San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting - July 22, 2026

The San Antonio Zoning Commission met on July 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The meeting included a consent agenda, public comment, and a contested rezoning request for a mixed-use flex space development. The commission voted to approve the rezoning after a debate over future uses and neighbor engagement.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved the consent agenda, which included routine items. Item 11 was corrected: the agenda stated "Broach" but should be "Road." Item 15 (originally listed for individual hearing) was moved to the consent calendar and approved. Item 13 was withdrawn, and Item 14 was postponed to August 1, 2026. The consent agenda passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Randy Lee Barnes (106 Terrace, San Antonio) spoke. He inherited his home, purchased in 1956 for $9,500, now valued at $175,000. He expressed confusion about the informational packet sent by the city, asking for a clearer, more sensible version for the neighborhood. He appreciated the city's efforts to put properties on the map but requested an update that residents could understand. He also noted that only two original families remain in his neighborhood.

Discussion Items

• Item 16 – Rezoning for Mixed-Use Flex Space (C3NA with Conditional Use)
  • The proposal was for a rezoning of a 0.71-acre lot at 31 Gibbers Block (south of Gibbers Road) from residential to mixed-use commercial (C3NA) with a conditional use for construction and contractor services. The applicant, Adriel Ramírez, plans to develop 15 units of flex space (office/warehouse) for small contractors, with rental rates between $1,400 and $1,500 per unit. The property is adjacent to a city-owned retention pond, a restaurant, and commercial offices. A residential neighbor is set back 30–45 feet from the proposed construction.
  • The applicant stated he spoke with all neighbors within a 200-foot radius, door-to-door, and received no opposition. He provided a list of contacts to the Highland Park Neighborhood Association and District 3. One neighbor, John Medina, expressed interest in renting a unit. Another neighbor, Mr. Ramos (who sold the pond to the city), complained about trash and homeless encampments on the site, which the applicant plans to clean up.
  • Commissioners raised concerns about tree preservation, impervious surface drainage, fencing (6-foot solid fence on the east side), traffic capacity on Gibbers Road, and future uses that could be allowed under C3 zoning (e.g., auto repair). The applicant argued that the low visibility of the site would deter heavy commercial uses, and that the market would naturally limit tenants to small contractors. The Planning Commission had recommended approval the previous day.
  • The commission debated whether the conditional use (C3 CD) should be more restrictive. The applicant declined to change to C2 zoning, arguing that all similar flex space developments in San Antonio use C3. The C3 CD includes operating hours (7 AM–8 PM Monday–Saturday, 7 AM–6 PM Sunday) and restrictions on temporary signs and lighting.

Key Outcomes

• Item 16 – Vote on Motion to Deny: Commissioner Suzuki moved to deny the rezoning, seconded by Commissioner Bustamante. The vote was: Commissioner Suzuki (yes), Bustamante (yes), Sánchez (no), López (no), Cooper (no), Miller (yes), Walleston (no), Sigo (no), Professor (no), President (no). The motion to deny failed (3–7? The exact tally: 3 yes, 7 no, based on the transcript).
• Item 16 – Vote on Motion to Approve: Commissioner Professor moved to approve the rezoning, seconded by Commissioner Miller. The vote was: Professor (yes), Miller (yes), Sánchez (yes), Suzuki (the transcript shows both "sí" and "no" for Suzuki; the final count indicates approval, so Suzuki likely voted yes), López (yes), Cooper (yes), Walleston (yes), Bustamante (no), Sigo (yes), Cherpak (yes). The motion passed, with only Commissioner Bustamante voting against. The rezoning was approved.
• The meeting adjourned at 2:43 PM.