San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting – April 7, 2026

The San Antonio Zoning Commission convened on April 7, 2026, at 1:01 PM. The meeting, chaired by Commissioner John Bustamante, included a consent calendar approval, public hearings on 13 individual zoning cases, and a debate on a Unified Development Code (UDC) amendment regarding detention centers. The commission recommended denial of the UDC amendment.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent items (agenda numbers 6, 8, 9, 11 as amended, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 25, 26, 28) with amendments. For item 11, the applicant amended to remove a boutique wine use. For item 12, public comment was heard from Rudolpho Garcia, who expressed concern about the type of business (C1 zoning). The commission recommended approval.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 3 (2520 McCullough, C2 to IDZ1): Public comments from several residents including Andrea Garza (opposed, citing parking and pedestrian safety), Janice Clayton (opposed, wanting to keep C2 to maintain balance), Tony Garcia (opposed on behalf of Montevista historical association, citing parking concerns), Liz Cardenas (opposed, raising safety issues). The applicant, John Alfernaro, stated the IDZ permit was needed to upgrade an electrical box for kitchen expansion.
• Item 13 (1210 Caten, R4 to R4 CD for a third unit): Public comments from Alfredo Pizzano (opposed, property values), Denise Martin (opposed, concerns about rentals), Rachel Oren (opposed, emergency vehicle access and density), Aaron Reed (president of Highland Park neighborhood association, opposed, requested postponement for negotiation). The applicant, Diego Rodriguez, argued for the need for more housing and accused the association of not responding.
• Item 15 (271 Spectrum, I1/C3 to C3R): Public comments from Jamie Perez and Susan Stinniken, both supportive after the applicant removed alcohol sales (amended to C3R).
• Item 22 (3913 St. Mary's, C1 CDS for tobacco shop): No public comment.
• Item 23 (1729 Babcock, C2S for tobacco shop): No public comment.
• Item 24 (6400 Callahan, C3 to C2S for tobacco shop): No public comment.
• Other items had no public comments.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 (2520 McCullough, IDZ1): Staff recommended approval with an amendment removing the wine bar. Commissioners debated parking relief (IDZ allows reduced parking). The applicant said parking agreements exist but may not be permanent. Commissioner Kellum motioned to approve as amended. Approved 11-0.
• Item 13 (1210 Caten, R4 to R4 CD): Staff recommended denial. Applicant sought to add a third unit to an existing duplex. Neighbors opposed citing density, parking, emergency access. Commission postponed to May 5, 2026 (11-0) to allow negotiation.
• Item 15 (271 Spectrum, C3R): Applicant amended to C3R (no alcohol). Staff recommended denial of original C3, but after amendment, commission approved 11-0.
• Item 19 (1115 Euclid, R6 to IDZ1): Staff recommended denial, but commission approved 11-0, viewing IDZ1 as appropriate in a transition area.
• Item 20 (760 S. Mistletoe, R6 to IDZ1): Similar to item 19, approved 11-0.
• Item 21 (1315 Basse, C2 to C3): Staff recommended denial. Applicant sought to expand auto sales lot. Commission postponed to May 5, 2026 (11-0) for applicant to prepare a site plan for a conditional use.
• Item 22 (3913 St. Mary's, C1 CDS for tobacco shop): Staff recommended denial due to proximity to a school. Commission denied recommendation (9-2).
• Item 23 (1729 Babcock, C2S for tobacco shop): Staff recommended denial. Commission denied recommendation (11-0).
• Item 24 (6400 Callahan, C3 to C2S for tobacco shop): Staff recommended denial. Commission approved 10-1 (Commissioner Kelly dissenting), noting the nearby institution was a college, not a K-12 school.
• Item 29 (UDC Amendment on Detention Centers): Staff proposed amendments to restrict detention centers within 1,000 feet of schools, residences, and religious institutions, with exemptions for state or federal facilities. After extensive debate, a motion to postpone for 45 days failed (5-6). A motion to reconsider passed (10-1), then a motion to recommend denial passed (10-1). The commission recommended denying the UDC amendment, with several commissioners stating the issue was political and better addressed by the City Council.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved with amendments for items 11 and 12.
• Item 3 approved (11-0) as amended.
• Item 13 postponed to May 5, 2026 (11-0).
• Item 15 approved (11-0) as amended.
• Items 19 and 20 approved (11-0 each).
• Item 21 postponed to May 5, 2026 (11-0).
• Item 22 denied (recommendation) 9-2.
• Item 23 denied (recommendation) 11-0.
• Item 24 approved (recommendation) 10-1.
• Item 29 recommended denial (10-1). The City Council will have final action on all recommendations within six months.
• Minutes from March 17, 2026, accepted.