San Antonio Planning Commission Meeting - October 14, 2026

The San Antonio Planning Commission met on October 14, 2026, at 2:21 PM to consider a combined consent agenda and several individual hearing items. The meeting addressed irrigation variances for three projects, a tree preservation variance, a land use plan amendment, and an overview of the 2027 Unified Development Code (UDC) amendment process. Public testimony was heard regarding drainage concerns from a proposed subdivision. Key decisions included approval of one irrigation variance, denial of another, approval of a third, a continuance for a tree variance, and approval of an amended North Sector Plan amendment.

Consent Calendar

• Items on the combined hearing agenda were approved unanimously in one motion, as amended (item 7 subdivision name corrected to “.227 acres on Anacacho Street Subdivision”). The vote was 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patrick Wilkes (property owner at 4046 Stapper Road, St. Hedwig, Texas) spoke in opposition to a plat (item 2). He stated that construction from the proposed development has already altered drainage from Woman Hollering Creek, causing flooding and erosion on his property. He argued that stormwater modeling was incorrect and that the new plat would further damage downstream properties. He also noted difficulty contacting the case manager (phone number invalid, email returned). Staff stated the plat meets all UDC conditions, and the case manager had resigned. The chair noted that under state law the commission must approve the plat if it meets the code.

Discussion Items

Item 13: Irrigation Variance – Coval Soccer Fields (7510 Tesla Road)

• Staff recommended denial of a variance to waive irrigation system requirements for a new parking lot. Applicant Chad Strainhand (C2 Land Group) argued there is no SAWS water line within a mile, making installation of an irrigation system economically infeasible. The owner proposed using gator bags and a contracted watering service for the 25–30 required trees. The commission found a unique hardship and approved the variance (motion by Commissioner Cooper, second by Commissioner Miller; vote 9-0).

Item 16: Irrigation Variance – Rancho Colabra Park (1310 Watkins Lane)

• Staff recommended denial of a variance to waive irrigation for a small commercial food truck development with 21 parking spaces. Applicant Alberta One Stop Code Consulting stated the site preserves 77% of existing trees and that manual watering via hose bibs and gator bags would suffice. Staff found no unique hardship, as water infrastructure is available. The commission voted to deny the variance (motion by Commissioner Profit, second by Commissioner Wallerston; vote 7-2, with Commissioners Lopez and Orion voting no).

Item 17: Irrigation Variance – Glen Parking Lot (7504 Green Glen)

• Staff recommended denial of a variance to waive irrigation for a new parking lot (19 spaces) adjacent to a restaurant. Applicant Chad Strainhand noted a hose bib within 100 feet of all seven required trees and 44 shrubs. Commissioners expressed support, citing the small scale and adjacent owner’s ability to water manually. The variance was approved (motion by Commissioner Orion, second by Commissioner Miller; vote 6-3, with Commissioners Wallerston, Profit, and Chair Peck voting no).

Item 15: Tree Preservation Variance – Residents Salado Creek

• Staff recommended approval of a variance to fall below the 80% preservation requirement for significant trees within an environmentally sensitive area. Applicant Cecile Gould (2000 Northwest Loop 410) explained that one heritage tree was damaged during construction (more than 50% canopy loss) and that the applicant would pay mitigation fees. Commissioner Lopez moved to continue the item to the October 28 meeting to allow the applicant to consider planting more trees and for staff to examine penalties for the damaged trees. The motion passed unanimously.

Item 18: North Sector Plan Amendment – 15838 N US Highway 281

• Staff recommended denial of a plan amendment from suburban tier to regional center on the full 1.247-acre tract. The applicant amended the request to only the front 1.247 acres and presented a proposed retail/warehouse development with C-3 zoning in front and C-2 with conditional use in the rear. Applicant representative Octavia Montes (1362 NW Military) highlighted traffic reduction, tree preservation, drainage improvements benefiting neighbors, and restrictions on future high-impact uses. The commission approved the amended request (motion by Commissioner Profit, second by Commissioner DeSuki; vote 8-0, with Commissioner Miller absent).

Item 21: 2027 UDC Amendment Process Presentation

• Lauren Chavez (Interim Policy Administrator, DSD) presented the timeline: amendments may be submitted from January 1 to March 31, 2027. The commission discussed holding a work session in November or December to gather commissioner ideas and then voting on proposed amendments before the deadline. Staff will support drafting language.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved as amended (vote 9-0).
• Item 19 (Continuance): Approved to October 28, 2026 (vote 9-0).
• Item 13 (Irrigation Variance – Soccer Fields): Approved (vote 9-0).
• Item 16 (Irrigation Variance – Rancho Colabra Park): Denied (vote 7-2).
• Item 17 (Irrigation Variance – Glen Parking Lot): Approved (vote 6-3).
• Item 15 (Tree Preservation Variance): Continued to October 28, 2026 (vote 9-0).
• Item 18 (North Sector Plan Amendment): Approved as amended (vote 8-0).
• Item 21 (UDC Amendment Process): No vote; commission agreed to hold a work session to gather ideas.