City of San Antonio - Sec. 35-398. - Renewable Energy Systems

TX Solar/Wind Permitting Standards commercial industrial local government nonprofit residential schools state government federal government agricultural institutional

Administered by: City of San Antonio Development Services Department

Quick Summary

San Antonio homeowners in certain residential and other zoning districts can install small wind turbines (up to 100 kW) or rooftop solar systems by right or with specific use authorization, depending on your property's zoning classification. Check your zoning district to determine whether renewable energy systems require a permit by right or need special authorization before installation.

AI-generated summary • Updated 7/12/2026

Program Details

Program ID
5893
Last Updated
8/17/2023

Eligibility

Eligible Sectors
commercial industrial local government nonprofit residential schools state government federal government agricultural institutional
Eligible Technologies
solar photovoltaics wind (small)

Program Summary

Small Wind Energy Systems:The standards are applicable for small wind energy systems consisting of a wind turbine, a tower, and associated control or conversion electronics, which has a rated capacity of not more than 100 kW and which is intended to primarily reduce on-site consumption of utility power. Small wind energy systems shall be permitted ("P") by right in the following zoning districts C-3, L, I-1, I-2, MI-1, MI-2, O-2, ED, FR, QD and SGD. Small wind energy systems shall require specific use authorization ("S") in all residential base zoning districts and neighborhood preservation districts as well as the following districts: NC, C-1, C-2, O-1, D, RD, UD, MH, MXD, FBZD and TOD.Solar farms:The standards are applicable for fixed-panel photovoltaic solar farms consisting of ground-mounted solar panels that capture energy from the sun and convert it to electricity. Ground-mounted fixed-panel photovoltaic solar farms shall be permitted ("P") by right in the following zoning districts: L, I-1, I-2, MI-1, MI-2, ED, RD, FR, QD and SGD. Ground-mounted fixed-panel photovoltaic solar farms shall require a specific use authorization ("S") in the following zoning districts: NC, C-1, C-2, C-3, O-1, O-1.5, O-2, UD, MH, MXD, FBZD and TOD. Ground-mounted fixed-panel photovoltaic solar farms are prohibited in all other residential base zoning districts, neighborhood preservation districts and the D Downtown District.

Contact & Resources

Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.

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