San Antonio Zoning and Land Use Session - October 16, 2025
San Antonio Zoning and Land Use Session - October 16, 2025
The San Antonio City Council held a zoning and land use session on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 2:09 PM. The meeting covered continuations, consent agenda items, and three individual rezoning and land use items. Key actions included approval of a multifamily assisted living project, a continuation for a wireless communications tower, and approval of a comprehensive rezoning in District 7.
Consent Calendar
- Items 10 and 11 were continued to the December 4, 2025 meeting via a motion and second, with a vote of approval. Public commenter Jack Finger urged denial instead of continuation, citing staff concerns and unmet obligations.
- The consent agenda (items 1-9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21) was approved with a motion and second. Councilwoman Aldarete Gavito highlighted item 18, thanking the applicant for extensive community outreach and letters of support from three neighborhood associations. Councilman White thanked the School of Science and Technology for cooperation on a related item.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jack Finger spoke against the continuation of items 10 and 11, arguing the developer had not met agreed obligations and that the C2 zoning was intended as a buffer. He also spoke against alcohol variances on the consent agenda (items 1-6), stating that the state prohibits alcohol sales within 300 feet of schools, and four council members had such cases in their districts. He urged outright denial.
- Charles Talbert spoke in favor of item 14, describing a 12-unit mixed-use complex with assisted living units downstairs and units for medical professionals upstairs. He highlighted proximity to University Health Systems, a park, and churches, and noted neighborhood support from the El Charo and Brady Gardens associations.
- Leon Dackbert, property owner of 603 Pruitt Avenue, spoke in favor of item 16, noting the property's unique location near I-35 and commercial areas. Vincent Hubinger, representing AT&T, presented coverage maps, 911 safety benefits, and a value study, arguing the tower would improve coverage with minimal setback variance (196.5 feet instead of 200).
Discussion Items
- Item 14: Change of zoning from R5 to MF-25 at 1730 and 1714 Salteo Street. Staff recommended denial; Zoning Commission recommended approval. 41 notices mailed, one returned in favor, none opposed. Councilwoman Castillo motioned for approval, citing needed density and neighborhood association support. Motion carried.
- Item 16: Change of zoning from R5 to R5S with specific use authorization for a wireless communications system with a reduced setback of 196.5 feet at 603 Pruitt Avenue. Staff recommended denial; Zoning Commission recommended approval. 14 notices mailed, none returned in favor or opposed. Councilwoman Castillo motioned to continue to December 4, 2025. Motion carried.
- Item 17: Rezoning of multiple districts bounded by Pettus Street, Watkins Lane, and Calebra Road. Staff and Zoning Commission recommended approval with an amendment to remove 3851 Calebra from consideration. 152 notices mailed, none returned in favor or opposed. Councilman Aldarete Gavito motioned to approve as amended, thanking the Calebra Park Neighborhood Association and city staff for community meetings. Motion carried.
Key Outcomes
- Continuations: Items 10 and 11 continued to December 4, 2025.
- Consent Agenda: Approved as a block.
- Item 14 (MF-25 zoning): Approved, allowing a 12-unit assisted living and medical professional housing complex.
- Item 16 (Wireless tower): Continued to December 4, 2025, for further discussion.
- Item 17 (Comprehensive rezoning): Approved as amended, removing 3851 Calebra.
- Meeting adjourned at 2:34 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon. The time is now 2 09 p.m. on Thursday, October 16th at 2025 in the City of San Antonio's zoning and land use session is called to order. Madam Clerk, please call roll. Councilmember Corr. President. Councilmember Mickey Rodriguez. Present. Councilmember Viegeron. Here. Councilmember Mungia. Present. Councilmember Castillo. Councilmember Galvan. Here. Councilmember Aldarete Gavito. Here. Councilmember Mesa Gonzalez. Present. Councilmember Spears. Here. Councilmember White. Mayor Jones. Here. Mayor, we have quorum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Items to continue to the December 4th meeting are items 10 and 11. Is there a motion to continue the items? Motion to continue. Second. Madam Clerk, is anyone signed up to speak on these items? We have one individual, Jack Finger. Sir, you have three minutes. They fall into Mr. Mungheus district. Yes, sir. And uh well, sir, I wish you wouldn't just continue it. I wish you would you just uh deny it outright. And there are various reasons for this. Maybe you you're maybe you're familiar with them. We the public are also familiar with them because we saw the backup documents on them. And I'm just quoting from the staffers whom we employed to give us the straight truth on it there. They say that uh the C2 designation was purposefully zoned for development along Potique Jordenton Highway to provide goods and services to the commercial the the commerce there and and act as a buffer between the residents and the industry. That's why this thing has at least two two big red flags from the from the uh the planning staff and the uh the zoning staff. Also, they say that uh it will impact the the residents nearby and but but here's uh one thing I notice that kind of buried down in there, maybe you know this. The developer says, and the developer has not I repeat not met the agreed upon obligations in the uh in the agreement there, and you so I mean with all those things there. Why are we even deciding to go ahead with this thing? If if the person cannot in a good faith attempt do what he's supposed to do, he or she is supposed to do. Why are we even giving this person a break? I would ask you to please instead of just continue it, say no to it outright.
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