Hosting an open house in Sonterra should help your listing shine, not cause headaches over sign violations. If you are preparing to sell or invite buyers to tour, you face unique rules inside this gated Stone Oak community. In this guide, you will learn exactly what is allowed, what is not, and how to keep everything compliant from the gate to the curb. Let’s dive in.
Key rules inside Sonterra
Schedule 48 hours in advance
You must notify the Sonterra Property Owners Association at least 48 hours before your open house. The POA coordinates gate procedures and can answer questions about current rules. Review the association guidance and contact details on the Sonterra POA site.
One sign at the entrance only
Sonterra permits one professionally made metal-frame open house sign at the neighborhood entrance. Place it no earlier than 15 minutes before your event and remove it within 15 minutes after the event ends. Balloons, streamers, directional arrows, flags, and similar attention devices are not permitted. See the official policy on the Sonterra POA information page.
Plan for gate and patrol access
Guests may need to call from the gate, and Sonterra Patrol will contact the hosting agent to confirm entry. Make sure you have staff ready to answer calls and manage flow. Sonterra outlines the procedure on its open house guidance page.
Stone Oak overlay rules
Sonterra sits within the Stone Oak master-planned community, which maintains its own sign policy. In practice, this means Sonterra rules and Stone Oak rules both apply, and the stricter rule controls. Before you finalize signage, review the Stone Oak POA FAQ for master policy details and any required approvals.
City and state sign laws you should know
San Antonio temporary sign rules
The City of San Antonio regulates temporary signs placed in the public right of way, including medians, sidewalks, and esplanades. The code sets limits for placement, spacing, size, and display windows, and some off-premise signs require registration or permits. Placing signs near intersections, hydrants, or in certain zones is prohibited. Review the applicable section of the City of San Antonio code before placing any off-site or directional signs.
Texas increased penalties for bandit signs
A Texas law effective in 2025 increases penalties for unauthorized signs placed in public rights of way. This raises the risk of using unpermitted directional signs near Sonterra and Stone Oak. For context on enforcement, see this news summary of the 2025 law.
How to host a compliant open house
Before your open house
- Notify Sonterra POA at least 48 hours in advance and confirm gate procedures. Reference the Sonterra POA open house page.
- Check Stone Oak’s master sign policy in case additional approvals apply. Start with the Stone Oak POA FAQ.
- If you plan any off-site directional signs, verify city rules first. Review the San Antonio temporary sign code and contact Development Services if needed.
On the day of the event
- Use only one professional metal-frame sign at the neighborhood entrance. Place it 15 minutes before the start and remove it 15 minutes after.
- Do not use directionals, balloons, streamers, pennants, flags, A-frames, or similar devices at the entrance or within the community.
- Prepare for the gate call process so visitors can enter promptly.
After the open house
- Remove your entrance sign immediately within the allowed time window. Do not leave signs overnight.
- If a sign is removed by the POA or the city, contact the appropriate office to ask about retrieval. Start with the Sonterra POA site.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Placing more than one sign at the entrance or leaving it out beyond the allowed time.
- Using balloons, streamers, flags, pennants, or directional arrows inside Sonterra without written permission.
- Posting signs on public medians, sidewalks, or utility poles without city authorization.
- Assuming city allowances override POA rules. The strictest rule applies.
- Skipping the 48-hour notice to the POA, which can delay or disrupt your event.
Who enforces and what happens
Both Sonterra and Stone Oak enforce their sign programs and may remove noncompliant signs. The City of San Antonio can also remove illegal signs in the public right of way and issue fines or fees. For the most current enforcement details, consult the Sonterra POA guidance and the San Antonio sign code.
Quick reference: what is allowed in Sonterra
- One professional metal-frame open house sign at the neighborhood entrance.
- Display window is 15 minutes before the event through 15 minutes after.
- No directionals, balloons, streamers, flags, pennants, or similar devices at entrances.
- Follow Stone Oak master rules and city laws in addition to Sonterra rules.
Before you host or place any sign, always confirm current rules with the Sonterra POA and, if needed, City Development Services. Policies can change.
Ready to plan a smooth, compliant open house in Sonterra and maximize your showing results across Stone Oak and San Antonio? Partner with Evalon Cantu for a concierge, step-by-step listing experience that keeps you on track and on brand.
FAQs
Can I place directional arrow signs inside Sonterra?
- No. Sonterra’s guidance disallows directional signs and attention devices at the entrance. Only one professional metal-frame sign at the entrance is allowed, placed 15 minutes before and removed 15 minutes after.
Can I put signs on public medians or sidewalks near Sonterra?
- Not without following City of San Antonio rules. The city restricts signs in the public right of way and may require permits or registration for off-premise signs.
What happens if the POA removes my sign in Sonterra?
- Associations often remove noncompliant signs. Contact the Sonterra POA, and if applicable the Stone Oak POA, to ask about retrieval and any related fees.
Who has the final say on real estate sign size and placement?
- Both the city and the POAs set rules. You must comply with the strictest applicable rule across Sonterra POA, Stone Oak POA, and the City of San Antonio.
