San Antonio Technical Advisory and Historical Compliance Board Meeting - March 20, 2026

The Technical Advisory and Historical Compliance Board (Junta de Asesoramiento Técnico y de Cumplimiento Histórico) met on March 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The vice president chaired as interim president. Quorum was present. The meeting addressed consent items, public comments, and four case-specific requests for Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) in historic districts.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from February 20, 2022 (as stated in the transcript) by a vote of 7-0 (Davis, Regard, Speller, Fullerton, Pollock, Vázquez, Sepúlveda; Spitz abstained due to absence at that meeting).
• Four consent agenda items at addresses 1119 North Pine, 231 Hays, 332 Florida Street, and 415 Willow were approved unanimously. Permits will be issued within ten days.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lulu Francois, president of the Dignity Review Colonist Association, spoke on consent item #4 (415 Willow). She expressed concern that window replacements were not one-to-one with historic originals and requested that the applicant return to install correct historic windows. She also noted concerns about a fence but wanted to use the opportunity to address windows.

Discussion Items

Case 2026-xxx (115 East Carolina): Applicant requested a COA to modify the porch (install metal roof with 1-inch panels, smooth galvanized finish), replace front door and window with fiberglass, and replace all windows one-to-one with aluminum products. Staff recommended approval of the porch modifications and door replacement (with an appropriate door to be determined), but did not recommend the window replacement, citing historic guidelines. Applicants Octavio and Adriana Castruita explained that a tree fall damaged the porch and windows, and they chose replacements similar to those within two blocks. Commissioners noted the property is in the La Vaca historic district and that the proposed windows did not meet guidelines. The motion to accept staff recommendations passed 6-1 (Sepúlveda dissenting).

Case 2026-043 (4 Burlington Street): Applicant Sarah Jones sought a COA for a 5-foot tall black metal fence with a gate at the sidewalk, citing security concerns (vandalism, break-ins, animal attacks). Staff recommended approval at 4 feet per guidelines. Jones argued that neighbors in the district have 5- or 6-foot fences. Commissioners noted that such fences may be violations or approved via appeal. The motion to accept staff recommendations (4 feet) passed 7-0.

Case 2021-029 (29 Smallberry Avenue): Applicant Estela Díaz and contractor Christian Thomas (Pela) requested a COA to replace 10 historic windows with aluminum one-to-one. Staff recommended replacement of windows 20D, 20E, and 25 with full wood products; repair of the remaining windows with the option to replace if more than 50% deterioration is found during repair. Díaz argued that the front windows (10A, 10B) are deteriorated, difficult to open, and cause high energy bills and security risks. Thomas stated that Pela's product is high-quality and widely used in historic buildings. Commissioners emphasized the historic guidelines requiring wood windows and suggested working with historic window specialists. The motion to accept staff recommendations passed 7-0.

Case 2026-051 (1415 West Rosewood Avenue): Applicant Erika Russell and contractor Michael Sparken requested a COA to install fiber cement siding (Hardy Plank) over original wood siding. Staff recommended denial, requiring repair of existing siding. Russell noted the original wood is deteriorated under vinyl siding placed by a previous owner. She removed a section of vinyl revealing rotted wood. Commissioners stated that the condition and profile of the original wood siding are unknown and that fiber cement does not meet historic guidelines for replacement with wood. After discussion, a motion to postpone the case to the next meeting (April 17, 2026) to allow the applicant to work with staff on exploration and possible administrative resolution passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes and four consent agenda items approved unanimously.
• Case 115 East Carolina: Approved per staff recommendations (porch and door with conditions; windows not approved; applicant to coordinate with staff). Vote 6-1.
• Case 4 Burlington Street: Approved at 4-foot fence height per staff recommendation. Vote 7-0.
• Case 29 Smallberry Avenue: Approved per staff recommendations (three windows replaced with wood; others repaired with potential replacement if >50% deteriorated). Vote 7-0.
• Case 1415 West Rosewood Avenue: Postponed to April 17, 2026, for further exploration and possible administrative resolution. Vote 7-0.
• All applicants were instructed to work with staff for next steps.