San Antonio Zoning Board Meeting - September 4, 2025

The San Antonio Zoning Board met on September 4, 2025, to consider several zoning variances, rezonings, and conditional use permits. The board approved consent agenda items, debated individual items, and voted on each, with outcomes including approvals with conditions and one denial. Public speakers expressed both support and opposition on various proposals.

Consent Calendar

• Items 15 and 16 were postponed to September 18, 2025. The remaining consent calendar items (1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29) were approved en bloc with no individual consideration.
• Three public speakers addressed consent items: Jack Finger opposed an alcohol variance near Northwest Crossing School; Sister Veronica and Michael Jeffers spoke in favor of rezoning at 301 Jeffrey Street.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 2 (alcohol variance at 7280 UTSA Boulevard): Andrew Weigler (College Park subdivision resident) opposed, citing increased crime, noise, vandalism, and traffic. Jill Lehman (property owner since 1993) opposed, describing past issues with bar owners including late-night disturbances, break-ins, and gunshots. Jack Finger opposed, noting that bars operate later than restaurants and generate 24% profit from alcohol sales, and requested that the variance be denied or restricted to restaurant hours. Olun Hassana opposed, arguing alcohol sales near a university should not be allowed because UTSA students could easily access the bar. The applicant (not named in transcript) requested approval.
• Items 5 & 6 (rezoning at 1921/1923 Burnett Street): The property owners spoke in favor, describing plans for a community café, training classes, and partnerships with ministries to serve the community. Jack Finger opposed, stating that the planning department and zoning commission recommended denial because the commercial use would be in the middle of a residential block.
• Item 13 (rezoning at 2227/2235 West South Cross Boulevard): Elizabeth Frossell (attorney for Dani Recycling) opposed, citing the applicant’s history of code violations and unauthorized operations. Laresa Castillo (founder of Manner and Fossifare Fathers) supported, arguing the current zoning does not cover the business and the rezoning would allow responsible operation. Gabriel Rosales (director of a citizens group) supported, saying it gives small businesses a chance. Jack Finger opposed, noting the Quintana Neighborhood Association’s opposition. Larry Garcia (Thompson Neighborhood Association) opposed, citing a history of bad neighbors and code violations. Jerry Arnold opposed, detailing 13 violations at 2227 and 26 at 2235, and that the applicant previously sought different zoning categories.
• Items 20 & 21 (rezoning at 14050/13790 Joton Road): Jack Finger opposed, stating the planning and zoning commissions recommended denial because it would extend industrial uses next to multifamily residential. David Dye (engineer for applicant Myers) supported, explaining that the outdoor storage has been in place since 2006 and the applicant is seeking to conform with current zoning. Yvonne Salt (neighbor at 1375 Joton) opposed, expressing concerns about hazardous chemicals near a school and a childcare facility.
• Items 25 & 26 (rezoning at location not specified in transcript): Jack Finger opposed, noting that planning and zoning staff recommended denial as it would bring a large commercial intrusion into a residential area.

Discussion Items

• Item 2: District 8 council member (Galván) introduced a motion to approve with conditions: alcohol consumption on premises only; alcohol sales not to exceed 30% of annual revenue; hours of operation Sunday–Wednesday 11:00 AM–12:00 AM, Thursday–Saturday 11:00 AM–1:00 AM (alcohol service stops at midnight); no transfer of ownership; cancellation if unused for 12 months. The motion passed.
• Items 5 & 6: District 2 council member Castillo Anguiano expressed support, noting the rezoning would serve constituents. A motion to approve passed.
• Item 13: District 5 council member Castillo noted the area is already environmentally overburdened, the Quintana Neighborhood Association opposed, and a similar application was denied in February 2024. A motion to deny passed.
• Items 20 & 21: District 10 council member White thanked the planning commission and noted the applicant amended the request. A motion to approve as amended passed.
• Item 22: (Rezoning at 6000 Royal Ridge, from O-2 to C-2 NA CD with conditional use for office warehouse) District 10 council member White commended the builder for working with neighbors and moved to approve as amended. The motion passed.
• Items 25 & 26: District 10 council member White moved to approve as amended. The motion passed.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved by unanimous vote (no recorded opposition).
• Item 2 (Alcohol Variance at 7280 UTSA Blvd): Approved with conditions. Vote passed.
• Items 5 & 6 (Rezoning at 1921/1923 Burnett St): Approved. Vote passed.
• Item 13 (Rezoning at 2227/2235 W South Cross Blvd): Denied. Vote passed. (Note: supermajority required due to 30% opposition but denial did not require supermajority.)
• Items 20 & 21 (Rezoning at 14050/13790 Joton Rd): Approved as amended. Vote passed.
• Item 22 (Rezoning at 6000 Royal Ridge): Approved as amended. Vote passed.
• Items 25 & 26 (Rezoning location unspecified): Approved as amended. Vote passed.

Meeting adjourned at 3:01 PM.