San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting – August 5, 2025

The San Antonio Zoning Commission met on August 5, 2025, from approximately 1:00 PM to 2:37 PM, chaired by President John Bustamantes. The meeting addressed a consent calendar, several public hearings, and postponements. Key decisions included approval of multiple zoning changes, a postponement of a controversial bar application after extensive public opposition, and recognition of outgoing Commissioner Watson.

Consent Calendar

• Items approved en bloc: Cases 3, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 18.
  • Case 3 (107 Cash Street): Change from R-4 to L S with authorization for extra-large vehicle storage. The applicant was not present; no public comment. Approved (vote: unanimous).
  • Case 6 (300 block E. Ashley Road): MF-33 to PUD MF-33 – no opposition, neighborhood association in favor.
  • Case 7 (667 N. General McMullen): R-4 to C-1 – neighborhood association supported.
  • Case 8 (multiple properties on Tupelo Lane, San Horizon, Tunnel Place, East Sunberg Lane): R-6, MF-33, F-33, C-1, O-2 to C-1, R-M-4, etc. – 18 notices, 0 for/0 against. One speaker (Chantal Gerson) spoke in favor, stating she was initially nervous but after talking to the planner believed the change would allow a transition similar to a nearby hotel and would benefit Denham Park. Approved.
  • Case 11 (117 Breham Street): R-6 to I-1 – one opposition, no other changes.
  • Case 12 (2922 W. Travis Street): R-6 to R-6 CD for a duplex – no opposition, neighborhood association in favor.
  • Case 13 (301 Yuca Street): MF-33 to L-3 with a cemetery use – no opposition.
  • Case 14 (3817 Pleasanton Road): RM-4 to C-2 CD for warehouses – 19 notices, no opposition, neighborhood association in favor. Approved.
  • Case 16 (1118 W. French Place): R-6 CD to R-C CD for a bakery in a historic location – Beacon Hill neighborhood association did not respond.
  • Case 17 (7114 & 218 N. Loop 1604): Change to L S with storage authorization – 1 for, 1 against, no registered neighborhood association in 200 ft.
  • Case 18 (522 N.W. Loop 410): C-2 to C-3 – 1 for, 1 against, neighborhood association did not respond.
• Motion to approve consent items made, seconded, and passed unanimously (11-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case 8 (consent): Chantal Gerson (7922 North Place) spoke in favor, expressing initial nervousness but confirming after speaking with the planner that the change is appropriate.
• Case 15 (419 East French Place): The majority of public comments were in opposition to the applicant’s request to rezone for a bar (associated with “Brass Monkey”). Over a dozen recorded voicemails and in-person speakers voiced strong opposition, citing:
  • Years of noise, public urination, vomiting, theft, sexual acts, and drug use.
  • Safety concerns: intoxicated persons banging on doors, trespassing, and threats. One speaker (Gilbert Perales) reported being threatened with death for opposing.
  • Lack of adequate parking, restrooms, and capacity in adjacent bars.
  • Disruption to the historic character of the neighborhood.
  • Residents have been forced to install cameras, gates, and barriers to protect their properties.
  • The applicant (Mark, owner of Brass Monkey) was described as a good person by some, but the overwhelming sentiment was that converting a residential house into a bar would worsen existing problems.
  • George Turner (418 E. French Place) and Anthony Dominguez (414 E. French Place) detailed direct impacts: finding drunk people on their property, noise until 2–3 a.m., and the fear of living next to a bar.
• Other public comment for case 15: Several residents submitted voicemails reiterating similar opposition.

Discussion Items

• Case 2 (1370 Judson Road): Request to change from C-3 to I-1 for outdoor storage. Staff and planning commission recommended denial, noting industrial zoning would encroach on residential areas. The applicant (David, founder of development company) proposed an amendment to C-3 with specific authorization for outdoor storage, explaining they already operate a warehouse and were unaware of code violations. The commission accepted the amendment. No public comment. Commissioner Witset (District 10) moved to approve as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
• Case 4 (921-923 Burnett Street): Request to change from MF-33 to IDZ-1 for a medical office, clinic, café, and community outreach space. Property was formerly a Department of Health and Human Services building. Staff recommended denial because the site is in an area designated for medium-density residential under the East Side Plan. However, the applicants (Andrea and Brandy Warmley) highlighted strong community support, including letters from the Harvard Lane-East neighbor association president, 15 approvals from property owners within 200 ft, and plans to use 60% of the space for nonprofit outreach (job training for high school students and veterans, senior events, Bible study, art exhibits). No public comment. Commissioner Watson noted the applicants’ extensive outreach. The motion to approve was made by Watson, seconded by Hinojosa, and passed (10-0, with Commissioner Hinojosa voting yes, and all others yes; Hinojosa briefly left but returned). The recommendation will go to City Council.
• Case 10 (13639 Fuller Road): Request to change from R-6 (single-family) to C-3 for an office/warehouse for a fire protection contractor. Staff recommended C-2 with conditional use, citing C-3 as too intense for the area and potential impacts on adjacent residential. The applicant (representative Miramontes from Tunchus Lark) explained the five-acre site is 600 ft from the nearest home, surrounded by C-3, and they hope to maintain flexibility for future tenants. Public comment from neighbor Robert L. Worley (1364 Bulverde Road) raised drainage concerns, but stated he was not opposed if drainage was addressed. The applicant indicated willingness to work with Worley and the church owner (who supports the rezoning). Commissioners discussed and noted the drainage issue would be reviewed during permitting. A motion to approve as requested (C-3) was made by Witset, seconded by Kellum, and passed (10-0, with Commissioner Hinojosa absent briefly).
• Recognition of Commissioner Watson: At the end of the meeting, commissioners thanked and recognized Commissioner Watson for her service, noting this was her last meeting as she is leaving the commission.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved (11 cases) – all passed unanimously.
• Case 2 (Judson Road): Approved as amended to C-3 with outdoor storage.
• Case 4 (Burnett Street): Approved (MF-33 to IDZ-1) – will go to City Council.
• Case 10 (Fuller Road): Approved (R-6 to C-3).
• Case 5 (not detailed): Application for a postponement to September 2, 2025, was granted.
• Case 9 (not detailed) and Case 15 (419 East French Place): Postponed to August 19, 2025. The applicant for Case 15 agreed to change the request after hearing overwhelming public opposition; new notices will be sent to neighbors.
• Minutes from July 15, 2025, approved by acclamation.
• Meeting adjourned at 2:37 PM.