural construction inside the City of San Antonio requires a building permit, with project-specific zoning, plan review, trade permits and inspections potentially applying.
Do I need a permit if my land is outside San Antonio city limits?
Possibly. Being outside the city does not automatically remove county, Fire Marshal, floodplain, septic, access, stormwater or ETJ requirements.
What does “unincorporated Bexar County” mean?
It generally means the property is in Bexar County but is not inside the incorporated limits of a city. County authority is different from city authority, so the permit path can also be different.
What is the San Antonio ETJ?
ETJ stands for Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. It lies outside incorporated city limits, but certain development-related requirements can still involve the City of San Antonio.
Do I need a permit for a shop or garage on acreage?
Requirements depend on location, use, size, utilities, floodplain, septic, access and other site conditions. Verify the exact property before assuming an acreage building is exempt.
Do I need engineered drawings?
Many jurisdictions require engineered structural documents for new buildings, and foundation engineering can be a separate requirement. Ask the reviewing authority exactly which sealed documents are required.
Are the rules the same in Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina and Bandera counties?
No. Each county and incorporated city can have different development responsibilities and procedures. ETJ boundaries can create additional coordination requirements.
Planning a building?
Start with the property. Then design the right building.

Tell us where you're building, the size you need and how you plan to use it. Texas Metal Buildings can help configure a red-iron or cold-formed building package around the project.

Request a Free Building Quote Call 210-219-6302
Need additional professional planning help?
Mario Herrera — MH Planner

If your project needs additional architectural or planning guidance, Mario Herrera with MH Planner is a professional architect who can provide more information about his services and help you understand next steps for your project. Texas Metal Buildings LLC remains your metal building supplier; architectural, permitting and planning services are handled separately by the appropriate professional.

Call Mario: 210-725-8458
Official resources referenced for this guide
Permit requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with the applicable jurisdiction.
Disclaimer: This page is general educational information, not legal, engineering, architectural or permitting advice. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, property, building use, project scope and current law. Verify all requirements directly with the applicable city, county, Fire Marshal, floodplain administrator, utility provider and other authorities before ordering materials or beginning construction.