San Antonio Board of Adjustment Meeting – September 30, 2025

The San Antonio Board of Adjustment convened on September 30, 2025, at 1:06 PM with a quorum of nine commissioners (later rising to eleven). The meeting addressed multiple variance and special exemption requests, including three continuances, and concluded with approval of the 2026 meeting schedule and minutes from September 22, 2025. Key decisions included granting variances for residential developments, a carport, and a commercial landscape buffer reduction, often citing neighborhood character, safety, and unique property constraints.

Continuances

• Item 2 (3803 Southwest Military): Continued to October 6, 2025, per applicant request. No public comment.
• Item 10 (8338 Broadway Street): Continued to October 20, 2025, per applicant request. No public comment.
• Item 11 (703 West Rosewood Avenue): Continued to October 20, 2025, after hearing public comments. Cynthia Walker (Beacon Hill Neighborhood Association) requested continuance for neighborhood review; Robin Rogers (702 West Rosewood Ave) opposed, stating the construction violated code and would harm the neighborhood.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 11 (continuance): Two voicemails played. Ms. Walker requested continuance; Ms. Rogers strongly opposed, citing illegal construction started by prior owner and excessive density.
• Item 1 (143-147 Forest Ave): No live public comment, but applicant Anthony Almaraz presented extensive email evidence alleging city staff miscommunication about the need for a permit before the 2023 UDC amendment.
• Item 5 (118 Park View Dr): A voicemail from a neighbor expressed opposition, claiming the variance would negatively affect surrounding properties and lot boundaries.
• Item 8 (409 Eleanor Ave): Scott Day (vice president of Mahanky Park Neighborhood Association) spoke in opposition, citing NCD driveway standards, drainage, and inconsistent neighborhood character.
• Other items: No live public comment; applicant presentations and staff reports constituted the testimony.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – 143-147 Forest Avenue (Applicant: Anthony Almaraz): Request for a half-story variance to allow three 3-story single-family homes in IDZ1. Staff recommended denial due to height exceeding 2.5 stories. Applicant argued that prior to the 2023 UDC amendment, the design was compliant and that he was misled by city emails. Commissioners noted the small footprint, neighbor support (including adjacent property owner), and that denial could result in a more massive development. Motion to grant passed 11-0 with restrictions per plans submitted on September 30, 2025.
• Item 3 – 116 Rose Lane (Applicant: Alexei Contreras for Jose Eduardo Flores Garrido): Variances for lot size (1,101 sq ft) and lot width (9 ft) to build a single-family home on a substandard lot in R6 zoning. Staff recommended approval, citing similar lots nearby and no opposition. Motion to grant passed 10-0.
• Item 4 – 376 Hawthorne Street (Applicant: Jessica Ramirez for Yes Vic Investments): Request to eliminate 15-ft landscape buffers on three sides for a used car dealership (C1 zone). Staff recommended denial but offered an alternate: eliminate buffer along I-35 (west), reduce south buffer to 4 ft, and keep two large native trees and two understory trees on the east side. Applicant agreed. Councilmember District 5 opposed. Motion to grant per alternate passed 9-2 (Commissioners Cruz and Manna dissenting).
• Item 5 – 118 Park View Drive (Applicant: Annalisa Alvarado): Lot size (250 sq ft) and lot width (7 ft) variances for a new two-story home in R5/Historic Mission District. Staff recommended approval; Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association supported; one neighbor opposed via voicemail. Motion to grant passed 10-0.
• Item 6 – 7802 Farland Park Drive (Applicant: Israel Garcia / Staria Black): Special exemption for a 7-ft 6-in privacy fence (1-ft 6-in variance) along east side and rear, adjacent to roadway and vacant lot. Staff recommended approval, citing privacy and security. Motion to grant (limited to 7-ft fence with 7-ft 6-in posts) passed 10-0.
• Item 7 – 1323 West Theo Avenue (Applicant: Roberto Aguilar): Four-foot variance to allow carport to be 1 ft from side property line (minimum 5 ft). Staff recommended denial because applicant deviated from permitted plans. Applicant explained he acted on contractor advice to fit two cars and agreed to add gutters. Motion to grant passed 11-0.
• Item 8 – 409 Eleanor Avenue (Applicant: Taylor Fording): Variance to allow 60% impervious cover (10% over the 50% limit) in front yard. Staff recommended denial. Applicant cited two recent shootings at his home and need to park a vehicle in front of his son's window for safety. Commissioner Barrington moved to grant a 10% variance (60% total); motion passed 9-2 (Chair Orion and Commissioner Cruz dissenting).
• Item 9 – 1155 Arrowhead Trail (Applicant: Martin Lamas for Sherry Betty): Variance for 9-ft 11-in reduction in front setback to allow carport 1 inch from property line. Staff recommended denial, citing existing garage and potential character change. Applicant argued shallow front yard (20 ft) and need to protect vehicles. Motion to grant with conditions per submitted plan passed 11-0.
• Item 12 – 126 West Carolina Street (Applicant: Ron Alvarado for AG Associates Architects): Variance for 4-ft 11-in reduction in side/rear setback to allow a 10-unit condominium building 1 inch from property lines (IDZ2 zoning). Staff recommended approval; LaValka Neighborhood Association supported; two oppositions noted. Motion to grant passed 10-0.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All items received the required supermajority. The only votes with dissent were Item 4 (9-2) and Item 8 (9-2).
• Conditional Approvals: Item 1 tied to plans dated September 30, 2025; Item 6 limited to east/rear fence with 7-ft height and 7-ft 6-in posts; Item 7 included addition of gutters; Item 9 incorporated post setback per submitted plan.
• Administrative: Approved meeting calendar for 2026 (second and fourth Mondays, with adjustments for holidays) and minutes from September 22, 2025.
• Next Steps: Applicants were reminded to apply for building permits within one year (or decision becomes void) and to consult staff for compliance details.