San Antonio Ranks Among Slowest Cities for Developers

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A new report has found that San Antonio is one of the slowest cities in the nation for developers looking to break ground on new projects. The analysis, conducted by a national real estate research firm, examined permitting and approval timelines across major U.S. cities and ranked San Antonio near the bottom in terms of speed and efficiency for developers to start construction.

Why it matters

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, San Antonio's slow development approval process has become a major concern for local leaders, who are eager to attract new businesses and housing to keep up with population growth. The delays can add significant costs for developers and ultimately impact the affordability and availability of new homes, offices, and other commercial spaces.

The details

The report found that developers in San Antonio face an average 12-month timeline from initial permit application to final approval, significantly longer than the national average of 8 months. Factors contributing to the delays include a backlogged permitting department, complex zoning regulations, and community opposition to new projects in some neighborhoods.

• The report was published on March 31, 2026.
• It examined development timelines across major U.S. cities over the past 3 years.

What they’re saying

What’s next

City officials have pledged to review the report's findings and explore potential reforms to San Antonio's development regulations and permitting procedures in the coming months.