San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting - July 15, 2025

The San Antonio Zoning Commission met on July 15, 2025, at 1:01 PM under the chairmanship of John Bustamante. The commission considered several rezoning requests, continuations, and public comments. Key actions included approval of a combined consent calendar, postponement of two items to future dates, and decisions on individual cases involving a truck driving school, a disaster relief warehouse, an auto auction, and an industrial rezoning. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10 (combined agenda): Approved unanimously. These included:
  • Item 2: Rezoning from R4 to AE/MR2 at 1511 Burnett Street (opposed by one neighborhood association).
  • Item 3: Rezoning from C1 to IDZ3 (permitted on C2) with 60 dwelling units at 220-224 West Evergreen Street (two in favor, none against; Tobin Hill neighborhood association supported; District 1 residents association did not respond).
  • Item 5: Rezoning from RM4 to AC1 at 2006 and 2018 Brixby Avenue (none opposed, none in favor; neighborhood association supported).
  • Item 7: Rezoning from NP10 to PUD R4 with a 10.3-meter perimeter setback at 157 West Broadview Drive (one opposed, no respondents within 200 feet).
  • Item 9: Rezoning from R4 at 300 block of Springfield Road (no responses, no neighborhood association).
  • Item 10: Rezoning from C2NA and C3 to C2CD with conditional use for a funeral home at 13900 John Mousburger Road (four in favor, one opposed, 90 outside 200 feet in favor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tildo Recalde (Item 10): Expressed that he and his wife are not opposed to the rezoning but requested that access be restored and codified for their adjacent property.
• Herma Alessondo (voicemail, case Z2025-107-000147): Expressed concern that the rezoning would increase property taxes and mentioned foundation cracking and poor soil. She also argued that residents should have the option of a homeowners association.
• Patrick Blackwood (voicemail, Item 10): Opposed the plan for a funeral home and crematory, citing threats to community health from air quality, increased traffic and noise, decreased property values, and erosion of neighborhood character. He called on Councilwoman Spears to protect the neighborhood.
• Adriana Quiñones (Executive Director & President, San Antonio Arboretum, on Item 4): Stated she is not directly opposed to the proposed truck driving school but raised concerns about noise, fumes, emergency vehicle access, and impact on the arboretum’s tranquility. She requested mitigation discussions with the developer.
• Lias Lijas (resident at 121158 Vista Street, adjacent to Item 8): Expressed no opposition to the warehouse plan but requested conditions: that any new fence match the existing 6-foot cedar fences of the neighborhood, and that residents retain access to utility easements.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (Continuation): Originally scheduled for hearing, applicant requested postponement to August 5, 2025. No public comment. Motion passed unanimously.
• Item 6 (Continuation): Postponed to August 19, 2025. No public comment. Motion passed unanimously.
• Item 4 (8000 SE Loop 40): Rezoning from R4 (residential) with airport overlay to C2 with airport overlay (5 of 27 acres) for a truck driving school and parking for 18-wheelers. Staff noted the area is flood-prone and not suitable for residential. The applicant (Amiche McCarthy) argued the location is perfect and will create jobs. Public comment from Adriana Quiñones (Arboretum) raised concerns. Commissioner Hinojosa suggested a postponement for the applicant and arboretum to discuss mitigation. The commission voted unanimously to postpone to August 5, 2025.
• Item 8 (6131 Sabala Road): Rezoning from R6 to C2CD with conditional use for a warehouse (Endeavors, a non-profit disaster relief organization). Staff recommended approval with conditions: vehicle access only from Sabala, 25-foot buffer along residential boundaries, hours of operation 8 AM to 6 PM, and reduced lighting. Public comment from adjacent resident Lias Lijas requested fence height of 6 feet (matching neighborhood) and utility access. Applicant agreed to work with neighbors. After discussion about fence height specification, Commissioner Gonzalez made a motion to approve with the stated conditions (excluding a specific fence height requirement). Motion seconded and passed unanimously (11-0).
• Item 11 (13527 SW Loop 410): Rezoning from C2CD and R5 to C2 for an auto auction and C2CD for warehouse (17.09 acres, amended down from 33.76 acres). Staff recommended approval with conditions: hours 8 AM to 6 PM, separation from residential uses, and a 56-foot buffer. The applicant (Emily Weiss for Kaylin) noted strong community support (90+ outside 200 feet in favor). No public comment. Commissioner Reyes moved to approve as amended with conditions. Motion seconded and passed unanimously.
• Item 12 (7626 Grissom Road): Rezoning from R6 to I1 (industrial light). The property has been used industrially since 1975 but was never officially rezoned. Staff recommended denial citing inconsistency with future land use, but the applicant argued the area is surrounded by industrial uses and an adjacent property (ABC Supply) was recently rezoned to I1 with council approval. No public comment. Commissioner Chase made a motion to approve for consistency. Motion seconded and passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Items 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10): Approved unanimously (11-0). These items will proceed to City Council with a favorable recommendation.
• Item 1: Postponed to August 5, 2025 (unanimous).
• Item 6: Postponed to August 19, 2025 (unanimous).
• Item 4: Postponed to August 5, 2025, to allow applicant and San Antonio Arboretum to discuss mitigation (unanimous).
• Item 8: Approved with conditions (access, buffer, hours, lighting) – fence height left to code; motion carried 11-0.
• Item 11: Approved as amended (reduced acreage) with conditions – motion carried 11-0.
• Item 12: Approved (rezoning to I1) – motion carried 11-0.
• Minutes of previous meeting: Approved by voice vote (unanimous).
• Meeting adjourned at 2:27 PM.

Note: All votes were unanimous. No abstentions or dissents were recorded.