Zoning Commission Meeting Summary - December 16, 2025

The San Antonio Zoning Commission convened to consider multiple rezoning requests, ranging from residential density adjustments to commercial use expansions. The meeting featured routine approvals of the consent calendar items via unanimous vote, a series of individual discussions on specific properties with support and opposition from the public and staff, and final votes on major amendments and continuations.

Consent Calendar

• Article 3: Approved unanimously as amended (Change from O2 to 3M, 104 Ogden Street); Topen Homeowners Association expressed support.
• Article 5: Approved unanimously (Change from R6 to C2, Branching Court); no neighbor association opposition or support noted.
• Article 6: Approved 18 to 1 (Change from O3 to I1, Broadway Street); no neighbor association opposition.
• Article 7: Approved unanimously (Change from C3 GD to C3 for vocational use, Loop 41); no neighbor association opposition.
• Article 8: Approved unanimously (Change from C2 to CD for tattoo business); Prospect Field Woodlawn Lake Association and District One Residents Association did not respond.
• Article 10: Approved unanimously with one vote against (Change from O2 to C2/M33, 602 West French Place); Colonos Association expressed support for the historical preservation aspect.
• Article 11: Approved unanimously (Change from R6 to ADZ1, 2110 Keller Street); Collins Gardens and Lone Star associations did not respond.
• Article 13: Approved unanimously (Change from I1 to C1 for 3 units, Florida Street); Collins Hills Association expressed support regarding parking availability.
• Article 14: Approved unanimously (Change from I1 to C2, 24 Blanco Road); San Antonio District One Residents Association did not respond.
• Article 15: Approved 2 to 1 (Change from C2 to C2S for a hospital, 308 East Evergreen Street); the Colonos Association did not respond.
• Article 18: Approved unanimously (Change from R6 to RM6, 136 University Avenue); Colombia Association expressed support.
• Article 19: Approved unanimously (Change to C2NA/C2A for a car wash); Colonos Association did not respond.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Article 8: No public comments were offered regarding the tattoo business rezoning.
• Article 13: The applicant stated they have submitted an amendment to reflect the proposed site plan.
• Article 4 (Continued): A representative for the owner (Elizabeth Rosso, represented by a law firm) testified in support of the project, noting the building has been used commercially for years and is a "bright yellow" structure. They requested conditional variances regarding signage and lighting.
• Article 2 (Rigsby Avenue): A resident testified that the neighborhood is mixed-use (commercial and residential within three blocks) and supports the auto sales use, noting recent commercial approvals nearby. She requested approval of the application with specific restrictions on signage and lighting.
• Article 4 (Remount Drive): The applicant represented by Semanta (Planner) argued that the area is consistent with surrounding commercial/industrial zones (C3, LI, etc.) and that the existing structure has been used as an office for years, supporting the Light Industrial request.
• Article 9 (1530 Lamar Street): The applicant, Fred Hobbs, stated the property needs repair and the best use is multifamily (duplex arrangement). He noted the adjacent property was previously rezoned to similar density.
• Article 12 (1104 Formosa): A resident of the Rosel Park Association, Jesse Frijhon, spoke in strong support of the rezoning from C2 to C2S, citing the project's provision of affordable housing, the agreement to provide six off-street parking spaces, and the preservation of an existing historic structure.
• Article 16 (7005 Montezuma/Letticia Sanchez): Leticia Sanchez, representing the Veracruz Association, supported the request for a "legacy business" (Colonial Tortilla Company), arguing the business has no alcohol sales impact on Montezuma residents and has agreed to a deed restriction.
• Article 20 (14 West Hildebrand): The applicant, Ralston, requested C3 zoning for a motorcycle showroom to replace an existing rental business, stating they do not intend to sell alcohol or host clubs.

Discussion Items

• Article 10 (602 West French Place): Commissioners inquired about the historical status of a property on the lot. Staff confirmed the structure is a monument subject to historical committee review, which would be required for any construction or conservation efforts.
• Article 4 (Rigsby Avenue): Staff recommended denial due to the surrounding residential character. Commissioner Chase moved to approve with conditions based on resident support. Commissioner Ball opposed, stating disappointment that the request was not reviewed for consistency with the comprehensive plan by the Planning Commission first, but eventually yielded to the board process.
• Article 2 (Rigsby Avenue): Questions were raised regarding sidewalk existence on Bally Drive and the potential for a public right-of-way for school children. Staff clarified that sidewalk requirements fall under the Department of Transportation, not zoning. Commissioner Rodriguez proposed an amendment to restrict alcohol sales on the property, which the applicant accepted. The motion was amended to include the alcohol restriction.
• Article 4 (116 Remount Drive): Commissioner Woodset expressed surprise at the lack of a sector or region plan for the area but accepted that it is common for parts of the city to await adoption. The motion was approved.
• Article 9 (1530 Lamar Street): Commissioner Woodset questioned the rationale for rezoning from MF33 to R4. Staff explained the rezoning aligns with the current existing multifamily use to assist the owner in obtaining permits. Commissioner Saib expressed concern that the parking layout (9-foot spaces, no alley access) might be difficult for vehicles to turn, but noted that parking engineering is handled during the permitting phase.
• Article 12 (1104 Formosa): Commissioner Saib supported the project despite personal reservations about alley access parking, emphasizing neighbor participation and the preservation of the historic structure. Commissioner Woodset noted that the building's large size (over 4,000 sq ft) and the neighborhood's existing diversity of small multifamily units justified the approval.
• Article 16 (7005 Montezuma): The applicant requested C2 zoning to connect buildings with minimum separation distances, whereas C1 would require a 30-foot setback that would hinder development. Commissioner Chase acknowledged the necessity of C2 for the physical expansion.
• Article 20 (14 West Hildebrand): A motion to postpone the vote by five weeks was initially made but failed (4-4 tie, with the President breaking the tie against it). The motion was then reconsidered and passed, allowing the commission to adopt an alternative C3NA zoning without alcohol sales as a condition.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: All 12 items (Articles 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19) were approved unanimously (or with the noted specific vote tallies for Articles 6 and 15) and recommended to City Council.
• Article 1 (116 Remount Drive - Note: Transcript lists as Article 4 in section, but agenda order suggests Article 4 is the Rigsby/Remount mix): Approved unanimously as requested (Change from R6 to DL/Light Industrial) to accommodate an existing structure.
• Article 2 (Rigsby Avenue): Approved as amended with conditions including a restriction prohibiting alcohol sales on the property (originally requested C2CD, approved with R restriction).
• Article 4 (116 Remount Drive): Approved unanimously (Change from R6 to I/DL) for a warehouse construction.
• Article 9 (1530 Lamar): Approved unanimously (Change from R4 to R4CD for 2 units/duplex) to reflect existing use.
• Article 12 (1104 Formosa): Approved unanimously (Change from C2 to C2S/C2) to allow 6 units in an existing building, with support from the Rosel Park Association.
• Article 16 (7005 Montezuma): Approved unanimously (Change from C2 to C2P) to allow expansion of a legacy business, overriding staff's recommendation for C1 due to physical separation constraints.
• Article 20 (14 West Hildebrand): Approved unanimously as amended to C3NA (General Commercial with No Alcohol), with the applicant agreeing not to sell alcohol or host high-intensity uses.
• Continuance: Article 7 (136 Primos, referenced as Article 4 in the specific continuance section) was continued for 7 weeks to the February 13, 2026 meeting as the original applicant was not present to answer questions.
• Minutes: The minutes from the December 2, 2025 meeting were approved by acclamation (Commissioner Huey abstained).
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 2:43 PM, with the Chair wishing members a happy holiday season.