San Antonio Zoning and Land Use Session - September 3, 2026

The San Antonio City Council Zoning and Land Use Session was called to order at 2:08 PM on Thursday, September 3, 2026. The meeting covered continuation of a case, consent agenda approval, and individual hearings on two major rezoning items. Mayor Pro Tem presided with a quorum present. The meeting adjourned at 2:51 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Item 8 was continued to the September 17, 2026 meeting by a motion and second, without council discussion.
• The remaining consent agenda items (items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 16) were approved by a single motion without council discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 7 (829 West Harlan Avenue): Two speakers addressed the council before the consent agenda vote. Judas Garcia (resident at 828 West Harlan) requested denial of the proposed zoning change, citing increased density, traffic, parking pressure, noise, and construction activity on a small street. He asked for the property to be removed from the application or for protections including setbacks and parking considerations. Jack Finger supported the previous speaker and urged Councilmember Castillo to deny the rezoning, noting the proposal for three dwelling units would intensify the area.
• Items 1 and 2 (Blanco Corridor rezoning): Several residents spoke in opposition. Jeanette Bada (810 Elmwood Drive) requested denial, highlighting the neighborhood's high homeownership rate (63.4% vs. 47.7% in District 1 and 52.2% citywide) and low resident turnover (6.7% moved in the past year vs. 16.6% in District 1). She also noted that notifications were not accessible enough for residents to understand the zoning change. April Maldonado (825 Westwood Drive, a realtor) opposed the RM4 designation for residential blocks, arguing it contradicts the North Central Community Plan which prohibits encroachment. She presented a petition with 95% opposition from homes she visited and requested denial or a continuance for further neighborhood discussion. Esther de Leon (former Edison Neighborhood Association board member) said the initial community meetings only discussed commercial properties, not the change from single-family to quadplex zoning. She noted lots are too small for quadplexes and would not blend with the 1930s-era homes. Kendra Swords (817 Westwood Drive) opposed RM4, stating it would allow up to four units per lot, 35-foot heights, and devalue long-term family investments. She asked to preserve single-family R4 zoning. Jack Finger also opposed, questioning the compatibility of a candy manufacturing use near an auto body shop. Lisa Talley (North Central Neighborhood Association president) stated the association stands with opposed residents, opposing encroachment that changes neighborhood aesthetics and property tax values.

Discussion Items

• Items 1 and 2 (Blanco Corridor Plan Amendment and Rezoning): Staff presented a large area rezoning from multiple zoning districts to RM4 and other commercial districts, bounded by Fresno Street, Hildebrand Avenue, and extending about 300 feet east and west of Blanco Road. 306 notices were mailed; 10 in favor, 24 opposed. The North Central Neighborhood Association opposed; the Beacon Hill Area Neighborhood Association requested a continuance. An additional 26 notices outside the 200-foot buffer were opposed. Staff, Zoning Commission, and Planning Commission recommended approval with seven specific properties excluded. Councilmember Corr (District 1) explained the process began from a resident's request to rezone her home from industrial to allow a rehab loan. She stated her team block-walked multiple times and 80% of residents spoken to were supportive or neutral. She asked DSD staff to clarify RM4 height restrictions (35 feet, same as single-family districts) and that multiple units must be in a single structure; lots under 4,000 square feet cannot have more than one unit without separate entitlement. She also noted any demolition requires a permit reviewed by the Office of Historic Preservation. She moved to approve as amended.
• Items 14 and 15 (Classen Road Fitness Center): Staff presented a plan amendment and rezoning from C3NA to C2 with specific use authorization for a fitness center/health club with outdoor uses at 15234 Classen Road. 12 notices were mailed; 1 in favor, 0 opposed. Outside the 200-foot buffer, 2 in favor, 1 opposed. Staff, Zoning Commission, and Planning Commission recommended approval with downward facing lighting. Douglas Welch (Briarwick Neighborhood Association) spoke, noting he and the applicant agreed on a restrictive covenant addressing outdoor play hours, noise, and lighting. He requested the neighborhood stay involved during the permit and traffic study phases, citing constraints from railroad tracks, floodplain, and bridge guardrails. Councilmember White (District 10) acknowledged the collaborative work and moved to approve with amendments: compliance with city noise ordinance (9 PM to 6 AM), outdoor music/noise ceasing at 9 PM, business operations moving indoors at 10 PM, and downward facing lighting.

Key Outcomes

• Item 8 continued to September 17, 2026 (motion carried without opposition).
• Consent agenda (items 3-7, 9-13, 16) approved unanimously.
• Items 1 and 2 (Blanco Corridor rezoning) approved as amended by motion from Councilmember Corr, with a second. No further council discussion. Vote carried.
• Items 14 and 15 (Classen Road fitness center) approved with conditions (noise restrictions, lighting) by motion from Councilmember White, with a second. No further council discussion. Vote carried.