San Antonio Board of Adjustments Meeting – July 7, 2025

The Board of Adjustments met on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 1:07 p.m. to 5:34 p.m. to hear ten agenda items including variances, special exceptions, and appeals. The board granted most requests, denied one, and continued two cases.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 9 (continued): Two voicemails and two speakers opposed a nonconforming use appeal at 3406 Roosevelt. Jane Henry (President, Mission San Jose Neighborhood Association) vigorously opposed the unpermitted additions (smokestacks) near Mission San Jose, citing visual impact. Brady Alexander (Hot Wells Mission Reach Neighborhood Association) supported requiring compliance with historic overlay rules.
• Item 3 (607 Mason Street STR): Four voicemails and one speaker: Marlene Hawkins (Government Hill Community Association) asked to deny the second type 2 STR. Nancy Mawney (neighbor) supported the applicants, calling them an asset to the block. John (neighbor) opposed more STRs due to parking, noise, and trash.
• Item 5 (334 Senisa Drive carport): Three voicemails supported the carport; Ted Guerra (Jefferson Neighborhood Association president) opposed, citing violations and noncompliance with NCD standards. Bianca Maldonado (Monticello Park Neighborhood Association) also opposed. Patty Zions (neighbor, board member of JNA) spoke in opposition, noting the applicant proceeded without a permit despite prior notice.
• Item 10 (3909 Tupelo Lane fence): Two speakers – the applicant’s representative and homeowner Patricia Perron – argued for a 6’3” privacy fence to enhance safety and match the neighborhood character.
• Item 12 (442 Caton Ave carport): Two voicemails supported the reconstruction. The applicant, Maria Rodriguez, noted verbal approval from adjacent neighbors.

Discussion Items

• Continuances (Items 4 & 9): Item 4 (1120 Buena Vista, parking variances) continued to July 21, 2025. Item 9 (3406 Roosevelt, nonconforming use appeal) continued to August 5, 2025, due to applicant’s attorney unavailability.
• Item 11 (414 Regina Street): Request for alley access and two driveways on a 50-foot lot. Staff recommended approval. Applicant Erica Ragsdale (City NHS) described rehab. Commissioners noted the alley is paved and adequate. Approved unanimously.
• Item 3 (607 Mason Street): Special exception for an additional type 2 short-term rental (STR) on the block face. Staff recommended denial due to density exceeding 12.5%. Applicant Lisa Hendrickson presented evidence of inadvertent operation without a permit, citing a third-party error. Commissioners debated fairness and neighborhood opposition. Motion to grant failed 6-5 (nine votes required).
• Item 5 (334 Senisa Drive): Two variances: 8’6” front setback reduction and elimination of screening requirement for a carport. Staff recommended denial. Applicant Edgar Manrique argued his carport is smaller than others. After initial motion denial (7-4?), the board reopened and granted only the setback variance (9-2), leaving screening to be addressed.
• Item 6 (6238 Randolph Boulevard): Fence material variance to allow corrugated metal for security. Staff recommended denial. Applicant Ronnie Capatillo (San Antonio Dodge) reported reduced theft after installation. Staff noted neighbor support. Motion to grant passed unanimously after amendment to add caps on edges.
• Item 7 (802 Sims Avenue): Six variances for carport setbacks, fence height, clear vision areas, and fence material. Staff recommended denial on most. Applicant Maria Castanon explained she followed a contractor’s advice without permits. Commissioners worked with applicant to amend: reduced clear vision area, fence material limited to rear, and privacy fence limited to 30’6” with first 15’ predominantly open. Both motions (variances and fence height special exception) passed unanimously.
• Item 8 (1310 Watkins Late Lane): Mobile food court variances: elimination of 200-ft separation from residences, 10-ft buffer reduction to 5 ft, and fence height special exception. Staff recommended denial. Applicant’s representative argued the project benefits the community and 20 neighbors signed in support. Council district staff indicated no rezoning conflict. Both motions passed unanimously.
• Item 10 (3909 Tupelo Lane): Special exception for a 6’3” privacy fence (3’3” above limit). Staff recommended denial. Applicant Kevin Fitzgerald presented that the fence would be anodized aluminum, matching neighboring lots. Neighbor support and prior similar variance granted. Passed unanimously.
• Item 12 (442 Caton Avenue): Two variances for carport setbacks (front 9’11”, side 4’11”). Staff recommended denial. Applicant Maria Rodriguez proposed rebuilding the dilapidated carport within existing footprint with gutters on east side. Approved unanimously.
• Item 13 (523 Eleanor Avenue): NCD variance for flat roof on rear addition instead of matching pitch. Staff recommended denial. Applicant Ben Wilde (architect) argued a pitched roof would destroy historic fabric; the flat roof tucks under existing roofline and is not visible from street. Neighbors support. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 4: Continued to July 21, 2025.
• Item 9: Continued to August 5, 2025.
• Item 11: Variances granted (unanimous).
• Item 3: Special exception denied (6-5).
• Item 5: Setback variance granted (9-2); screening requirement remains.
• Item 6: Fence material variance granted (unanimous) with cap amendment.
• Item 7: All variances and special exception granted (unanimous).
• Item 8: Both variances and special exception granted (unanimous).
• Item 10: Special exception granted (unanimous).
• Item 12: Variances granted (unanimous) with gutter condition.
• Item 13: NCD variance granted (unanimous).
• Minutes: Approved.