San Antonio Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - August 21, 2026

The San Antonio Historic Preservation Commission met on August 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Chair Juanita Sepúlveda presided, and Vice Chair Jason Vázquez was present. The commission heard five cases, including one consent item and four contested items, with one case postponed. The meeting ended at approximately 10:20 AM.

Announcements

• Commissioner Adriana Siga was welcomed as the new commissioner for District 6.
• The Office of Historic Preservation announced its annual event at Wonderland of the Americas mall, free and open to the public, connecting historic homeowners with contractors for repair and restoration services.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.
• Case 2026-371 (307 East Wizard Avenue): The applicant requested approval for a cement roof. The commission approved the item unanimously after discussion about prevalence of cement roofs in the neighborhood.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case 2026-188 (917 Burnett Street): Applicant Cristian Fernández, a real estate developer, spoke in favor of his proposed fence heights (8 ft rear, 10 ft driveway) and landscaping. He argued that the changes improve privacy and security, and noted similar features in the neighborhood. Commissioners questioned him about his knowledge of historic district requirements.
• Case 2026-195 (15 South San Mary's): Cristina Medrano, co-owner of Mustard Seed Academy, requested a 6 ft iron fence for child safety. She emphasized proactive security measures and cited the nearby Beethoven school as a precedent. Public speaker Roberto Medrano spoke in support, referencing school shootings. The commission had 24 letters of support and one in opposition.
• Case 2026-219 (18 South Álamo): The applicant did not attend but a letter from the King Williams neighborhood association supported staff recommendations.
• Case 250 Ford Drive: Marcus White, owner of Home Improvements, argued for a cement roof, claiming it would be more durable and historically appropriate for the Tudor Revival style. He presented photos and challenged staff's use of guidelines. Bianca Maldonado, president of the Monticello Park Neighborhood Association, spoke in opposition, stating that metal roofs are rare in the district and that the applicant had already prepared materials without a permit.

Discussion Items

• Case 2026-188 (917 Burnett Street): The applicant requested exceptions to staff recommendations: 8 ft rear fence (instead of 6 ft) and 10 ft driveway gate. Staff recommended approval with conditions: front iron fence at 4 ft, side fence reduced to 6 ft, landscaping plan to meet 50% green area, and driveway gate not wider than 12 ft. The commission discussed the violation nature of the work and the applicant's prior knowledge. The motion to approve staff recommendations passed unanimously.
• Case 2026-219 (18 South Álamo): Application for a 600 sq ft deck and 6 ft wood fence. Staff recommended denial of the deck and approval of the fence at no more than 3 ft height, citing the violation and non-compliance. The commission approved staff recommendations unanimously.
• Case 2026-195 (15 South San Mary's): Mustard Seed Academy requested a 6 ft iron fence for security. Staff recommended a 4 ft fence to preserve historic character. Commissioners expressed concerns about setting a precedent for future owners. The motion to follow staff recommendations (4 ft) passed 6-3 (Commissioners Spiller, Siga, and Palek voted no).
• Case 250 Ford Drive (Monticello Park): Applicant requested a cement roof on a Tudor Revival house. Staff recommended denial, citing guidelines for roof materials. The neighborhood association president argued that metal roofs are inconsistent with the district's character and that the property is poorly maintained. Commissioners noted the lack of permit application and the need to preserve the historic style. The motion to approve staff recommendations passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All four contested cases were decided in accordance with staff recommendations, with the exception of the school fence case where the commission upheld the 4 ft height limit.
• The consent calendar item (307 East Wizard Avenue) was approved.
• One case (164 Germán) was postponed at the applicant's request.
• Applicants for denied items were instructed to work with staff to bring properties into compliance.
• The meeting adjourned at 10:20 AM.