San Antonio Planning Commission Meeting – August 26, 2026

The San Antonio Planning Commission met on August 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM and adjourned at 2:55 PM. The commission considered four items: three landscape irrigation variance requests and one plan amendment in the Camp Bullis extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) military protection area (MPA). The consent agenda comprising routine approvals was passed unanimously. Key votes: one irrigation variance was initially denied then approved after a second motion, two other irrigation variances were approved, and the plan amendment was approved.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (all items except 10, 12, 14, and 17) was approved by unanimous roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 10 (Bill Miller BBQ landscape variance): Applicant Daniel Eisling read a letter from SAWS (San Antonio Water System) stating that if an irrigation system is required by ordinance, the customer is eligible for a rebate to permanently remove it. He argued that installing a system only to later remove it is wasteful and costly.
• Item 12 (Small Sliders landscape variance): The applicant (Ken from Brown and McDonald) cited expansive soil conditions, water conservation, and financial hardship ($50,000 for landscaping and $50,000 for irrigation) as unique hardships.
• Item 14 (ASCO Equipment landscape variance): Applicant Bryce Beckwith stated the new structure is 750 feet from the existing water tap, creating an economic hardship. ASCO’s property management team would water by hand.
• Item 17 (Plan amendment for assisted living facility): Applicant Emily Weissler (Killing Griffin and Fairman) and property owner Victoria Tejeda argued the request is for a residential use (assisted living home with seven or more residents) in the ETJ, which is compatible with surrounding uses and supported by JBSA (Joint Base San Antonio). Victoria Tejeda described the facility as a home-like setting for aging in place, with no drivers among residents and only two staff cars per shift.
• Item 17 – Opponent: Linda Guerrero, a neighbor at 8515 Flint Rock Drive, raised concerns about traffic on a one-lane county road, infrastructure strain (wells, septic), parking on easements, and emergency vehicle access. She stated the existing facility has caused neighborhood discontent.

Discussion Items

• Item 10 – Landscape variance for Bill Miller BBQ (4102 N Loop 1604 E): Staff recommended denial, stating the variance fails the intent of the code and no unique hardship was identified. The applicant agreed to enter a maintenance agreement with the city and confirmed staff would water the plants. Commissioner Wallerstead noted that the SAWS rebate letter confirms that installing irrigation triggers eligibility for its removal – questioning the need to install it at all. A motion to deny failed (3 yes, 6 no), after which a motion to approve passed (7 yes, 3 no).
• Item 12 – Landscape variance for Small Sliders (8743 State Highway 151): Staff recommended denial, noting expansive soil is a regional condition, not a site-specific hardship. Applicant cited economic hardship. Commissioner Wallerstead recommended removing Bermuda grass from the plan. The variance was approved 8-2.
• Item 14 – Landscape variance for ASCO Equipment Pavillion (1920 SE Loop 410): Staff recommended denial, but the commission noted the unique distance from water source. Approved unanimously.
• Item 17 – Plan amendment for assisted living facility on TP Lane (ETJ, Camp Bullis MPA): Staff recommended denial to avoid encouraging multifamily expansion into existing residential neighborhoods. The applicant requested a change from Residential Estate to Urban Low Density Residential to allow an assisted living home with seven or more residents. Discussion clarified that the use is residential, not commercial; JBSA had no objection; parking and traffic are under Bexar County jurisdiction; the city cannot regulate use minutiae in the ETJ. Motion to approve passed 9-1.

Key Outcomes

• Item 10 – Landscape variance (0744): Motion to deny failed (3-6); motion to approve passed (7-3). The applicant’s request to waive irrigation requirements was granted.
• Item 12 – Landscape variance (0419): Approved 8-2. Irrigation requirements waived.
• Item 14 – Landscape variance (0376): Approved unanimously. Irrigation requirements waived.
• Item 17 – Plan amendment (Camp Bullis MPA): Approved 9-1. The land use designation was amended to Urban Low Density Residential to allow the assisted living facility.