San Antonio Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – February 9, 2026

The San Antonio Zoning Board of Adjustment held a meeting on February 9, 2026, to consider variance requests, special exceptions, and other zoning matters. The board heard eleven agenda items, including requests for variances on lot size, setback, fence height, parking, and visibility, as well as a special exception for a fence. Considerable discussion also took place regarding public comment procedures and a future workshop on the Unified Development Code (UDC).

Consent Calendar

• No designated consent calendar was presented; all items were considered individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bianca Maldonado (Monticello Neighborhood Association) requested a postponement of case BOA-25-10300-255 (February 23 or March 9) to allow community meetings with the applicant. Expressed concern that voice messages left for the board were not being received or considered in a timely manner. She asked that the board consider a general public comment period at future meetings.
• Debbie Johnson (4030 Colonial Sun Drive) opposed the variance for a carport at 4028 Colonial Sun Drive, citing concerns about drainage from the proposed roof, obstruction of her view, and impacts on her property. She stated that the property has a zero-lot-line and that the carport would be built within the maintenance easement. She also noted that the proposed carport would interfere with her view and that previous drainage issues had caused water to flow onto her property.
• Stanley Francois (201.473.3.38) left a voice message supporting the same variance for the carport at 4028 Colonial Sun Drive. He stated he is an active member of the Sunrise neighborhood association and lives within 200 feet of the property.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – Nominations & Reorganization The board elected Donald Oren as President, Andrew Osuna as Vice President, and Commissioner Bergman as Interim President Pro Tempore. All elections were unanimous by voice vote.

• Item 2 – Continuances / Scheduling Bianca Maldonado (Monticello POA) requested a postponement of case BOA-25-10300-255 from February 23 to March 9, 2026, to allow time for community meetings with the applicant. The board voted unanimously to continue the case to March 9, 2026.

  Case BOA-25-13027 was also continued to March 9, 2026, by unanimous vote.

• Item 3 – BOA-25-10300-7 (118 Parkview Drive) Applicant: Analisa Alvarado — Requested variances for a minimum lot width of 45 ft (seeking 37 ft) and minimum lot size of 5,000 sq ft (seeking 3,200 sq ft) to allow construction of a new single-family home. Staff recommended approval. The property is 25 ft wide and 130 ft deep. No public comments were received in favor or opposition; the neighborhood association (Roosevelt) previously supported a similar project. Commissioner Stevens made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Osuna, listing six findings: (1) strict application of the code would result in unnecessary hardship due to the property's physical character; (2) special conditions make literal enforcement difficult; (3) the variance would permit reasonable construction consistent with the area; (4) the applicant intends to comply with all other R-5-4 district requirements; (5) the lot size and width are reasonable for the proposed construction; and (6) the hardship is due to unique existing circumstances. The motion passed unanimously 11-0.

• Item 4 – BOA-25-10300-828 (371 Everest Avenue) Applicant: Mark Artemis Moore — Requested a variance of 6 ft for the rear setback (from 20 ft to 14 ft) to build a primary bedroom addition over the garage. Staff recommended denial based on reduced rear setback and fire spread concerns. No public comments in favor or opposition were received; the neighborhood association did not respond. Commissioner Bonilla made a motion, seconded, granting the variance with six findings: (1) strict enforcement would cause unnecessary hardship due to the reverse lot configuration; (2) special conditions (limited lot depth) directly contribute to the inability to meet the minimum setback; (3) the variance would uphold the spirit of the ordinance with a minimal reduction; (4) no other uses would be authorized; (5) sufficient separation exists to avoid substantial damage to adjacent property; and (6) the hardship is unique, not self-created or financial. During discussion, the applicant clarified that the drainage and a rear door would be maintained. The motion passed unanimously 11-0.

• Item 5 – BOA-26-10300-1 (4028 Colonial Sun Drive) Applicant: Peter von Pritzka — Requested a variance of 4 ft-6 in from the minimum 5 ft side setback (to 6 in) and a variance of 6 ft from the minimum 10 ft front setback for a carport. Staff recommended denial, citing drainage falling on adjacent property and right-of-way. Three opposition letters were submitted by a single property owner (who owns three adjacent lots); two support letters from neighbors (4032 and 4027) were also received. The neighborhood association (Sunrise) was not registered with the city. During testimony, a neighbor (Debbie Johnson) raised concerns about drainage, view obstruction, and impacts on her property. The applicant proposed a sloped roof to direct water to the front, and the board amended the motion to limit the carport length to 20 ft (down from 23 ft). Commissioner Mena made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Bonilla, granting the variance with the modifications: (1) the variance is not contrary to public interest; (2) the special condition arises from the location of the existing house and driveway; (3) the reduction is minimal and does not cause significant hardship; (4) no other uses are authorized; (5) adequate separation and access remain; (6) the hardship is unique, not created by the owner, and not financial. The motion passed unanimously 11-0.

• Item 6 – BOA-26-10300-2 (5703 McDonald Street) Applicant: Raúl García — First, the board heard a procedural request to waive the 12-month limitation (having been previously denied in November 2025 on a different variance, not parking). The board voted unanimously to waive the limitation and hear the case. The applicant then requested a 50% variance of the minimum 4 off-street parking spaces to allow 2 off-street spaces for a 4-unit duplex development. Staff recommended denial, citing congestion, traffic safety, and neighborhood impacts. Zero letters were received in favor, zero in opposition; the Tierra Linda neighborhood association opposed. Commissioner Bonilla made a motion, seconded, granting the variance, arguing the lot is at a cul-de-sac and that street parking would serve only residents. Commissioner Mena opposed, stating that the community had previously said no and that allowing construction without providing adequate parking is not good practice. The motion failed with 7 in favor, 3 opposed, and 1 abstention (Commissioner Dean abstained). The board did not reconsider, and the applicant was advised to consult staff on options.

• Item 7 – BOA-26-10300-4 (9218 Echo Port Drive) Applicant: Erasmo González — Requested a special exception for an 8 ft tall fence (maximum allowed is 5 ft) and a variance for a clear view (seeking 10 ft-4 in vs. 15 ft minimum) at the driveway entrance. The fence is an open decorative fence. Staff recommended approval of the clear view variance but denial of the fence height due to impact on the visual openness of the front yard. Two opposition letters were received; no neighborhood association opposed. During the hearing, the applicant cited safety concerns and provided photographs. The board approved the clear view variance unanimously (11-0). On the fence height, Commissioner Mena made a motion for 6 ft height, allowed administrative increments of 6 in up to 6 ft-6 in. The motion passed with 10 in favor, 0 opposed, and 1 abstention (Commissioner Dean abstained).

• Item 8 – BOA-26-10300-5 (510 Belmont) Applicant: Rafael Moreno César — Requested a variance of 3 ft from the minimum 5 ft side setback to 2 ft, plus a 4 ft-6 in setback for an eave (to 6 in) for a carport. The property had been remodeled, and the carport was built without permits. Staff recommended denial, finding no unnecessary hardship because the work was voluntary and without permits. Zero letters were received in favor or opposition; the Jefferson neighborhood association did not respond. Commissioner Stevens made a motion, seconded, granting the variance with an amendment to limit the structures to the existing design. The motion passed unanimously 11-0.

• Item 9 – BOA-26-10300-6 (7830 Louis Pasteur Drive) Applicant: Edward Díaz — Requested a special exception for a 6 ft high fence (maximum allowed is 5 ft) in a C-2 commercial district. Staff recommended denial, citing inconsistency with surrounding commercial properties. Twelve notices were sent; none in favor, none in opposition. The applicant stated the fence is needed to deter vagrancy and drug activity. Commissioner Mena made a motion to grant the special exception, finding that the modest height increase would enhance security without compromising safety. The motion passed unanimously 11-0.

Key Outcomes

• President: Donald Oren elected; Vice President: Andrew Osuna elected; Interim President Pro Tempore: Commissioner Bergman elected.
• Postponements: Cases BOA-25-10300-255 and BOA-25-13027 were continued to March 9, 2026.
• Variances Approved:
  • 118 Parkview Drive – Unanimously approved.
  • 371 Everest Avenue – Unanimously approved.
  • 4028 Colonial Sun Drive – Unanimously approved, with carport length amended to 20 ft and roof slope requirement.
  • 9218 Echo Port Drive – Clear-view variance unanimously approved; fence height variance approved (10-0-1), allowing 6 ft height with administrative increments.
  • 510 Belmont – Unanimously approved, with structures limited to existing design.
  • 7830 Louis Pasteur Drive – Unanimously approved for a 6 ft fence.
• Variance Denied: 5703 McDonald Street – Motion to grant failed (7-3-1). The applicant was advised to meet with staff to discuss options.
• Procedural: The 12-month limitation was waived for the 5703 McDonald Street case, allowing the hearing.
• Administrative: The board voted unanimously to approve the meeting minutes.
• Future Actions:
  • The board will hold a workshop on the Unified Development Code (UDC) at a date to be determined, scheduled for the next meeting.
  • Public comment periods will be evaluated, with a potential policy allowing recorded public comments every two months, starting April 1, 2026.
  • The next regular meeting will have 17 cases; the chair requested members to review the agenda in advance.

Director's Report

• The phone-in voice message system will be discontinued after April 1, 2026, per the city manager's office and mayor's office.
• The board will vote at the next meeting to schedule a workshop on UDC amendments.