Building additional unit in existing rental property

[Agustin Farias]

Hello BP community. We are from San Antonio TX and recently bought our first rental property, a duplex (both units rented) and the property has some land where we would like to build a 1/1 unit. We are brand new in the REI game so we have no idea where to start doing research to see if it is even possible to build on this property. We've done some research in the city's website but it's a little tricky to navigate and understand the lingo. Any advice on where to begin? Thanks for your comments!

[Joseph Cacciapaglia]

I would start off by checking the One Stop Map: https://gis.sanantonio.gov/DSD... This will show you the current zoning.

Then I look up what the zoning code means: https://docsonline.sanantonio.... The city notes that these are not the code, but examples of permitted uses.

Then I like to look at the setback rules: https://library.municode.com/T... You can actually find all the code on municode.

Once I've done all that, and I think I know what's allowed, then I'll call the city of San Antonio and try to speak with someone from P&Z. I find them to be surprising helpful, if it's clear I tried to figure it out myself first. You can call the development services line, and they'll connect you the the P&Z person on duty. I'm sure there is a more direct way, but that's how I initially got there. Of course, you could also consult a real estate attorney and architect, and they should be able to help you out.