San Antonio Planning Commission Meeting - March 25, 2026

The San Antonio Planning Commission met on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda and two individual hearing items: a sector plan amendment and an appeal of a certificate of determination denial. The meeting adjourned at 2:44 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (all items except 10 and 11) was approved unanimously by a roll-call vote of 7-0 (Commissioners Bustamante and Ulett recused themselves). Cases on consent were those where staff recommended approval, no detailed discussion was required, and no public speakers were signed up.

Discussion Items

Item 10: Resolution Amending the North Sector Plan

• Staff Presentation (Arthur Gomez): Staff recommended denial of the request to change the North Sector Plan designation from suburban tier to regional center. Staff stated the designation is inconsistent with locational criteria and infrastructure requirements for regional centers, which are designed for large-scale uses. The property is adjacent to a residential neighborhood. The zoning commission recommended approval on March 17.
• Applicant (John Cooley): Present to answer questions. No public speakers signed up.
• Commission Questions: Several commissioners noted the use is consistent with development along Western Oak and expressed support for the applicant's request.
• Motion and Vote: Commissioner Profit moved to approve the applicant's request; Commissioner Mylam seconded. The motion passed 9-0 (Commissioner DeSucci recused).

Item 11: Appeal of Certificate of Determination Denial

• Staff Presentation (Clayton Wallace): The appeal concerns a duplex at 439 Barrett Place, built in 1940 on two antiquated lots. The applicant sought new water, sewer, and electric service plus building permits. Staff found the property did not qualify for plat exemption under UDC Section 35430 C17 (requires a single lot) or C15 (requires proof of five years of electrical service, which was not provided). Staff also cited UDC 35515 A2B, which prohibits duplexes across lot lines without rezoning and platting. Staff recommended upholding the denial.
• Applicant (Jamie Little, ADA Consulting Group): Represented the owner. Argued that the duplex is a legally existing building recognized by a 1992 City Council ordinance (rezoning to R7 with a supplemental use permit for a duplex). She contended that UDC 35702 protects existing lawful non-conforming structures, and that exceptions 15 and 16 of 35430 should apply, allowing repairs and maintenance without a plat. The need was to repair an electrical panel. She requested the commission issue a COD under exceptions 15 and 16.
• CPS Representative: Confirmed there are two active electric meters at the address and stated CPS has no objection to the repair permit.
• Staff Response: The original application clearly requested new utility connections and building permits, not just a trade permit for repairs. Staff did not have proof of five years of electrical service and noted that a new utility connection triggers compliance with current codes, including the prohibition on duplexes across lot lines. Staff reiterated that the applicant could submit a new application limited to a repair permit under exception 16.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioners questioned the scope of the application and the burden of proof. Chair Peck noted the record before the commission is limited to the original application and staff's determination. Commissioner Lopez expressed that the issue was procedural: the application included requests that triggered broader code requirements, muddling the simpler need for an electrical repair. The commission advised the applicant to submit a new application focused solely on the repair permit.
• Motion and Vote: Commissioner Profit moved to uphold staff's denial of the appeal; Commissioner Bustamante seconded. The motion passed 8-0 (Commissioner Orion recused).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Item 10 (North Sector Plan Amendment): Approved 9-0, reversing staff's recommendation of denial.
• Item 11 (Appeal of COD Denial): Uphield staff's denial 8-0; the applicant was advised to submit a new application focused solely on the electrical repair permit.
• Director's Report: Planning commission interviews for City Council appointments will be held on April 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM during the City Council A session.