San Antonio Development Services fees increased on October 1, 2026. The new rates apply to invoices issued on or after that date, including fees for new commercial construction and renovation work. The exact amount depends on the permit category, project valuation or area, occupancy, and scope; one fee example rose 15%, but that is not a universal increase.
When did San Antonio’s new development fees take effect?
The City of San Antonio says Development Services fees increased effective October 1, 2026. BuildSA states that invoices issued on or after October 1 reflect the new rates. The City posted its FY 2027 fee schedule on October 6, 2026. City fee notice; BuildSA notice
How do the new fees affect commercial construction and renovations?
There is no single fee or across-the-board percentage for commercial projects. Commercial and existing residential building plan review and permit fees are valuation-based. Commercial trade permit fees generally use a flat-rate structure with additional charges for specified items inspected. The building plan review fee for new commercial construction includes review by Building, Fire, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Street, Traffic, Drainage, Aviation, and Historic Preservation; separate plan review fees also apply to individual trades. City fee schedule and estimator page
For complex commercial plans in occupancy groups A, B, E, F, H, I, M, U, and S, the FY 2027 schedule lists a $115 base mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trade permit fee for up to 1,000 square feet. Additional charges apply as area increases. Storage occupancy (S) is charged at half the listed fees, subject to the schedule’s stated minimum. FY 2027 fee schedule
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A specific example of the increase
For that complex-plan commercial occupancy-group trade-fee table, the base fee through 1,000 square feet rose from $100 in the FY 2026 schedule to $115 in FY 2027—a 15% increase for this line item. It does not establish that every Development Services fee increased by 15%; fee amounts and calculation methods vary by line. FY 2026 and FY 2027 schedules
What surcharges should projects include?
BuildSA states that a 4% Development Services Surcharge and a 4% Technology Surcharge apply to all Development Services fees. Include both when estimating the invoice total. BuildSA fee notice
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How to estimate a project’s fee
- Choose the FY 2027 schedule. Match the project’s permit category and scope, then identify the applicable valuation or square footage and occupancy group. The City provides the schedule and a preliminary fee estimator on its fee resource page.
- Use the invoice date to select rates. For invoices issued on or after October 1, 2026, BuildSA says the new rates apply. BuildSA notice
- Account for relevant fee lines and surcharges. Depending on the project, plan review, trade permits, inspected items, and the two surcharges can affect the total. A single example or percentage cannot calculate every project’s bill.
- Check waiver eligibility. The City lists possible waiver categories including affordable housing, owner-occupied rehabilitation, historic rehabilitation, and business development. Eligibility conditions and exclusions apply; commercial work does not qualify automatically. City fee waivers and resources
- Ask the City about unresolved details. If the schedule or estimator does not clarify a permit or phase question, contact Development Services at 210-207-1111. City fee resources
Does the citywide budget figure describe construction fee increases?
No. The City’s approximately $34.8 million figure refers to new or adjusted fees and other revenues over two years. It is an aggregate budget figure, not a total for Development Services or commercial construction fees. City budget information
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