San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting – January 20, 2026

The San Antonio Zoning Commission met on January 20, 2026, to review numerous rezoning requests, continuances, and minutes approval. The meeting included a consent agenda with multiple items, public comments, and individual hearings. Key topics included requests for infill development, commercial zoning transitions, conditional uses for accessory dwelling units, and specialized projects such as a military-themed short-term rental. Votes were taken on all items, with most receiving approval.

Consent Calendar

• Items 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20 (as amended), 23, 25, 28, and 29 were approved in a single motion (14-0). These items included requests ranging from neighborhood commercial and residential zoning changes to specific use authorizations and overlays.
• For Item 20 (1023 East Ashley Road), the applicant amended the request from MF18 to R4 CD with a conditional use for four dwelling units.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4 (302 & 306 East Civillos): Robert Aragon (343 Clay Street) opposed, citing ongoing issues with the business behind him—overfilled dumpsters, trash blowing into his yard, and employees/customers urinating behind the dumpster.
• Item 7 (201 Wobble Court): Philip Galeno (15410 Way) spoke in support, arguing the proposed new housing would improve neighborhood conditions, deter crime, and encourage families to move in.
• Item 12 (326 West Jones Avenue): Emily Neff, representing the San Antonio Museum of Art, voiced support for the zoning change next door to the museum, noting collaboration with McCombs on questions about the proposed tower’s height and materiality.
• Voicemails:
  • Luis Morales (323 East Fest) strongly opposed Item 5 (302 East Fest Street), citing existing traffic, crime, and noise from Bamboo Restaurant.
  • Rose Hill, president of Government Hill Neighborhood Association, requested postponement of Item 25 (1523 North Alamwood Street), stating the association first saw the request on January 20, 2026, and needed time to review it.
  • A voicemail from a speaker at 410 East Cheryl Drive raised concerns about property taxes and pest control related to Item 13 (urban farm request).
• Item 1 (607 South Comal Street): Patricia Chadwick (Federal Recycling) opposed changing from I2 to IDZ3, fearing it could open the door to less compatible non-industrial operations. Daniel Hernandez, initially opposed, changed his position after hallway conversation.
• Item 2 (5650 & 5682 Easterling Lane Drive): Rebecca Flores Bettis (speaking for multiple HOAs) opposed, citing over 200 unresolved code violations and environmental concerns related to River City Ready Mix. She urged the commission not to recommend approval.
• Item 3 (5000 block of Easterling Lane Drive): Bettis and William McDonald (8542 Timber Place) opposed, with McDonald noting flooding issues on Calabara Creek, safety hazards from a concrete crossing, and the property’s history as a former waste site. The project applicant argued cleanup was 75-80% complete under court order.
• Item 27 (continuance): Lucia Oyverdes opposed the proposed zoning change, citing lack of parking, small lot size, and impacts on her quality of life.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (607 South Comal Street): Applicant Jacob Cryfels explained the IDZ3 request with a lumber yard use was needed because the lot (55′ x 75′) cannot meet I2 setbacks (50-foot from non-conforming residential) or parking requirements. Chair Bustamante noted the area’s neglect and supported the change to allow development. The motion to approve passed 11-0.
• Item 2 (5650 & 5682 Easterling Lane Drive): Applicant Greg Brockhouse argued the rezoning to C2NA would help the cleanup and relocation of River City Ready Mix by January 31, 2026 court order. The neighborhood association remained opposed. Commissioner Duval expressed concern about commercial uses on dead-end streets within residential blocks, but Chair Bustamante supported the motion as an appropriate land use. The motion to approve passed 10-1 (Duval dissenting).
• Item 3 (5000 block of Easterling Lane Drive): Staff recommended C1 (low-intensity commercial) rather than the originally proposed C2. Brockhouse noted the court order requires expedited zoning. The neighborhood opposed, citing history of non-compliance and desire to work with future buyers. Commissioner Sipes argued C1 was inappropriate due to Calabara Creek as a significant edge and lack of access other than Easterling Lane. The motion to approve (C1) passed 10-1 (Sipes dissenting).
• Item 4 (302 & 306 East Civillos): Applicant Micah Harper (326 Clay Street) reported that prior opposition was withdrawn after neighborly discussion. The request (IDZ1 with C1 uses and bar/tavern) was approved unanimously.
• Item 6 (201 East Courtland Avenue): The applicant (RM4 to IDZ2 for five dwelling units) noted staff had originally suggested MF33, but the chair of the Planning Commission recommended IDZ2. Staff had recommended denial but the commission approved 11-0.
• Item 10 (722 Menifee Boulevard): The applicant requested R6 CD for two dwelling units for an existing ADU that was permitted as an owner-occupied property but the owner no longer lived on site. The neighborhood association supported. Commissioner Duval dissented, arguing ADU rules were meant to preserve neighborhood character. The motion passed 10-1.
• Item 18 (13526 Nacogdoches Road): Attorney Rob Kill requested C2 CD for construction trades contractor without staff’s recommended 15-foot landscape buffer, arguing it would eliminate 50 parking spaces and narrow access to 13 feet. The commission approved without the buffer, 11-0.
• Item 21 (446 Demia Drive): Applicant Garcia requested R6 CD for two dwelling units to allow rental of both units (one originally an ADU). Staff supported. Commissioner Duval dissented. The motion passed 10-1.
• Item 24 (2601 Guadalupe Street): Applicant Zambrano amended his request to C2PNA after discussion at the January 14 Planning Commission. Both neighborhood associations supported. The motion to approve as amended passed 11-0.
• Item 26 (411 & 417 South San Marcos Street): Applicants proposed an eight-bedroom single-family home for short-term rental to military families. Staff recommended denial (suggesting MF18 with bed-and-breakfast use), but the commission approved IDZ2 with uses permitted in MF33. Commissioner Duval seconded, noting the site’s isolation from residential fabric due to a paper street and industrial neighbors. The motion passed 11-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (14 items) approved without objection.
• Item 1 (IDZ3 lumber yard) approved unanimously.
• Item 2 (C2NA on Easterling Lane Drive) approved 10-1.
• Item 3 (C1 on Easterling Lane Drive) approved 10-1.
• Item 4 (IDZ1 bar/tavern) approved unanimously.
• Item 6 (IDZ2 five dwelling units) approved unanimously.
• Item 10 (R6 CD two dwelling units) approved 10-1.
• Item 18 (C2 CD construction trades, no buffer) approved unanimously.
• Item 21 (R6 CD two dwelling units) approved 10-1.
• Item 24 (C2PNA) approved unanimously as amended.
• Item 26 (IDZ2 with MF33 uses) approved unanimously.
• December 16, 2025 minutes approved.
• All approved consent and individual items will be forwarded to City Council; applicants have six months to appear.

Additional Notes

• Two continuances were granted: Item 8 (4131 Kaliber Road) continued to February 3, 2026; Items 9, 16, 17, 22, and 27 continued to February 17, 2026.
• Item 8 was continued after applicant requested clarification on C3 exclusions. The commission advised reaching out to the case manager and Commissioner Sipes.
• Item 27 (Lucia Oyverdes) drew public opposition citing parking and quality of life impacts.
• The commission entered executive session (2:12-2:46 PM) for legal advice on items related to court orders and code enforcement.