San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting - May 5, 2026

The San Antonio Zoning Commission held a regular meeting on May 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM (the meeting began at approximately 2:47 PM after a recess). The commission considered multiple rezoning requests, including a contested application for a food service establishment in a residential neighborhood, a denial for vehicle sales on Foster Road, approval for commercial rezoning on Wethold Road, and a contentious triplex proposal on Caden Street. Votes were taken on each item, with some postponed to later dates.

Consent Calendar

• Item 8 (652 Callahan Road): Rezoning to C3S with specific authorization for auto body repair. Approved unanimously.
• Item 11 (IDZ to IDZ with MF-18): Rezoning for multifamily. Approved unanimously.
• Item 12 (10,211 Summers Drive): Rezoning. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 1 (1551 Oak Grove Drive): Extensive public comment. The applicant, Rabbi Yosef Maus, and community members (representing the Jewish community of San Antonio) argued that the proposed change was not for a commercial restaurant but for a private communal kosher kitchen serving only the Jewish community. They emphasized religious necessity, lack of kosher options in the city, and that the operation is non-profit. Neighbors and the Hensendale Neighborhood Association opposed, citing traffic congestion, parking issues, emergency vehicle access concerns, noise from events, and the precedent of commercial intrusion into a residential area. Some neighbors noted existing code violations and a pending citation for operating without a certificate of occupancy.
• Item 2 (3200 block Foster Road): One neighbor (Jane Schaefer) opposed, stating that the property is adjacent to residences, a school, and a library, and that the applicant had been operating in violation for two years without proper permits.
• Item 4 (3730 Wethold Road): Public comment from a resident of the Paloma subdivision expressed concerns about traffic, drainage, noise, and potential foundation damage from increased impervious cover. The applicant and representative described the property as a rare-shaped lot near major commercial corridors and stated they had consulted with neighbors.
• Item 5 (1215 Caden Street): Multiple neighbors spoke in opposition, highlighting overparked streets, emergency access problems, and the neighborhood's desire to maintain single-family character. The applicant, Diego Rodriguez, argued that the third unit was needed to address housing affordability and that he had modified leases to mandate rear parking.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 (Oak Grove Drive): The applicant sought a conditional use permit to operate a food service establishment (kosher kitchen) in a residence within an R-6 zoning district. Staff recommended approval with conditions, but the neighborhood association opposed. Commissioners discussed traffic, parking, and religious accommodations. Commissioner Kelly suggested a four-week postponement to allow negotiations between the parties. The motion to postpone to June 2, 2026 passed 9-0.
• Item 2 (Foster Road): Request to rezone from R-6 residential to C-3 commercial with conditional use for vehicle sales. Staff recommended denial due to incompatibility with the residential neighborhood. The applicant stated they wanted to store and repair semi-trucks. The commission voted 9-0 to deny, citing the intense nature of the use and lack of documented neighborhood support.
• Item 4 (Wethold Road): Rezoning from R-4 residential to C-2 commercial to allow neighborhood-serving commercial uses. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval. The applicant noted the property's irregular shape and proximity to existing commercial. After discussion, the commission voted 9-0 to approve.
• Item 5 (Caden Street): Request to rezone from R-4 to R-4 with conditional use to allow a third dwelling unit (triplex). The neighborhood association opposed due to parking and density concerns. The initial motion to deny failed 4-5. A motion to reconsider passed, then the commission voted 5-4 to approve, with conditions including off-street parking requirements. The matter will proceed to City Council for final decision.
• Item 7 (1315 Base Road): Rezoning from C-2 to C-2CD (conditional use) for automobile sales. The applicant amended the request to C-2CD after staff input. No public opposition. The commission voted unanimously to approve as amended.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1: Postponed to June 2, 2026 (motion by Commissioner Kelly, seconded by Commissioner Hinojosa; vote 9-0).
• Item 2: Denied (motion by Commissioner Lozano, seconded by Commissioner Kellum; vote 9-0).
• Item 4: Approved (motion by Commissioner Lozano, seconded by Commissioner Kellum; vote 9-0).
• Item 5: After reconsideration, Approved (motion by Commissioner Rodríguez, seconded by Commissioner Kellum; vote 5-4). The case will go to City Council with a recommendation of approval.
• Item 7: Approved as amended to C-2CD (motion by Commissioner Kellum, seconded by Commissioner Rodríguez; vote 9-0).
• Consent Calendar: Items 8, 11, 12 approved unanimously.
• Postponements: Items 3 and 6 postponed to May 19, 2026; items 10, 14, 15 postponed to May 19 (announced at start).