Permits & Licenses

Step 1: Verify Address Location

The City of Helotes issues permits and licenses for the City of Helotes Corporate City Limits, and some ETJ properties when applicable. A Helotes mailing address does not automatically mean the property is located within the City.

It is the responsibility of the individual applying for the permit to ensure that the location of the property is located within the City of Helotes Corporate City Limits. *If permit is applicable to an ETJ property, please reach out to Development Services to verify ETJ issuance.*

Find the property on the Bexar County Appraisal District’s website to confirm permitting jurisdiction. To see an example of a property search result within our permitting jurisdiction on the BCAD website, Click Here . NOTE: A Helotes mailing address does not mean that the property is actually located within the City of Helotes jurisdiction. You must review the permitting jurisdiction on the BCAD website as explained above. Contact Development Services staff with any questions.

NO REFUNDS will be issued for permit or license applications incorrectly submitted due to a property being outside of the City of Helotes Corporate City Limits. (As previously stated, some permits apply to ETJ properties, please reach out to Development Services for ETJ issuance.)

Step 2: Review the Helotes Fee Schedule

Review the City of Helotes Fee Schedule for details regarding permit and license fees.

Step 3: Submit a Permit or License Application

Review the following list of permit and license applications available online and select the appropriate item to apply and submit payment.

*The following types of applications are not available online, so please email Development Services Department for these applications:

• Building Permit – Residential & Commercial (new construction, additions, interior remodel, any enclosed structures/accessory buildings)
• Carport Permit
• Commercial Trades Permits (plumbing, electrical, and HVAC)
• Deck Permit
• Generator Permit
• Patio Cover Permit
• Pergola Permit
• Plat Application (also pertains to ETJ properties)
• R.O.W./Street Cut Permit
• Special Event/Parade

*Items marked with an asterisk below are applicable for properties located within the Helotes ETJ:

• Annexation Packet – Less than 3 landowners
• Annexation Packet – More than 3 landowners
• Driveway Permit (commercial property)
• Encroachment License
• Landscape Permit (commercial property)
• Pre-Development Meeting
• Sign Permit
• Sign Permit (Temporary)
• Sign Variance Permit
• Tree Removal Application Permit / Affidavit (Residential and Commercial, 3 acres or more)
• Tree Trimming / Tree Removal Permit (Residential and Commercial)

Development Services will work as quickly as possible to complete your request. Refer to each permit or license application for submission deadlines and processing times.

All outstanding fees are due prior to permit issuance.

**Effective December 13, 2021, Development Services will no longer issue same day tree trimming or tree removal permits. Tree trimming/removal permit applications must be submitted at least two business days prior to the proposed project start date. A submitted permit application does not gaurantee an approved permit.

* Items marked with an asterisk are applicable for properties located within the Helotes ETJ.