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San Antonio's Trusted ADU Builder

From historic King William to the rolling hills of Stone Oak, we build luxury backyard living spaces across Bexar County and the greater San Antonio metro.

Our Home Market

ADUs Are Transforming San Antonio

San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and homeowners are discovering that the best way to add space isn't to move — it's to build in their own backyard.

Whether you're looking for a guest house in Alamo Heights, a rental unit in Southtown, or a home office in The Dominion, an Elbow Room ADU gives you a professionally built, fully permitted structure that adds value and flexibility to your property. Our office is right here in San Antonio — this is our home market, and we know it inside and out.

Home Base Our Office is in San Antonio
Bexar County Full Permitting Expertise
7+ Neighborhoods Active Service Area
Where We Build

San Antonio Neighborhoods We Serve

We build across Bexar and Guadalupe Counties. Here are some of the neighborhoods where our ADUs are a perfect fit.

Alamo Heights

Established, tree-lined lots with generous setbacks — ideal for adding a backyard suite or guest cottage.

Stone Oak

Larger suburban lots on the north side. Popular for multigenerational living and rental income ADUs.

The Dominion

Estate-sized properties where a luxury ADU complements the main residence with additional living space.

Terrell Hills

Historic neighborhood with mature landscaping. ADUs blend seamlessly with the established character.

Monte Vista

Architecturally rich near downtown. A Charles or Austen model fits right in with the neighborhood's character.

King William

San Antonio's premier historic district. ADUs provide income potential in one of the city's most walkable areas.

Southtown

Arts-driven, walkable neighborhood where short-term rental ADUs can command premium nightly rates.

Local Regulations

San Antonio ADU Zoning & Permits

San Antonio allows accessory dwelling units on qualifying residential lots. Specific rules depend on your zoning district, lot size, and location.

We handle the entire permitting process — from initial zoning verification through final inspection. Our team is familiar with the City of San Antonio Development Services department and the typical review timeline for ADU projects.

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Key SA Zoning Details

  • Lot Size: Minimum varies by district
  • Max Size: Typically up to 1,200 SF or 35% of main dwelling
  • Setbacks: Must meet district rear & side setback requirements
  • Height: Generally limited to 35 feet or less
  • Parking: One additional off-street space may be required
  • Permitting: Full building permit through COSA Development Services
Built in San Antonio

Our San Antonio Projects

See what we've built right here in our home market.

Castano Cove ADU - Austen model poolside
Completed Project

Castano Cove

A poolside Austen model in San Antonio featuring a rooftop deck with panoramic backyard views. This project showcases how an ADU can transform outdoor entertaining while adding a private guest suite.

Model: Austen
Location: San Antonio, TX

San Antonio ADU Questions

Are ADUs legal in San Antonio?

Yes. The City of San Antonio allows accessory dwelling units on residential lots that meet minimum size requirements. ADUs must comply with setback, height, and lot coverage rules specific to your zoning district. Elbow Room handles the full permitting process for every build.

How much does an ADU cost in San Antonio?

Elbow Room ADUs in San Antonio start at $50,000 for a Studio and range up to $250,000+ for a full Residence with premium finishes. Our transparent pricing includes permitting, sitework, construction, and finishes — no hidden fees.

Do I need HOA approval for an ADU in San Antonio?

If your property is in an HOA, you will likely need approval from the architectural review committee. Many San Antonio HOAs, including those in Alamo Heights and Stone Oak, have processes for ADU requests. We can help you prepare the submission with architectural renderings and specifications.

How long does it take to build an ADU in San Antonio?

Typical build times in San Antonio are 14–18 weeks for a Suite and 18–26 weeks for a full Residence. Permitting in Bexar County typically takes 4–8 weeks before construction begins. We manage the entire timeline from application to move-in.

Can I rent out my ADU in San Antonio?

Yes. San Antonio permits long-term rentals in ADUs. Short-term rental (STR) regulations vary by location — some areas require registration and have occupancy limits. An Elbow Room ADU is fully permitted and built to residential code, making it rental-ready from day one.

Ready to Build in San Antonio?

Configure your ADU or schedule a consultation with our team. We'll walk your property and help you explore what's possible.