San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting Summary – August 19, 2025

The San Antonio Zoning Commission met on August 19, 2025, at 1:01 PM, chaired by John Bustamante. The commission considered 13 zoning items, including a consent agenda and several individual hearings. Key decisions included approval of a consent agenda (with one item pulled), approval of a zoning amendment for a professional office, continuance of two items for neighborhood outreach, and approval of a request to allow alcohol sales at a restaurant. The meeting adjourned at 2:33 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda included items 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13. Item 3 was pulled for individual consideration. All consent items were approved unanimously (8-0).
• Item 1: 157 West Broadview Drive – Rezone from R5 to IDZ1 (12 units). 16 notices sent, 0 in favor, 0 opposed. Woodlawn Hills Neighborhood Association gave no response.
• Item 4: 107 Cass Street – Rezone from I-1 to IDZ1 (MF18 uses). 44 notices, 1 favor, 1 opposed. Devon Heights did not respond.
• Item 5: 8800 block Marbach Road – Rezone from C2/C2NA/C3/C2S to C2S with specific use authorization for solar battery storage. 71 notices, 1 favor, 2 opposed. Rainbow Hills Area Neighborhood Association gave no response.
• Item 7: 530 East Courtland Place – Rezone from R5 CD to R5 CD IDZ with conditional use for food service. 29 notices, 2 favor, 1 opposed. Tobin Hill Neighborhood Association in support.
• Item 8: (Not fully described in transcript but listed as 46 notices sent, 0 favor, 1 opposed; West N Hope in Action and Martinez Creek Neighborhood Association gave no response; Prospect Hill Neighborhood Association in favor.)
• Item 9: 604 West Hollywood Avenue – Rezone from R6 to R6 CD for two dwelling units. 38 notices, 2 favor, 0 opposed. Beacon Hill Neighborhood Association in support.
• Item 11: 4130 Broadway Street – Rezone from C2 to C2 IDZ. 19 notices, 0 favor, 1 opposed. Mankey Park in support.
• Item 12: (Not fully described, but 21 notices sent, 0 favor, 0 opposed, no neighborhood association within 200 feet.)
• Item 13: 1422 State Highway 16 North – Rezone from FR to BP. 17 notices, 0 favor, 0 opposed, no neighborhood association.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 3 (4211 Boxwood Road): Multiple voicemails opposed the rezoning, citing concerns about property values, past issues with the owner (unpermitted construction, unkept property), and fear of increased traffic. Speakers expressed that the property should remain as-is.
• Item 7 (530 East Courtland Place): Betty Boucher, representing the Conservation Society of San Antonio, requested postponement to allow the Tobin Hill Community Association to receive notification and provide comments.
• Item 9 (604 West Hollywood Avenue): Cynthia Walker, chair of the Beacon Hill Neighborhood Association, spoke in support, stating that the neighborhood association voted unanimously on August 11, 2025, to approve the zoning change, which would correct a non-performing property with two existing units.
• Item 10 (334 Como Avenue):
  • Emma Schuller (voicemail) opposed the change, citing concerns about existing group homes causing disturbances (people knocking on doors, unsafe conditions).
  • Alba C. Warner (on behalf of Patricia Dukes) opposed, describing issues with a nearby group home for elderly residents (wheelchair users in the street, homeless people knocking).
  • Daisy V. Lewis (resident at 338 Como) opposed, wanting to live in peace without intruders.
  • Armand Hathaway, president of the Coliseum Willow Park Neighborhood Association, opposed, stating that the neighborhood (historic, with many original owners) does not want a boarding house. He cited lack of communication and clarity about the program.
  • Will Covington (resident at 574 Como) opposed, noting an influx of investors converting homes into group homes, leading to nuisances.
  • Donna Covington opposed, echoing concerns.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 (2634 East Houston Street): Applicant Raina Sims sought to rezone from R4 to C1 for a tax/notary office. She amended the request to RM6 with conditional use for professional office, with hours 10 AM–3 PM by appointment. Commissioners discussed hours; Commissioner Chase suggested 9:30 AM–4:30 PM to allow flexibility. Staff noted that under RM6 CD, default hours are 7 AM–6 PM, but the applicant agreed to the narrower range. The commission approved the amended request.
• Item 3 (4211 Boxwood Road): Applicant Elizabeth Russell represented the owner, who wants to subdivide two lots into three single-family homes. The original request was for R6 CD with two dwelling units per lot, but the applicant amended to R6 (no conditional use) after Commissioner Hinojosa clarified that R6 would allow three single-family homes without a site plan binding. Neighbors voiced opposition via voicemail. The commission continued the item to September 2, 2025, to allow the applicant to conduct outreach with neighbors.
• Item 6 (318 Historic Old Highway 90): Applicant Mr. Leal requested a rezone from C2NA (no alcohol sales) to C2 to allow beer sales with food at an existing restaurant. The restaurant is in a non-alcoholic sales corridor established in 2011. Staff recommended denial, citing inconsistency with the corridor. The applicant noted support from Los Jardines Neighborhood Association and offered to hire a security officer on weekends. The commission approved the request (8-0).
• Item 10 (334 Como Avenue): Applicant Mr. Rouse sought a rezone from R4 to R4 CD for a boarding home for 8 young adults (ages 18–23) from foster care, providing supervised independent living. The property is currently vacant. Staff recommended approval, noting the property has an accessory dwelling and is near transit. Neighbors spoke in opposition, expressing concerns about safety, existing group home issues, and lack of communication. The applicant clarified that by right he could house 6 residents; the rezone would allow 8. The commission continued the item to September 2, 2025, for the applicant to meet with neighbors and address concerns.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved (8-0).
• Item 2 (2634 East Houston Street): Approved as amended to RM6 with conditional use for professional office, with hours 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (8-0).
• Item 3 (4211 Boxwood Road): Continued to September 2, 2025, for neighborhood outreach (8-0).
• Item 6 (318 Historic Old Highway 90): Approved as submitted (8-0).
• Item 10 (334 Como Avenue): Continued to September 2, 2025, for applicant to meet with neighbors (8-0).
• Minutes: Approved (acclamation).

Director's Report & Announcements

• Staff announced departmental changes: Michael Shannon is leaving DSD to become director of a new capital budget projects department; Amin Tomaz will become director; Melissa Ramirez is promoted to deputy director; Logan Sparrow is promoted to assistant director.
• Chair Bustamante thanked Commissioner Reyes for his service, as he is leaving the commission.