San Antonio Board of Adjustment Meeting - May 18, 2026

The San Antonio Board of Adjustment held a regular meeting on May 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Ten commissioners were present, constituting a quorum. The board heard and decided eight cases involving short-term rental density, fence variances, setbacks, lot configurations, and height exceptions. All items were approved with varying vote tallies; one case was postponed to June 1, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Diana Schneider (resident adjacent to 310 Valley Alley) expressed support for developing the vacant lot, citing rodent and trash problems, but raised concerns about emergency vehicle access and the proposed rear setback reduction.
• Abel Ramirez (neighbor near 3823 Menden Street) opposed the requested side setback variance due to existing parking and safety issues from commercial vehicles in the alley, and expressed broader concern about unpermitted expansions in the neighborhood.
• One additional neighbor (name not given) spoke briefly in support of the applicant for 247 Princeton, noting the property owner's efforts to engage the community.

Discussion Items

• Case BOA 26103079 – 247 Princeton (Short-Term Rental Density Exception) – Applicant Albert Treviño sought a special exception to exceed the 8% short-term rental density cap in the block. The property has no active violations. Staff recommended denial. Applicant testified that he communicated with the Uptown Neighborhood Association and obtained letters of support; he also walked the neighborhood collecting signatures. Commissioners noted the slight density increase (13.03% vs. 12.5%) and neighbor support. A motion to grant was made and seconded.
• Case BOA 26103055 – 539 Calumet Place (Fence Height and Clear Vision Variances) – Applicant Chris Choco represented owner Justin Dix. They sought a one-foot exception to allow a 4-foot solid fence (instead of 3 feet) and a 10-foot clear vision area. Staff recommended denial of the height variance but approval of the clear vision variance. Applicant explained the fence replaced a chain-link fence and was built without a permit; he engaged neighbors and received mostly support. Commissioners expressed concerns about the rear alley access for garbage trucks but praised the fence’s appearance.
• Case BOA 251030249 – 204 N Zarzamora Street (Setbacks, Landscaping, and Material Variances) – Applicant Carlos Aldava and owner Carlos Jiménez requested a 25-foot rear setback variance (to 5 feet), a 10-foot landscape buffer variance (to 5 feet), and permission to use corrugated metal on an existing unpermitted structure. Staff recommended denial. Applicant noted 21 letters of support, Prospect Hill Neighborhood Association support, and coordination with the Tree Commission. Commissioner Mena moved to grant subject to limiting the structure to 40 feet and requiring a fire-rated assembly.
• Case BOA 26-103081 – 626 Fulton Avenue (Multiple Variances for ADU and Addition) – Architect David Focker represented owner Sergio de la Mora. The request included a 4-foot rear setback variance, 2-foot side setback variance, elimination of NC2 design standards, 10-foot roof eave length variance, NC2 material variance for metal accent, and accessory structure side yard variance. Staff recommended denial. Applicant showed compatibility with the eclectic Alta Vista neighborhood and provided support letters from neighbors and the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association after a general meeting.
• Case BOA 26-103085 – 310 Valley Alley (Lot Size, Setback, and Access Variances) – Applicant sought variances for lot size (2,100 sq ft vs. 4,000 minimum), lot width (26 ft vs. 35 ft), rear setback (16 ft vs. 20 ft), and front alley access for a single-family home. Staff recommended denial due to emergency access concerns. Applicant argued the lot has been vacant and trash-strewn; development would increase property values. A neighboring property owner (Diana Schneider) supported cleaning up the lot but worried about fire truck access. Commissioner Bragman moved to grant, citing the lot’s unique dimensions and blight reduction.
• Case BOA 261030086 – 3823 Menden Street (Side and Rear Setback Variances) – Applicant represented owner Orlando Porras Neira. Requested a side setback of 1 ft 6 in (variance of 3 ft 6 in) and rear setback of 14 ft 9 in (variance of 5 ft 3 in) for an already-completed addition. Staff recommended denial for side setback, approval for rear setback. The addition replaced a deteriorated structure. A neighbor (Abel Ramirez) opposed, citing commercial truck parking and safety issues. An amendment to require a minimum 3-foot side setback was proposed and accepted.
• Case BOA 26-103087 – 1599 Purple Sage Road (Third Story Height Variance) – Applicant Cognition Creative LLC requested a half-story height variance to allow a third story (three stories total) instead of the permitted 2.5 stories. Staff recommended approval due to unique topography. Applicant presented neighbor support and argued the third level (small office and terrace) would not intrude on views because of significant elevation differences.

Key Outcomes

• BOA 26103079 (247 Princeton) – Motion to grant the special exception for short-term rental density passed 9-0-1 (Commissioner Jean abstained).
• BOA 26103055 (539 Calumet Place) – Motion to grant the 4-foot solid fence variance (one-foot exception) passed 9-1 (Commissioner Dean opposed). Motion to grant the 10-foot clear vision variance passed 9-1 (Commissioner Dean opposed).
• BOA 251030249 (204 N Zarzamora) – Motion to grant the setback, landscaping, and material variances (with conditions: structure limited to 40 ft, fire-rated assembly, metal corrugated material limited to vertical application) passed 10-0.
• BOA 26-103081 (626 Fulton Ave) – Motion to grant all six variances (rear setback, side setback, NC2 standards, roof eave length, metal accent material, accessory structure placement) passed 10-0.
• BOA 26-103085 (310 Valley Alley) – Motion to grant lot size, lot width, rear setback, and alley access variances passed 10-0.
• BOA 261030086 (3823 Menden Street) – Motion to grant side setback (amended to minimum 3 ft separation) and rear setback variances passed 10-0.
• BOA 26-103087 (1599 Purple Sage Road) – Motion to grant the half-story height variance to allow a third story passed 10-0.
• Item 3 (607 Mackey Bine Street) – Case was postponed to June 1, 2026 at the applicant’s request, with a motion passed by voice vote (all in favor).

All decisions are subject to staff follow-up for permit conditions and final plan approvals.