San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting – May 7, 2026
San Antonio Zoning Commission Meeting – May 7, 2026
The San Antonio Zoning Commission met on May 7, 2026, at 4:31 PM, acting mayor Mecke Rodríguez presiding. The meeting addressed multiple zoning requests, including postponements, a consent agenda, and individual items concerning tobacco/vape shops, a boutique parking restriction, and a rezoning for commercial use. Several speakers, including resident Jack Finger, provided public comment. Key decisions included denials of three tobacco/vape shop proposals near schools and approval of a zoning change for a commercial development.
Consent Calendar
- Items 3, 4, 5, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, and 22 were approved unanimously by consent. Item 11 (a tattoo shop) was part of the consent agenda; Jack Finger expressed opposition to the tattoo shop, arguing against another such establishment on the east side. The motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Councilor Cor and seconded by Councilor Munguía, and passed unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jack Finger (resident) spoke on multiple items:
- For items 1, 6, and 7 (postponed): He argued that the proposals (related to residential units near the airport) would invite commercial invasion and destabilize the area. He also opposed item 1, a variance to allow alcohol sales within 300 feet of UT Boulevard educational institution.
- For items 8, 18, and 19: He opposed tobacco/vape shops near schools, citing risks to children and community health. He noted that for item 8, over 20% of notified residents within 300 feet responded in opposition.
- For item 11 (consent): He opposed a tattoo shop, stating the city does not need another one and highlighting the difficulties of tattoo removal for youth.
Discussion Items
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Item 2 (2520 Macaula Avenue): A request to change parking restrictions for a boutique called Rise Up. Councilor Cor (District 1) stated the boutique would no longer open, so the change only affects parking and does not alter the business. 84 notifications were sent: 2 in favor, 2 opposed, plus 5 opposed from outside 200 feet. Montevista Association opposed; Texas Colonists Association neutral. Motion to approve passed.
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Item 8 (3109 N. St. Mary Street): Rezoning from C3U4 C4 to C1 C D S U 4 to allow a tobacco shop, smoking area, and vape store. Located within 1,000 feet of Mark Twain Academy. Staff and the zoning commission recommended denial. 13 notifications: 2 in favor, 0 opposed. No response from Toby Hill or District 1 associations. Councilor Cor moved to deny; seconded by Councilor Munguía. Motion passed.
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Item 18 (1739 Babcock Road): Rezoning from C2 to C2S with specific use for a tobacco/vape shop, located within 1,000 feet of an international school. 9 notifications: 1 in favor, 2 opposed. No response from O Hills association. Councilor Gavito (District 107?) moved to deny, citing exposure of fifth‑grade students to vape marketing. Seconded by Councilor White. Motion passed.
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Item 19 (6430 Callahan Road): Rezoning from C3 to C2S for same tobacco/vape use, within 1,000 feet of a vocational school. 11 notifications: 1 in favor (outside 200 ft), 1 opposed. No homeowners association registered. Councilor Gavito moved to deny, citing same concerns as item 18; seconded by Councilor White. Motion passed.
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Item 21 (12,710 Spectrum Drive): Rezoning from C3R and M R1 to C3. Staff and zoning commission recommended approval. 24 notifications: 1 in favor, 5 opposed. Requires supermajority. Councilor Mesa González (District 8) noted the current industrial zoning is inappropriate near residential areas, and residents had concerns about alcohol sales. The applicants are long‑time local merchants. Motion to approve made by Councilor Mesa González, seconded by Councilor Villagrán. Motion passed.
Key Outcomes
- Postponed items: Items 1, 6, and 7 were postponed via motion (maker and seconder not specified). Item 1’s motion passed separately.
- Consent agenda: Approved unanimously.
- Item 2: Approved (motion by Councilor Cor, seconded; no vote tally given).
- Item 8: Denied (motion by Councilor Cor, seconded; passed).
- Item 18: Denied (motion by Councilor Gavito, seconded; passed).
- Item 19: Denied (motion by Councilor Gavito, seconded by Councilor White; passed).
- Item 21: Approved (motion by Councilor Mesa González, seconded by Councilor Villagrán; passed).
- The meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM. A birthday celebration was held for Councilor Gavito.
Meeting Transcript
Si mis colegas por favor se reúnan al podio para empezar la junta de zonificación, son las cuatro. Por favor, mis colegas, si pueden acercarse y llegar a su lugar. Concejal White. Acá está su lugar. Son las 4.31, el 7 de mayo del 2026 y empezamos la sesión de zonificación. Por favor, pasemos lista. Concejal Cor presente. Concejal Villa Gran presente. Concejal Mungía presente. Concejal Castillo aquí. Concejal Galván aquí. Concejal Alberto Gavito. Concejal Mesa González aquí. Concejal Spears. Concejal White. Yalcalde Interino. Mecke Rodríguez. Tenemos algunos puntos. Uno, seis y siete. Hay alguna moción. Empezamos con los puntos de la agenda que se van a aplazar. Tenemos moción. Tenemos un ciudadano que es. Y vamos a incluir de 1, 6 y 7. Los vamos a votar al mismo. Señor Finger. Gracias. Tiene usted tres minutos. Y alcalde interino y concejales. Soy Jack Finger. Y quiero traer su atención a esta porción de la agenda. Y va a continuar después. El punto seis y siete. Casi son idénticos en la naturaleza de lo que está pasando en la ciudad. Con lo que pensó el personal. Y parece ser que están hablando de la esidencia unifamiliar del aeropuerto. Y es una, está limitado en la intensidad, y para dos unidades, para dos unidades de vivienda. Aquí, señora Carr, es ahí donde usted. Son dos unidades. De hecho, la siguiente, el 7 es casi idéntico. Con dos unidades, en a lo mejor menos de una milla. Y el motivo por el cual es que el personal pensó es el resultado de que vaya a haber una invasión comercial para esta área. Y eso va a votar la estabilidad. Y causando el detrimento en esas dos áreas. Ese es el motivo por el cual esto es algo malo. Porque en lugar de continuar, simplemente digan no. Y la otra, que está continuando en después, es el punto de la agenda número uno. Ese es el área de mis gonzales. Es una varianza de alcohol, permite alcohol, que se venda en un bar o en una tienda, dentro de los 300 pies de una institución de educación. Y esto está cerca de UT en UT Boulevard.
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