Planning Commission Meeting - July 9, 2025

The San Antonio Planning Commission met on July 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The meeting included a consent agenda for routine approvals and an individual hearing on a requested plan amendment for a funeral home at 13900 Jones Maltzberger Road. The meeting adjourned at 2:27 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, comprising all items except number 11, was approved by a unanimous roll call vote (7-0). Commissioner Lopez recused himself from item 8 (a voicemail regarding a warehouse at 12415 Autumn Vista Street was played but no discussion was held).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 11 – Plan Amendment at 13900 Jones Maltzberger Road: A voicemail from a resident (210-878-8374) raised 11 questions about a proposed warehouse on item 8 (not this item). For item 11, a voicemail from the president of the Gardens of Ocalo HOA (1811 Shoal Run Street) expressed opposition to changing the land use from Parks Open Space to Community Commercial, citing late notice, negative impact on property values, and concerns about a funeral home/crematorium across the street.
• Alan Casier (12515 Enfield Park) spoke in opposition, noting the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (FEMA flood zone), with a creek (Lawrence Creek) and a bridge where flooding has occurred. He described an SUV swept into a tree during a past flood.
• Kim Pettett (2034 Oak Mist), president of the North Central Thousand Oaks Neighborhood Association (NIKTONA), opposed the rezoning, stating it does not fit the residential character of the area (2,500 homes), would complicate traffic at the intersection of Oakline and Jones Maltzberger, and requested more details on whether the facility includes a crematory.
• Tambra Rick Halde (owner of the adjacent 8 acres at 13900 Jones Maltzberger) was not opposed but requested that an easement or access be included, as her property is currently landlocked.

Discussion Items

• Item 11 – Plan Amendment from Parks Open Space to Community Commercial: Staff planner Alexa Ratano presented the request to rezone the property to C-2 CD (Commercial District with Conditional Use for a funeral home/undertaking parlor). Staff noted 23 notices mailed, 0 in favor, 2 opposed within 200 feet, and 2 opposed outside 200 feet. The property abuts existing commercial to the west, fronts a secondary arterial, and is buffered by a 100-year floodplain. Staff recommended approval.
• Applicant Jeremy Burnell (19141 Milan Street) stated he owns three funeral homes in San Antonio and has owned the property for 15 years, previously a gentlemen's club. He plans to remodel the existing building (no demolition), add minimal parking, and beautify the site. He disputed flood concerns, stating flooding has never reached the building. He noted the neighboring Tommy John's tailgate restaurant uses his parking lot. He emphasized the C-2D zoning would prevent large corporate development.
• Commissioner Questions: Commissioners asked about the current use (vacant), flood zone limitations (only remodeling allowed), and parking changes (adding a few spaces). Staff confirmed that during platting, flood, wastewater, and traffic impacts will be reviewed. The access issue for the adjacent landowner was noted as a civil matter.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Approve Item 11: Approved by a unanimous roll call vote (7-0). Commissioner Lopez had returned after recusing from item 8. The plan amendment from Parks Open Space to Community Commercial was approved, allowing the conditional use for a funeral home.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Meeting Adjourned: 2:27 PM.