Home Occupations.
San Antonio Unified Development Code § 35-378
in effectSec. 35-378. - Home Occupations.
(a) General Requirements. Home occupations are permitted on a residential property subject to the following provisions:
(1) The outer appearance of the dwelling unit and/or property shall not be altered nor shall the home occupation be conducted in a manner which would cause the premises to differ from its residential character either by the use of colors, materials, construction, lighting, signs, increased traffic or the emission of odors, sounds, or vibrations. The city's noise, nuisance, and short-term rental regulations are also applicable.
(2) No outdoor display of goods or outdoor storage of equipment or materials used in the home occupation shall be permitted.
(3) The home occupation shall not involve the use of advertising signs on the premises or any other advertising media which calls attention to the fact that the dwelling unit is being used for a home occupation, with the exception of a telephone number listing. One (1) nameplate not exceeding one (1) square foot in area shall be allowed provided the nameplate is nonilluminated and attached flat to the dwelling unit or visible through a window.
(4) The number of employees working at a home business shall not exceed the number, in combination with the residents of the dwelling and customers of the home based business, the permitted occupancy of the dwelling unit.
(5) The home occupation shall be conducted entirely within the residential property. Activities must not be visible from the street.
(6) The use of electrical or mechanical equipment that would change the fire rating of the dwelling or create visible or audible interference in radio or television receivers or cause fluctuations in line voltage outside the dwelling unit is prohibited.
(7) The home occupation shall not involve the use of commercial vehicles for delivery of materials to and from the premises.
(8) No certificate of occupancy is required for a home occupation.
(b) Prohibited Uses. No home occupation(s) shall be allowed that generate on-street parking, substantially increase traffic in the area, or violate the city's noise ordinance. Additionally, the following uses are prohibited as home occupations:
(1) Vehicle painting, service, or repair.
(2) Animal hospitals, kennels, stables, hospitals, or obedience/training schools.
(3) Restaurants or catering. The preparation of food for resale, except for cottage foods and whole, non-cut produce as defined in this chapter.
(4) Sexual oriented businesses, the selling of alcohol or drugs, or a structured sober living home.
(Ord. No. 98697 § 6) (Ord. No. 101816, § 2, 12-15-05; Ord. No. 2015-12-17-1077, § 2, 12-17-15; Ord. No. 2022-11-03-0831, § 2, 11-3-22, eff. 1-1-23; Ord. No. 2025-09-04-0580, § 2, 9-4-25)
Source: City of San Antonio, City Code, City Charter and Unified Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio/codes/unified_development_code?nodeId=ARTIIIZO_DIV7SUUSRE_S35-378HOOCFetched: 10/27/2026