San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting – February 3, 2026

The San Antonio Zoning Commission convened on February 3, 2026, at 10:02 AM and adjourned at 2:39 PM. Chair John Bustamante presided. The meeting addressed zoning requests, continuances, and commission officer elections. Notable items included a controversial residential rezoning near industrial uses, a continued auto‑sales request, and unanimous approval of a long‑standing business owner’s rezoning.

Consent Calendar

• Items 7 and 10 were approved as part of the combined hearing. Item 7 (322 Tarasco Drive) – request for change of zoning to allow unspecified use, staff recommended approval with conditions (15‑foot Type B buffer, no vehicular access on Tarasco Drive). 24 notices mailed, 2 in favor, 0 opposed; Rainbow Hills Area NA in favor. Item 10 (1041 West Agarita Avenue) – change from R6 to R6HL (historic landmark). 29 notices, 1 in favor, 0 opposed; Beacon Hill Area NA in favor. Both were approved by unanimous voice vote. Item 14 (4621 Cassen Road/9233 New Laredo Highway) was pulled from the consent calendar for further discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 14 (Cassen Road/New Laredo Highway) – Two industrial business owners spoke in opposition. Marvin Hassani (owner of recycling/salvage facility at 9194 New Laredo Highway) argued that new homes would be incompatible with heavy industrial noise, dust, and equipment, and that the 75‑acre parcel had flooding and pipeline hazards. Julie Mata (9603 New Laredo Highway) echoed concerns about traffic, construction disruption, and future complaints from residents against existing businesses, citing the Monterey Metal conflict as a precedent. Both urged denial or at least a substantial buffer.
• Item 11 (8504 Old Tesle Road, on continuance docket) – Multiple voicemails and in‑person speakers opposed a proposed car‑sales/auto‑service rezoning. Janet McCart (representing a 1,153‑home community) presented a petition of over 100 signatures, citing existing traffic congestion on Gilbo Road and within a mile of four other full‑service car lots. James Stopper (8500 Pendragon, within 200 feet) opposed due to noise, debris, water drainage concerns, and fear of street parking. Several voicemails detailed objections: traffic danger near a school, existing hazardous intersection, and the property’s small size and prior abandonment. One voicemail from a church supported the item. The commission continued this item to February 17.
• Item 5 (on continuance to March 3) – A voicemail from Ronnie Hernandez of Mighty Fortress Church expressed support for a neighbor’s zoning change.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (5251 Old Pierceau Road) – Applicant Ryan Plaggins (Bowman Consulting) and owner Nicanoro Trevenino requested rezoning from RM4 to C2‑CD for an existing manufactured‑home/oversized‑vehicle sales and storage business operated for over 30 years. Staff recommended denial, citing a “residential island” and land‑use conflict, but noted the C2 district aligns with the urban‑mixed‑use comprehensive plan. The owner stated he was unaware of the zoning issue and faced code compliance pressure. Commissioner Pete Rodriguez moved approval, arguing the long‑standing use without complaints and the owner’s health/stress. Commissioner Moses Duvel supported the broader compatibility but acknowledged the applicant’s legitimate reliance. Approved unanimously (11‑0).
• Item 2 (4131 Kalebra Road) – Applicant Andrew Hajali initially sought C3 for a car dealership, but amended his request to C2‑NA‑CD with a conditional use for full‑service motor vehicle sales, retaining the existing residential portion. Staff remained neutral on the amended C2 request. The Kleber Park NA opposed via no response; the commissioner noted neighborhood fatigue with auto‑related uses. Commissioner Rob Sipes made a motion to deny, seconded by Mia Losef. After debate on whether a continuance was appropriate, the denial motion failed (3 yes, 7 no). A motion to reconsider (by Danny Kellum, second by Duvel) passed, followed by a motion to continue to February 17 (by Duvel, second by Janelle Chase). Continued.
• Item 14 (Cassen Road/New Laredo Highway) – After public testimony, the applicant (Logan Wassler of Bowman) presented a plan by D.R. Horton for ~350 single‑family homes on 75 acres. Staff supported the R4 rezoning, noting the property’s vacancy, its alignment with the Strategic Housing Implementation Plan, and the fact that surrounding businesses operate as non‑conforming uses. Commissioners debated the risk of future complaints from new residents against industrial neighbors. Commissioner Pete Rodriguez moved approval, seconded by Georgie Nohosa. Commissioners Duvel and Sipes supported, citing the comprehensive plan’s (2011 agribusiness) non‑conforming status of industrial uses and the visibility of existing businesses to potential homebuyers. Commissioner John Witsett opposed, fearing insufficient protection for existing businesses. The motion passed 10‑1.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous): Items 1, 7, and 10; minutes of January 20, 2026.
• Continued: Items 2 (to February 17), 3, 4, 11, 12 (to February 17), and 5, 6 (to March 3).
• Item 14 approved (10‑1) and will move to City Council with a favorable recommendation.
• Officer elections: Chair John Bustamante re‑elected (acclamation); Vice Chair Commissioner Huey (identified as Mia Losef? – the transcript says “Commissioner Huey”); Pro Tem Danny Kellum (all by voice vote).
• Director’s Report: Voicemail submissions for public meetings will be discontinued after April 1, 2026. Voicemails will still be accepted for February and March meetings.
• Withdrawn items: 8, 9, 13 were withdrawn and will require new applications.
• Property at 542 Southeast Loop 410 was announced as not on the agenda and will not come before the Zoning Commission for constitutional/statutory reasons.