San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting – October 20, 2026

The San Antonio Zoning Commission met on October 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM, chaired by John Bustamante. The meeting covered multiple zoning cases and a major discussion on proposed Unified Development Code (UDC) amendments for data centers. Votes and decisions are summarized below.

Consent Calendar

• Items 7 through 12 were combined and approved unanimously (9-0).
  • Item 7: Rezone at 538 & 524 W. Woodlawn Ave. (C2/C1 to IDZ1HL). 33 notices mailed, 0 favor, 0 opposed. Alta Vista NA in favor.
  • Item 8: Rezone at 2401 W. Woodlawn Ave. (C3 to RM6). 33 notices, 0/0. Cable Westwood NA no response.
  • Item 9: Rezone at 7800 Callaghan Rd. (C3 to RM6). 33 notices, 0/0.
  • Item 10: Rezone at 525 W. Magnolia Ave. (R6 to RM6). 34 notices, 0/0. Alta Vista NA no response.
  • Item 11: Rezone at 1719 Goliad Rd. (I1 to C2, amended to C2NA). 17 notices, 0/0. Highland Hills NA no response. Applicant's amendment accepted.
  • Item 12: Rezone at 436 W. Craig Pl. (R6 to R6HL). 28 notices, 1 favor, 0 opposed. Alta Vista NA no response.
• Items 5 and 6 were continued to the November 17, 2026 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 3 (15838 N US Hwy 281): Robin Thompson, a neighbor, expressed support after the applicant agreed to fix longstanding water drainage issues. Rachel Haynes (Policy Director, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance) opposed, stating C3 is incompatible with the North Sector Plan and the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone.
• Item 1 (4400 block Nyato Dr.): Amelia Peacock (Paloma resident, veteran) opposed, citing lack of specific development proposal, concerns about traffic, and infrastructure adequacy. Joe Most (Paloma resident) opposed, noting proximity to existing homes and property value impact.
• Item 4 (3460 Martin Luther King Dr.): Joe A. Rogers Howard (neighbor) opposed the car lot but was open to C2 commercial, citing school expansion and safety. Applicant Samonita Johnson expressed willingness to drop the car lot request for straight C2.
• Item 13 (Data Center UDC): Multiple speakers:
  • Caroline McDonald (property owner) supported Option 1 (by-right with conditions), arguing Option 2 treats data centers more restrictively than heavy industrial uses like rock crushers.
  • Stephanie Reyes (RECA President/CEO) urged support for Option 1 to maintain consistency and attract investment.
  • Rob Killen (attorney) requested robust nonconforming use protections for existing data centers.
  • Rachel Haynes (GEAA) supported Option 2 (specific use authorization) for flexibility and public input.
  • Dee Dee Belmas (Public Citizen) supported Option 2, citing community concerns about noise, light, and lack of notification.
  • Evan Gray (Bear Data Center owner) asked for a small-scale exception to avoid regulating micro data centers.
  • Bill Kaufman (industry representative) argued 500-foot setback is excessive compared to other uses (e.g., 30 feet for outdoor amusement parks, gun ranges).
  • Dale Hanson (IBEW Local 60) and Mike West (Local 142) supported Option 1 for job creation.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 (15838 N US Hwy 281): Applicant Octavio Montes proposed C3 on the front 1.247 acres and C2CD (construction trade contractors) on the rear 2.61 acres. Staff recommended denial due to incompatibility with adjacent single-family homes. SAWS condition required 65% pervious cover and a 60-foot buffer around a solution cavity. After public comment, Commissioner Duval moved to approve as amended with conditions: hours M–F 8–5, Sat 8–1, height limit 20 ft, downward lighting. Motion passed 9-0.
• Item 1 (4400 block Nyato Dr.): Applicant Bruce Cash (developer of Paloma subdivision) sought C2 (later amended to C2NA) to unify zoning on a parcel split between C2, NP10, and MXD. Staff recommended approval. After two motions (denial failed 5-4, reconsideration passed, then approval failed 3-6), no recommendation was sent to City Council; the applicant may choose to proceed or withdraw.
• Item 2 (142 Gembler Rd.): Applicant (Vanessa Wertzer) request from C2 to IDZ3 for uses including parking, animal services, entertainment, and farm equipment storage. Amended site plan included a 25-foot buffer. Staff recommended denial due to industrial encroachment, but Planning Commission recommended approval. No public comment. Motion to approve with amended site plan passed unanimously.
• Item 4 (3460 Martin Luther King Dr.): Applicant Samonita Johnson sought C2CD for a motor vehicle sales lot. Staff recommended denial but supported straight C2. Neighbors opposed car lot but open to C2. After discussion, Commissioner Losef moved to continue to November 17 to allow further community engagement. Motion carried 6-3.
• Item 13 – Data Center UDC Amendments (Major Agenda Item):
  • Staff (Logan Sparrow) presented three options for regulating data centers: Option 1 (by-right in C3/industrial with conditions), Option 2 (specific use authorization required for all), and Option 3 (Mayor's proposal with additional requirements).
  • Discussion covered definitions, setbacks, nonconforming uses, environmental concerns, and water/energy impacts (deferred to SAWS and CPS).
  • After extensive debate and multiple motions, a final motion by Commissioner Pana (amended by consensus) was approved 8-1 (Witsett opposed). The recommendation to City Council includes:
    • Data centers allowed in C3, L (Light Industrial), and BP (Business Park) only with a Specific Use Authorization.
    • By-right permission in I1 and I2 districts if all conditions are met.
    • Minimum 350-foot separation from residential uses, schools, hospitals, etc.
    • 100-foot setback from property lines.
    • Downward lighting and screening of on-site chillers/generators from public view.
    • Use of Councilman White's definition for data centers, excluding small server rooms ancillary to a principal use.
    • Nonconforming use protections modeled after metal recycling facilities.

Key Outcomes

• Items 7–12: Approved unanimously (9-0).
• Item 3: Approved as amended with conditions (9-0).
• Item 5 & 6: Continued to November 17, 2026 (unanimous).
• Item 1: No recommendation; applicant may choose path forward.
• Item 2: Approved with amended site plan (unanimous).
• Item 4: Continued to November 17, 2026 (6-3).
• Item 13: Recommendation approved (8-1) for a hybrid regulation: by-right in I1/I2 with conditions; specific use authorization required in C3, L, and BP; 350-foot setback; 100-foot property setback; downward lighting; screening of chillers/generators; nonconforming protections. Staff will draft formal language for City Council consideration on October 29, 2026.
• Minutes: Approved from October 4, 2026 meeting.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:04 PM.