San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting - April 7, 2026

The San Antonio Zoning Commission met on April 7, 2026, at 1:01 PM, chaired by John Bustamante. The commission considered a consent calendar of multiple zoning cases, several individual rezoning requests, and a proposal for Unified Development Code (UDC) amendments regarding detention facilities. The meeting included public testimony, staff presentations, and votes on recommendations to City Council.

Consent Calendar

• Items 6, 8, 9, 11 (as amended), 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 25, 27, and 28 were approved on a single motion. These included changes from C2 and R4 to C2 (5334 San Pedro Ave), I-1 to C2 (1265 S WW White Rd), MF33S/R5 to R5S (111 Dunough St), C2S hotel to C2S medical hospital (6300 block SW Loop 410), O2 to C1 (230 Bereita Dr), MXD with various uses to MXD with amended uses (215 Coca-Cola Pl), R4 to R4 CD (664 Thompson Pl), R6 to MF18 (4118/422 Altitude Dr), R4 to RM5 (116 Pablo Blanco St), I-1/C3NA to C3NA (10803 Parambital Rd), R6 to MF33 (4400 block Warsbach Rd), and MF40/C2/C2S/C3 to MF18 (6435 W Military Dr). Several neighborhood associations gave no response or were in favor; opposition was noted for some items (e.g., Del Crest Area NA opposed item 8).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rodolfo Garcia (13 Cedar adjacent to 230 Bereita Dr) spoke on item 12, asking about the type of business planned for the C1 zoning. He expressed concern about the location near Beethoven Hall and Fiesta activity. Staff directed him to the case manager for details.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 (2520 McCullough Ave): Request to rezone from C2 to IDZ1 (limited intensity infill development) with uses permitted in C1 and removal of a wine boutique use. Applicant sought to relieve parking requirements for an existing business to allow electrical upgrades for granola production. Staff recommended approval. Public comment in opposition raised concerns about parking, traffic, and safety, noting the building is near schools and multifamily residences. The Monte Vista Historical Association opposed, while Tobin Hill Community NA was neutral. The commission approved as amended (without wine boutique) after discussion that IDZ1 provides necessary flexibility and the site plan would preserve 10 parking spaces.
• Item 13 (1210 Caton Ave): Request from R4 to R4 CD for three dwelling units (down from an initial four). Highland Park Neighborhood Association opposed, citing parking, safety, and increased density. The applicant argued for additional housing in a transitioning area. The commission voted to continue the case to the May 5, 2026 meeting to allow further dialogue between the applicant and neighborhood.
• Item 15 (1319 Spectrum Dr): Request from C3R/I1 to C3 (later amended to C3R for the entire property). The applicant wanted to remove alcohol restrictions but later agreed to keep them. Staff recommended denial for C3 but alternate C3R. Public comment from neighbors supported the C3R amendment. Approved as amended.
• Items 19 (1115 E Euclid Ave) and 20 (760 E Myrtle): Two similar requests from R6 to IDZ1 with neighborhood commercial uses and two dwelling units. Staff recommended denial citing commercial encroachment. The applicant argued the area is in transition due to nearby Pearl development and that the zoning would allow flexibility for small retail or office use while preserving housing. Both items were approved with discussion about preserving housing stock and supporting infill.
• Item 21 (1315 Basse Rd): Request from C2 to C3 for a used car lot annex. Staff recommended denial with an alternative of C1 CD for auto sales. The applicant was open to a conditional use with site plan. Continued to May 5, 2026.
• Item 22 (3109 N St. Mary's St): Request for C1 CD S to allow a tobacco/vape shop within 1,000 feet of Mark Twain Dual Language Academy. Staff recommended denial under the Breath Ordinance. Denied.
• Item 23 (1739 Babcock Rd): Similar request for a vape shop within 1,000 feet of the International School of San Antonio. Staff recommended denial. Denied.
• Item 24 (6430 Callahan Rd): Request for C2S to allow a vape shop within 1,000 feet of the College of Healthcare Professionals. Staff recommended denial, but the commission approved, noting the location is away from K-12 schools and appropriate.
• Item 29 (UDC Amendments for Detention Facilities): Staff presented amendments to define detention facilities, require notice to the city, mandate I1 zoning, and prohibit operation within 1,000 feet of residential areas, schools, parks, and places of worship, unless granted a specific use authorization. The commission debated whether the amendments were rushed, lacked a cost impact statement, and might not address real problems. A motion to continue failed (5-6), a motion to reconsider passed, and a motion to recommend denial passed (10-1).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved as listed (unanimous).
• Item 3: Approved as amended (remove wine boutique) (11-0).
• Item 13: Continued to May 5, 2026 (11-0).
• Item 15: Approved as amended (C3R) (11-0).
• Item 19: Approved (11-0).
• Item 20: Approved (11-0).
• Item 21: Continued to May 5, 2026 (11-0).
• Item 22: Recommended denial (10-1, Commissioner Losef dissenting).
• Item 23: Recommended denial (11-0).
• Item 24: Recommended approval (10-1, Commissioner Kelly dissenting).
• Item 29 (UDC amendments): Recommended denial (10-1, Commissioner Pana dissenting).
• Minutes from March 17, 2026: Approved.
• The meeting adjourned at 4:56 PM.