Code Compliance

What We Do

The purpose of the Code Compliance Department is to protect and improve the health and welfare of the residents of unincorporated Bexar County. These services are provided to the residents to respond and investigate concerns in the community.

Our Code enforcement emphasizes compliance over enforcement. Our personnel seek first to educate the residents about Bexar County codes to gain voluntary compliance. Notices of Violation (NOV) are part of the education process but can result in citation or other court action if ignored. Code Compliance issues include, but are not limited to:

  • High Weeds
  • Rubbish (Must be visible from a public right-of-way)
  • Junk Vehicles (Must be visible from a public right-of-way)
  • Refuse
  • Vector issues (mosquitoes, rats, etc.)
  • Blocking drainage easements
  • Illegal Dumping
  • Failing septic systems

Codes Enforced

Bexar County Code Compliance follows the rules laid out in the Commissioners approved Court Order. The court specifically refers to the Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC). Below is a list of the various codes that are enforced by the Code Compliance Department:

  • Bexar County Court Order
  • THSC 341
  • THSC 343
  • THSC 365

Complaint Process

An inspection is made when a complaint is received by Bexar County by phone or email and follows a complaint process:

  • If a violation is verified, a Notice of Violation (NOV) is sent by certified mail to the owner of the property detailing what violations were found on the site.
  • If the NOV recipient responds and cleans up the problem, no further action is taken.
  • A re‐inspection will be done 30 days after verification that the certified NOV has been received.
  • If the violation has not been corrected after 30 days, Bexar County can take further legal action.
  • If the certified letter sent is not received or not accepted, Bexar County will post a copy of the NOV at the site to ensure compliance with state notification law.

Different notification laws apply depending on the threat to health and public safety. For example, If the issue is septic related and the violation is not corrected 30 days after posting, a court case can be filed and corrective action ordered. If the issue is not septic related and the violation is not corrected, the violation will be posted to the newspaper twice. Then 30 days after the final newspaper posting a re‐inspection will be done. If the site is still not in compliance then a court case will be filed.

If the constituent who has received a NOV would like to discuss the violation and how to remedy it, they need to make sure to have their Notice of Violation letter with them when they call our office. This letter has some information that the code compliance officer will need to specifically identify the case.

Other Services

Dispute Resolution Center

There are times when the complaint received is not a violation of state or local law but rather a dispute between neighbors. When this occurs, the parties in question are referred to the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center. 

Household Hazardous Waste Program

Bexar County offers a home pick up of household hazardous waste (HHW) at no cost to you! Residents of the unincorporated area of Bexar County can receive one free pick up a year. Visit the Household Hazardous Waste Program to learn more.