Board of Adjustments Meeting – July 6, 2026

The San Antonio Board of Adjustments convened on July 6, 2026, at 1:02 PM with 10 members present (later joined by a 11th). The board heard six cases involving requests for variances and special exceptions related to short-term rentals, setbacks, fence heights, and buffer requirements. Key decisions included granting a special exception for a type 2 short-term rental on Fairfax Street, approving limited variances for a commercial property on Belgium Lane, and granting fence height exceptions for residential and commercial properties.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case 3 (3751 Belgium Lane): Oscar Vicks, representing United Homeowners Improvement Association (51-year resident), spoke in opposition, citing noise, dust, and lack of communication from the applicant. Shirlita Plummer (secretary of UHIA) and Jacqueline Ali (president of UHIA) also opposed, emphasizing concerns about loss of buffering, visual impacts, and traffic safety. Multiple opposition letters were submitted after the deadline.
• Other cases: No public speakers signed up for cases 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6.

Discussion Items

• Case 1 – 112 Fairfax Street (Special Exception for Short-Term Rental): Applicant Malcolm Duncan, a mental health provider from Austin, requested an additional type 2 STR on a block face already at 20% density. He stated his permit lapsed due to oversight, he uses the property 25% of the time, and there were no complaints or violations during three years of operation. Staff recommended denial because the block face would reach 40% density. The board debated but granted the exception (9–2), citing the applicant’s responsible history and personal use.
• Case 2 – Forest Rock Drive (Setback Variances): Applicant Robert Weimer withdrew his request after learning his deck was condemned and could not be brought into compliance. He stated he would rebuild to code.
• Case 3 – 3751 Belgium Lane (Multiple Variances for Metal Fabrication/Roofing Company): Applicant Renee Morales sought six variances including reduced side/rear setbacks, elimination of buffer yard, reduced driveway throat length, and fence material/height exceptions. Staff recommended denial due to potential fire, traffic, and compatibility issues. After hearing strong neighborhood opposition, the board granted only two items: a 5-foot throat length variance (to 15 feet) and a special exception for a 6-foot-6-inch predominantly open front fence. Both motions passed with 10–0 and 11–0 votes respectively. All other requested variances were denied by lack of motion.
• Case 4 – 1223 West Theo Avenue (Carport Setback, Clear Vision, Fence Height): Applicant Mary Cynthia Trevino explained she built a carport and fence without permits to contain rescue dogs. She amended her application to add gutters on the carport. Staff recommended denial for all three items. The board granted the carport setback variance (4 ft 6 in to allow 6 in west side setback), the driveway clear vision variance (7 ft to allow 8 ft), and a fence height special exception for a 6-foot-2-inch predominantly open front fence, each by 11–0 votes. The board noted the presence of a 4-foot bike lane and similar fences in the neighborhood.
• Case 5 – 338 Wolf Road (Fence Height Special Exceptions for EV Charging Station): Applicant Booth Civil LLC (represented by Tamson Drew) proposed an 8-foot security fence around a 1-acre commercial site with 46 EV chargers. Staff recommended denial for the front (3 ft limit) and approval for sides/rear (6 ft limit). After discussion, the applicant amended to a predominantly open (≥70% open) fence around the entire perimeter. The board granted both exceptions as amended (11–0), citing security needs, absence of residential adjacency, and the applicant’s offer to increase transparency.
• Case 6 – 6027 C Comer Place (Carport Setback Variance): Applicant Andres Garcia requested a 5 ft 6 in variance from the 10-foot front setback to keep a carport at 4 ft 6 in. Staff recommended denial, but the board voted 11–0 to grant the variance, noting that other carports in the area had similar encroachments and that the carport adequately preserved open space and sight lines.

Key Outcomes

• Case 1: Special exception granted for additional type 2 short-term rental (motion passed 9–2).
• Case 2: Request withdrawn.
• Case 3: Only the throat length variance (5 ft to 15 ft) and front fence height special exception (6 ft 6 in predominantly open) were granted; all other requested variances and exceptions denied. Votes: 10–0 and 11–0.
• Case 4: Carport setback variance, clear vision variance, and fence height special exception all granted (11–0 each).
• Case 5: Front and side/rear fence height special exceptions granted for an 8-foot predominantly open fence (11–0).
• Case 6: Carport setback variance granted (11–0).
• Minutes: Approved.
• No director's report.
• Meeting adjourned at 3:35 PM.