San Antonio Board of Adjustments Meeting – March 23, 2026

The San Antonio Board of Adjustments convened on March 23, 2026, at 10:01 AM and adjourned at 4:16 PM. The board heard 13 agenda items, including appeals of short-term rental (STR) permit revocations, special exceptions, and variances. A quorum of 11 members was present. Votes required 75% of total board (9 votes) to pass.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4 (221 IRA Avenue): Three neighbors spoke in opposition to a special exception for an additional STR permit. Sandra Burge (220 IRA Avenue) cited nuisances (garbage cans, parking) and desired neighbors over transient businesses. Renee Ramirez cited street encroachment, safety concerns, and crime data. The neighborhood association (Menke Park) also opposed.
• Item 5 (308 Keller Street): Hector Martinez (312 Keller Street) expressed concern about tenant vetting and noted one past noisy party, but otherwise had no issues.
• Item 8 (154 Babcock Road): Bianca Maldonado (Monticello Park Neighborhood Association) spoke in support after the applicant met with the association, but noted barbed wire concerns. She also requested better staff engagement with neighborhood associations.
• Item 9 (702 West Hollywood Avenue): Two recorded voicemails and Henry Krausey (private citizen) spoke in support of a front porch variance, citing neighborhood association support and compatibility with the NCD.
• Item 10 (619 Barb Street): A voicemail from Sean Campbell (King William Association Board) registered opposition to a carport setback variance.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – 8201 Meadow Post (STR appeal): Applicant Francis Inhesiaba reported paying penalties and resolving tenant issues. Staff noted two unreported stays (Dec 2024, Jan 2025). Board questioned responsibility for reporting. Motion to grant appeal passed 9–2.
• Item 2 – 2110 Chitam Trail (STR appeal): Applicant Jeff Bryson explained identity theft, mailbox break-ins, and erroneous city information. He is current on HOT taxes. Motion to grant appeal passed 10–1.
• Item 3 – 515 Belmont Street (STR appeal): Applicant Damien Norris cited confusion over Airbnb’s tax collection. He is now current. Board clarified reporting requirements. Motion to grant appeal passed 9–2.
• Item 4 – 221 IRA Avenue (special exception): Applicant Tim Hendricks seeks second STR permit on block face (currently at 11% density, would exceed 12.5%). Staff recommended denial. Board continued to April 20, 2026, to allow applicant to meet with neighborhood association and verify financial records.
• Item 5 – 308 Keller Street (STR appeal): Applicant Alejandra Plata explained missed filings due to communication breakdown. She is now current (paid all penalties). Motion to grant appeal passed 10–1.
• Item 6 – 1828 Sacramento (STR appeal): Staff requested continuance to April 6, 2026, to review additional information. Applicant agreed. Motion to continue approved.
• Item 7 – 510 Booker Alley (variance): Applicant Adriana Zega seeks variance for alley frontage. Fire marshal approved an administrative variance for fire sprinklers. Staff recommended approval. Motion to grant variance passed 11–0.
• Item 8 – 154 Babcock Road (variance): Applicant Gustavo Samanielo seeks reduced setback for storage shed. Barbed wire issue removed from request. After meeting with neighborhood association, staff recommended approval. Motion to grant variance (15-foot rear setback, no barbed wire) passed 11–0.
• Item 9 – 702 West Hollywood Avenue (variance): Applicant Jose Yamas seeks a front porch setback reduction from 20 ft to 11 ft 6 in. Neighborhood association supported. Staff recommended denial, but board voted to grant. Motion passed 11–0.
• Item 10 – 619 Barb Street (variance): Applicant Deborah Rain seeks carport setback reduction. King William Association opposed. Board continued to April 20, 2026, to allow dialogue with neighborhood.
• Item 11 – 5818 Gillis Drive (variance): Applicant Robert Gonzalez built a carport without permit. Seven neighbors supported. Staff recommended denial. Motion to grant variance passed 11–0.
• Item 12 – 10515 Jones Maltzburger Road (variance): Applicant Josh Lieberman seeks buffer reduction to save a heritage oak. No opposition. Staff recommended denial. Motion to grant variance passed 11–0.
• Item 13 – 1204 Delaware Street (variance): Applicant Ricardo Sanchez seeks rear setback reduction (from 10 ft to 5 ft). Structure existed for over a decade. Staff recommended approval. Motion to grant variance (5-foot rear setback) passed 11–0.

Key Outcomes

• Appeals granted: Items 1, 2, 3, 5 (STR permits reinstated).
• Appeals continued: Items 4 and 10 to April 20, 2026; Item 6 to April 6, 2026.
• Variances granted: Items 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13.
• Minutes from previous meeting approved.
• Director's report: Reminder that last voicemail was heard; financial reports due April 1, 2026.