San Antonio City Council Zoning Meeting - October 2, 2025

The San Antonio City Council held a zoning session on October 2, 2025, to consider several zoning and plan amendment requests. The meeting began with postponements of multiple items to later dates. The main agenda item was a request to rezone a 69-acre property for a funeral home and cemetery in District 3, which drew significant public opposition. The council also approved zoning changes for two other properties.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2, 3, 5 were postponed to October 16, 2025.
• Item 11 was postponed to November 6, 2025.
• The consent agenda initially included items 13, 14, 15, and 16. After item 6 was pulled for individual consideration, the remaining consent items (13, 14, 15, 16) were approved en bloc.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 6 (Cemetery/Funeral Home): Multiple residents from the Mission del Lago community and surrounding areas spoke in opposition, citing: loss of tax revenue (cemeteries are tax-exempt), oversaturation of cemeteries in Bexar County and District 3 (21 existing cemeteries within three miles), environmental concerns (chemicals, drainage, odors), traffic congestion on FM 281, negative impact on property values, and the applicant's history of legal settlements and fines. Speakers also argued the land could be used for affordable housing or commercial development. Petitions showed 467 opposed vs. 4 in favor among property owners outside 200 feet. The Southside Independent School District requested denial.
• Item 6 (Applicant): James McKnight, Jane McMahon, Darren Summer, and Brady Alexander (representing SCI) spoke in favor. They emphasized community benefits: a 5-acre donation for a library or community center, $100,000 in scholarships, internship opportunities, and a park-like design. They argued the cemetery is needed due to population growth (over 800 new homes in the area) and that tax exemption is a state policy, not a zoning issue.
• Items 15-16 (Raymond Street): Lucy Orozco and Conrad Jarvis spoke in favor of the rezoning to allow a single-family home on their property, stating they purchased the lot with that intention.

Discussion Items

• Item 6 – Zoning Change for Funeral Home and Cemetery (13,279 FM 1937): The council debated the scope of considerations in zoning decisions. Council Members Villagrán and Maki Rodríguez argued that factors beyond land use (corporate practices, environmental risks) could be considered, while Council Members White and Corr urged focus on land use criteria. The applicant stated compliance with all regulations. Council Member Villagrán, representing District 3, made a motion to approve, noting the property's location between a highway and a railroad, making it unsuitable for residential development, and the community benefits offered. The motion passed by voice vote.
• Items 13-14 – Plan Amendment and Zoning Change (1301 Fest Street): Staff recommended approval for a change from mixed-use to medium-density residential allowing four units. Council Member Castillo made a motion to approve with amendments to add parking and buffers. Approved by voice vote.
• Items 15-16 – Plan Amendment and Zoning Change (1.17 Raymond Street): Staff recommended approval for a change from low-density residential to mixed-use low-density. Council Member Castillo moved to approve, noting the property will be used for a single-family home, not short-term rental, and is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Approved by voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Items 2, 3, and 5 postponed to October 16, 2025.
• Item 11 postponed to November 6, 2025.
• Item 6 (Cemetery): Approved. The council approved the rezoning of approximately 69 acres (amended from 73.35) for a funeral home and cemetery, with conditions including the 5-acre community space donation and scholarship fund.
• Items 13-14 (Fest Street): Approved as amended (additional parking and buffers).
• Items 15-16 (Raymond Street): Approved.
• All votes were voice votes and passed without recorded dissents.