Constructing a Casita

NOTE: Total construction time averages 3 - 9 months with 3 - 6 months being ideal.

Steps in the Process

1. Secure Permit-Ready Plans

The first step to building your casita is creating building plans. You can hire an architect to create these or browse the City's digital Casita Permit-Ready Plan Library. Permit-ready plans include casita floor plan designs and 80% building plans. This can save you time and money. View the Casita Permit-Ready Plan Library.

2. Secure Financing

To build a casita, you may need a loan to help pay for casita construction. It is important to find a loan that fits your budget. The City provides information on different banks' casita financing tools. For these resources, see Financing a Casita.

3. Hire a Contractor

During the same time that you find a loan, you can also look for a contractor. Hiring a contractor is crucial to building a casita. A contractor will ensure your casita is built safely and correctly. They can also act as your project manager. They can make sure you have the right permits and construction is on-schedule. For guidance on choosing a contractor, plus a list of registered contractors, see Finding a Casita Contractor.

4. Get a Permit

Once you have casita plans, you will need to apply for a residential building permit with the City's Development Services Department (DSD).

You may also need other permits for things like electrical, mechanical, or plumbing. For more information, visit the DSD website or call 210-207-1111.

5. Construction Project Management

Construction project management involves supervising and directing a project's stages. Managing casita construction is time-consuming, so many people hire a project manager. A project manager might be a contractor or another professional. For more information on hiring a City-recommended contractor, see our Casita Contractor List.

Permit & Design Standards

Casitas are allowed in most residential zoning districts. Zoning is the legal use of land and a zoning district says how a property can be used. For zoning and permitting processes casitas are called Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs.

Find out more about zoning restrictions and the steps to get a permit:
Apply for an ADU Permit

For tips on construction and hiring a contractor, see Finding a Casita Contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my Homeowner's Association (HOA) allow me to build an casita?

While the City will issue permits for casitas that meet eligibility criteria, we strongly recommend checking to see if you have HOA regulations or deed restrictions that prohibit them.

Can I build an casita if I live in a historic district?

Casitas are possible in historic districts. The permitting process is the same, but you will need a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before receiving a permit. See Casitas in Historic Districts for more information.

Do I need an architect to build an casita?

No. In San Antonio, construction plans for casitas do not require an architect to prepare.

Do I need an engineer?

Yes. The foundation construction plans are required to be approved and certified by an engineer.

Does my casita need separate utilities from my main house?

Homeowners can choose whether the casita is connected to the utilities of the main house or has separate utility connections.

Will my casita have a separate address from my main house?

If the casita will share a meter with the main house, you will not need a new address for the casita. Instead, the casita address will fall under the main house address.

If you want your casita to have a separate meter, you will need an address to set up new utility connections. To submit a request for an address, you can complete a Request of Address Assignment/Verification (PDF) form online.

You can also complete this form in person at the DSD Office:

Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center (One Stop)
1901 S. Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78204
Directions

Information about visiting the One Stop office.