[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6535703,"mediaKeyId","3388097-13066e25618e65c7bac8cb2b299682f1","parentId",3388097,"title","Board approves multiple variances at 5604 Vance Jackson Road; neighbors object to second‑story deck","audioSeconds",1002,"startMs",3308000,"endMs",4310000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388097-13066e25618e65c7bac8cb2b299682f1&start=3308&end=4310","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388097-13066e25618e65c7bac8cb2b299682f1/thumbnail_3308000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6535703/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Board-approves-multiple-variances-at-5604-Vance-Jackson-Road-neighbors-object-to-secondstory-deck","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535703-138e80078b2f83103053cc7463d8c0c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434784&Signature=aIwY7itXli7foZR6bgSkfUDEo0Rn3Abnksc9IXgMUR-5oZm95HQXCDsqGWUSqR6GttFmtdCHmpvcPYTS7yBZ11hv9M6c-oMLLY~B0Gm1EhNvPp2Py5VTPokcg1~Jw3FcTtoV6-E6a27XX6wqPb-EVz4~VsaxmV5nOI2Tf52mTOx84AfQRtyfYJLL7ydPzFqVqaZKCOO5XCEGsfOXkZvHBiBEOzwvD3vjSKHUEBsbAJsveJLjZjX2dRSAKHhub2cWlNb1-GwhjbdyhdzfVXvK03Ugf3Rl6ganbnpQbx-uyc9UGXzMdMWEf4VHQHzkBetBKJoTc0SJ0IbMuWNhUQ8rVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Antonio","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","The Board of Adjustment approved a set of variances and a front‑yard fence height special exception for 5604 Vance Jackson Road, an R‑5 property owned by The Poly Group LLC. The item addressed multiple retroactive and prospective changes to an existing structure, including a second‑story deck neighbors say was built without prior permits.

Senior zoning planner Joel Della described the requests in case BOA‑25‑10300069: an 11 foot 1 inch variance from the 20‑foot rear setback (requesting to allow 8 feet 11 inches), a 3 foot 5 inch variance from the 5‑foot side setback (to allow 1 foot 7 inches), a 3 foot variance from the 15‑foot driveway clear‑vision requirement (to allow a 12‑foot clear vision area), and a 1 foot 5 inch fence‑height special exception to allow a 4 foot 5 inch fence with 6‑foot stone columns.

Della told the board the property is under a code enforcement investigation for building without a permit; permit issuance was pending the Board’s decision. Staff recommended approval for the variances and the fence special exception, finding adequate spacing for maintenance and fire‑spread prevention, and that the proposed fence height was in character with nearby masonry fences.

Neighbors provided voicemail testimony and written opposition focused on the second‑story deck above an existing garage. Multiple callers who live within the 200‑foot notification radius asked that the deck be removed or that firm written privacy protections be required. Melissa and Rafael Cortez, whose backyard abuts the subject property, asked the board to remove the deck and said verbal promises of screening are insufficient should ownership change. Several neighbors said the deck creates privacy and resale concerns.

Applicant Michelle Torres (Poly Group LLC) said the garage preexisted and the work connects two existing structures into one primary residence; Torres said she spoke with the Cortezes and offered to install a privacy screen. Architect Elise Smith confirmed the work is intended as an addition and not an accessory dwelling. Torres offered to provide a written agreement to neighbors confirming the screening.

The board first considered the fence special exception (item 4). A motion to grant a 3‑foot increase to allow a 4 foot 6 inch fence with 6 foot stone columns passed 10–1 (one commissioner opposed). The board then voted to grant the rear/side/clear‑vision variances as limited to the submitted site plan; that motion passed by majority (9–2). Commissioners discussed limiting the approval to the dimensions and drawings provided and asked staff to ensure the approval is confined to the submitted site plan. The board recorded concerns about the retroactive deck and requested the applicant provide written assurances on screening and outdoor lighting to address privacy concerns.

Why it matters: The approval regularizes significant modifications to a residential property on a corner lot and drew sustained neighbor opposition focused on privacy impact from a second‑story deck. The board’s decision balances code conformity for setback and visibility with neighborhood privacy concerns, while requiring further permit review.

Next steps: The applicant must finalize permits and provide the agreed‑upon written screening assurances. Development Services will complete the building‑permit review and address any historic‑or other agency referrals as required.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","San Antonio - Board of Adjustment May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board of Adjustment approved rear, side and driveway clear‑vision variances and a front‑yard fence height special exception for 5604 Vance Jackson Road; the board approved the fence 10–1 and the other variances by majority after neighbors urged removal of a second‑story deck built without prior approval.","taxTitle","San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas","taxId",2771,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6535708,"Board of Adjustment rejects request for additional short-term rental at 8231 Titan Belt",1246,371000,1617000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388097-13066e25618e65c7bac8cb2b299682f1&start=371&end=1617","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388097-13066e25618e65c7bac8cb2b299682f1/thumbnail_371000.jpg","/articles/6535708/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Board-of-Adjustment-rejects-request-for-additional-short-term-rental-at-8231-Titan-Belt","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535708-82b319656222a16e8b82f2830efac4c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434784&Signature=hgvawOBST5zVT1n-2VQ1B7UQcxmnfNs-SLJm~QZzWIgwQOAzWQ4R4mbiqEAaKAj8PKs1-Wvn2KtBqqjHJZj50H1MaXk33BLabj-qWvoXZqIExJ9HiXQSKVqlUmsQ43yqzKe79tpdJfXZyoBsOGYLXmeInwYy6nmysO9B5zEgIe2LZ~neo8eNVvEFM7DZerdEMoABWuYgNsZo27A48hSdwWuYOquzcWd5s5RDnBPF36d9Qt7ATCd5pnDwqDQ5bkUIscKh7dma1-gv3bqYTMyEjNtYBdR60oBZhMmMFQ5axa0PgyFd5cEfz266uHZ~UAknQy15gKX2BELbd3uND5TyHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Antonio Board of Adjustment voted 7–4 to deny a special exception that would have allowed an additional Type 2 short‑term rental at 8231 Titan Belt in Council District 4.

Staff presented the case as BOA‑25‑10300068, saying the Unified Development Code (section 30‑5‑374.01) limits Type 2 short‑term rentals to no more than 12.5% of single‑family units on a block face. Planner Joseph Leos told the board the block face (from 8203 to 8239 Titan Belt) contains 10 qualifying units and currently has one active Type 2 permit at 8211; approving the application would raise the density to 20%, exceeding the code limit. Leos also reported a code investigation opened on Jan. 7, 2025, for operating without a permit and that the unit remained listed online as of the morning of the hearing, with a minimum‑stay setting of 30 days.

Applicant Veronica Valerio said she and her husband purchased the home late last year after military retirement and began advertising in August 2024 to serve families visiting the nearby training base. Valerio said she applied for a permit when notified and suspended active bookings; she told the board she had not been contacted by the Solana Ridge homeowners association before the city notice and that the property has had no neighbor complaints. \"We obtained the property shortly after we retired… we found what better way to cater to the families of the basic military trainee,\" Valerio said.

Board members discussed the density cap, unpaid hotel occupancy tax (staff said the active unit at 8211 had reported hotel occupancy taxes but was missing March), and whether homeowners associations could bar STRs. City Attorney Joseph Varney advised the board the HOA enforcement is a private matter and not before the Board of Adjustment.

Commissioner Iris Benavides moved to grant the special exception and Commissioner Manner seconded. The motion failed on roll call, 7 no to 4 yes. Yes votes: Commissioners Benavides, Vasquez, Bonillas and Chair Ozuna. No votes: Commissioners Manner, Barrington, Stevens, Ybanez, Dean, Cruz and Orian. Chair Ozuna told the applicant to consult staff about options and compliance steps following the vote.

Why it matters: The decision enforces the city’s block‑face density limit for Type 2 rentals, a recurring policy tool San Antonio uses to limit clustering of short‑term rentals in residential neighborhoods. For this block face, denial preserves the code cap established by City Council and staff.

Next steps: The applicant may work with Development Services staff on permitting compliance and any outstanding tax reporting; the board noted the city can revoke a permit if tax compliance is not met.

","The San Antonio Board of Adjustment voted 7–4 to deny a special exception that would have allowed an additional Type 2 short‑term rental at 8231 Titan Belt in Council District 4.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6535707,"Board approves setback variances to keep carport at 4518 Newcomb Drive",1587,1693000,3280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388097-13066e25618e65c7bac8cb2b299682f1&start=1693&end=3280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388097-13066e25618e65c7bac8cb2b299682f1/thumbnail_1693000.jpg","/articles/6535707/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Board-approves-setback-variances-to-keep-carport-at-4518-Newcomb-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535707-df310fae865fbfdad74b83690ecb03cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434784&Signature=NiVO-eWb1bY5IFMCL1v2UaDl11ugFnbzeK3fzt1eagAdvtHZyIE3jc~P6v1VlaOutly2SgXZCh2PZitxG6qdfsuaQ02YobrEeMLHFVwXxnpD7NyXJ7D-XUXHblgyYxgG5c1KEuabxF3gek004kfMfYgQ~p2T0NeI~Jig6FkCYeCK3cY60-vTwuHZTXZjzpoR18ejm0MddkODm~seadnVCwWHC1IVD~fLMMi1a-MO1THlVqjEs0hz6nsH-PKobg~dopRank-AHSamZmMv6j7MNQfYr4JAplS~mVeyTfD8k5VP00e7MwmdjsWTks4dXP-WUWCy8S1cepqvWi~MEL7smA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Antonio Board of Adjustment granted two variance requests that will allow a carport already built at 4518 Newcomb Drive to remain in its current footprint.

Planner Joa Palimas presented case BOA‑25‑10300066 and said code enforcement responded to a citizen complaint on April 9, 2025, and found a detached carport constructed without a permit that violated front and side setbacks. Staff recommended denial, citing insufficient room for runoff and fire‑safety maintenance and that the variance would alter the character of the district. Palimas reported 18 mailed notices with three in favor and two opposed.

John Saxkin, speaking for his mother and the property owner Beatrice Ramirez, told the board the carport was completed March 29 and that the contractor would not permit changes or refund work after completion. He said the family paid permit fees April 10 after being notified and provided neighbor letters supporting the carport. Saxkin said the carport accommodates four vehicles and was installed to protect vehicles from sun damage. \"We built it, paid for it… we were informed a little too late,\" he said.

Board members questioned whether gutters could be added without encroaching on a neighbor’s property and whether any retaining wall or runoff would be affected. The applicant amended the application to include gutters; the board discussed that administrative variance options exist for small encroachments and that final building‑permit review must still confirm compliance with building and fire codes.

A motion to grant a 4 foot 11 inch variance from the minimum 5 foot side setback (allowing a 1‑inch side setback) and a 9 foot 11 inch variance from the 10 foot front setback (allowing a 1‑inch front setback with gutters) passed on roll call, 9–2. Yes votes included Commissioners Orion, Stevens, Ybanez, Dean, Cruz, Benavides, Vasquez, Bonillas and Chair Ozuna. Commissioners Manner and Barrington voted no.

Why it matters: The decision regularizes an existing structure built without a permit and balances neighborhood concerns about drainage and property lines with the applicant’s stated hardship and evidence of neighbor support.

Next steps: Staff will continue permitting and inspections to confirm building‑code compliance; the applicant was advised to provide evidence of contractor licensing and to address any remaining drainage/gutter details as part of the permit review.

","The Board of Adjustment granted side and front setback variances for a carport at 4518 Newcomb Drive, allowing the structure to remain 1 inch from the side property line and 1 inch from the front with gutters; vote passed 9–2. The carport was built without a permit and the owner paid for permits after receiving a stop‑work notice.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6535693,"City Council adopts tobacco‑vape zoning update; staff announces departure",7,602513,609659,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388097-13066e25618e65c7bac8cb2b299682f1&start=602&end=609","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388097-13066e25618e65c7bac8cb2b299682f1/thumbnail_602513.jpg","/articles/6535693/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/City-Council-adopts-tobaccovape-zoning-update-staff-announces-departure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535693-3fb6e7a90ed662021a13378980aad892/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434784&Signature=F55b8tSDKdEMKUuMETJIZvRjoHKIZJemJu7jWJ3Wox8AhXNEC7eEjP~CA23FeVWd~bVHRni4Js6edsiaMS25Kb4Vb8uHx4zHeKEK03ApefmhlMZmwwoJH8OTbQzJ3oh4hY3Yes7VFf1~26Qzlcw6RETWpA--9ZsLltKvkQBtZ6aSYQ-TXqAeBxIQpZPyuHMEf5sZxBVSSvu4OlLtIyhoANSr5Bd-4YWaSRj2y7C1bkvpi2PI98ws9hMzkKhGuL9mVGgLPZZ8alG4Utv1I~egNecFlNh9OSpm75sS5pDA20uVgvoGH4vfLfs6FomnKwvY7rKFckXDB0PyaUUXK70log__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the director’s report, Development Services staff provided two items of citywide interest.

First, staff said City Council has adopted an update affecting vape and tobacco retailers. Under the change, stores selling vaping products or tobacco that are within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare or university must obtain a specific‑use authorization through rezoning to operate in those locations, unless they are existing nonconforming uses that register as such. Staff provided an FAQ and an information bulletin on the change and told Board members the Board of Adjustment is not the appeals body for the zoning change.

Second, long‑time staff member Ms. Flores announced this meeting would be her last with the Board of Adjustment in her current role; she said she will move to work in Transportation and will remain a resource for the board. \"This is my last official meeting with you… I will just be over at transportation helping out,\" Flores said, thanking board members.

Why it matters: The zoning change imposes a new rezoning requirement for vape/tobacco retailers near schools and childcare facilities and may lead to neighborhood rezoning requests or nonconforming‑use registrations. The departure of a familiar staffer may affect which planners present future BOA cases.

Next steps: Staff has circulated FAQs and an information bulletin; Board members were told to consult staff for additional questions about implementation.

","At the Board of Adjustment meeting, staff reported City Council adopted an update requiring vape and tobacco retailers within 1,000 feet of a school, daycare or university to obtain a specific use authorization (rezoning) or register as a nonconforming use. Staff also announced that Ms. Flores will move to Transportation and will no longer appear",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6535698,"Board grants side‑setback variance for 307 South San Bernardo to allow redevelopment of substandard lot",618,5377000,5995000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3388097-13066e25618e65c7bac8cb2b299682f1&start=5377&end=5995","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3388097-13066e25618e65c7bac8cb2b299682f1/thumbnail_5377000.jpg","/articles/6535698/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Board-grants-sidesetback-variance-for-307-South-San-Bernardo-to-allow-redevelopment-of-substandard-lot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6535698-45c1c4d5fc953333e808195b1134b38e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770434784&Signature=KZkjuonBFQXlS8gp1llwAYrmhjeXrYVUuoB2f4Oh8Sj-O-0kdQrmu4CSQh6MWbtQI9StB6TAykk9t2-pzZ97vl4C4ziqRPLbMkRQ6Hi9xwri6yf5HiKszpCnJ1urhb0pV3ehsTBprhv9KKDBSFn9Ms2Fuv-SnBaq~R5HJ-OBc5I5zWAVo1RAXiWxSK6s5cs90kQXFqLgt-WsvsTI6l1QxiNuSkRJ3n~pfUP~DNVTLLp2JfxKXkqP019QI6gbORESAoxgz~Ku9gacNXj9mdGFjv4-z~UgF8sFqmCt0eUxHPxZb69AP5Sgkmg72gEePI1rHcxCUuYM7DAqngbfwOyAXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a 1 foot 6 inch site‑setback variance to allow a 3 foot 6 inch side setback on Lot 35 at 307 South San Bernardo (case BOA‑25‑10300071). The approval was limited to Lot 35 and was granted to allow redevelopment of a residence on a substandard lot.

Planner Joelle Folimas told the board the request follows two Certificates of Determination permitting development on a substandard lot; the applicant will remove an existing 7‑by‑8.4‑foot attachment as part of the work and Lot 34 will be used as a driveway for Lots 33 and 35 with a required cross‑access agreement. Staff recommended approval, finding the request would not alter the neighborhood character and that all remaining dimensional and building requirements would be met. Forty‑six notices were mailed; staff received one written opposition from a property owner outside the 200‑foot notification area.

Applicant Laura De Leon said the variance would allow the owner to build in the existing footprint and to bring the property into compliance. The public portion produced no voice‑mail opposition within the 200‑foot radius. A motion to grant the variance limited to Lot 35 passed unanimously (11–0).

Why it matters: The variance enables redevelopment on a narrow, substandard lot and clarifies cross‑access and compliance obligations for the owner, easing project permitting while protecting neighborhood pattern.

Next steps: Applicant must execute the cross‑access agreement and finish permit submissions; Development Services will continue the permit review and inspections.

","The Board of Adjustment approved a 1 foot 6 inch variance to permit a 3 foot 6 inch south side setback on Lot 35 at 307 South San Bernardo, limited to Lot 35; vote was unanimous. The variance enables redevelopment of a home on a nonconforming narrow lot after the applicant agreed to remove a prior attachment and secure required cross‑access.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves multiple variances at 5604 Vance Jackson Road; neighbors object to second‑story deck

Board of Adjustment rejects request for additional short-term rental at 8231 Titan Belt

Board approves setback variances to keep carport at 4518 Newcomb Drive

City Council adopts tobacco‑vape zoning update; staff announces departure

Board grants side‑setback variance for 307 South San Bernardo to allow redevelopment of substandard lot