San Antonio Zoning Committee Meeting Summary – September 2, 2025

The San Antonio Zoning Committee met on September 2, 2025, from approximately 1:02 PM to 3:01 PM to deliberate and vote on several zoning cases. The committee, chaired by Commissioner Bustamante, handled a consent calendar of routine items, held individual hearings for four contested cases, and addressed public comments and procedural motions. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format with commissioners present both in-person and remotely.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (10-0): Cases 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, and 15. These items included amendments to conform to Texas state legislation, rezoning requests (e.g., C-2 to MXD, R-4 to R-4 CD, C-1 to C-2), and corridor plan adoptions. Notifications were sent, with limited or no opposition. The committee voted by roll call (Commissioners Hinojosa, Barros, Loza, Pete Rodríguez, Huey, Chase, Bustamante all yes; no opposed).

Continuations

• Case 8 was continued to September 16, 2025, without objection.
• Case 3 was continued to October 6, 2025, on a unanimous vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Voicemail from Sarah Jones (210-315-0999): Caller expressed concern about insufficient time to review a rezoning notice (case 018? unclear), noting a holiday prevented proper review. She requested more time to understand the proposal.
• Case 4 – 334 Como Ave (Boarding House for Young Adults): Multiple neighbors spoke in opposition:
  • Rene Watson (Woolfard/Comal area resident) detailed concerns about density (eight residents vs. six allowed by right), inadequate common space (50 sq ft per resident), parking (three spaces only), and lack of a third bathroom in original plans. She called for more transparency and stated the neighboring association had not agreed to eight residents.
  • Will Covington (574 Como) voiced concerns about safety and impact on elderly neighbors.
  • Robin Hill (156 Cattle Trade) argued in favor, drawing on personal experience with foster youth and rehabilitation, stating the program is not for criminals and requires strict screening.
  • Coremor Huchu (Colton Train) supported the applicant, noting the property has three bathrooms, 24/7 staffing, and plans for tenant screening and quiet hours.

Discussion Items

• Case 4 – 334 Como Ave (Boarding House/Independent Living for Foster Youth): Applicant Ian Raouls requested rezoning to allow up to eight residents in a single-family home to provide transitional housing for young adults (18–23) who aged out of foster care. The property currently has six residents allowed by right. Commissioner discussion centered on:

  • Parking: Only two parking spaces on-site; residents would rely on public transport.
  • Bathrooms: Only two inside the main house; a third was planned in a rear addition not yet shown on plans.
  • Staffing: 24/7 staff (two on day shift, two overnight) and ongoing counseling support.
  • Neighborhood concerns: Density, noise, traffic, and lack of nearby amenities.
  • Compromise proposal: Operate with six initially, then return for expansion. Applicant agreed in principle but preferred eight.
  • Vote on motion to approve: Failed 1–9 (only Commissioner Chase voted yes). Commissioners Kellen, Hinojosa, Pete Rodríguez, Huey, Sipes, Kelly, Barros, Bustamante voted no, citing neighbor opposition, parking, and bathroom issues.
  • Motion to reconsider: Passed (9–1 with Chase opposed). After reconsideration, a motion to deny was made. Roll call: Commissioners Hinojosa, Kelly (twice??), Pete Rodríguez, Sipes, Bustamante voted yes; Loza and Chase voted no. The denial motion carried, resulting in a recommendation to deny the rezoning. The applicant has six months to appeal to City Council.

• Case 10 – 1915 Pleasanton Road (Tattoo Parlor): Applicant Sandro Díaz requested zoning change to allow a tattoo studio in an existing commercial center. No public comments. The committee approved unanimously (10–0) after brief discussion about age restrictions and window coverings.

• Case 13 – 4031 South Forest Street (Tobacco/CBD Shop with Residential): Applicant Moscovich (attorney/property owner) requested zoning change from residential to mixed-use for a tobacco and CBD store with an upstairs apartment. Nearby school concerns were addressed; the property is not near a school. A friendly amendment was accepted restricting temporary signage and requiring adherence to residential appearance. Approved unanimously (10–0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar cases 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15 approved.
• Case 8 continued to September 16, 2025.
• Case 3 continued to October 6, 2025.
• Case 4 (334 Como Ave) recommended for denial; applicant may appeal to City Council within six months.
• Case 10 (1915 Pleasanton Road) approved for tattoo parlor.
• Case 13 (4031 South Forest Street) approved for tobacco/CBD shop with residential use.
• Meeting adjourned at 3:01 PM.

Note: The transcript contained some inconsistencies in case numbers and roll call names; key decisions and votes have been reconstructed from available dialogue.