A contentious appeal for a Type 1 short-term rental permit at 125 Glass Avenue dominated the San Antonio Board of Adjustment meeting on June 2, 2025. The property, notorious for its history of violations against the city’s short-term rental (STR) ordinance, has been under scrutiny since the ordinance's inception in November 2018.

City staff recommended denial of the permit, citing the applicant's failure to meet key requirements, particularly the stipulation that the owner or operator must reside at the property. The applicant, Alyssa Thomas, argued that she had changed her driver's license to reflect the property address and claimed it was her primary residence. However, staff raised concerns about conflicting information regarding her residency and the property's use as a full rental rather than a shared home.

The property has a troubled past, with over a dozen investigations for licensing violations. Despite recent improvements, including the payment of outstanding hotel occupancy taxes by the new owner, the board expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the Type 1 application. Staff highlighted that the property was actively listed for rent online, which contradicted the claim of owner occupancy.

During the meeting, board members questioned the applicant's evidence of residency, including the absence of utility bills in her name and the nature of her living arrangements. The discussion revealed a complex web of ownership and management, with Thomas employed by Utopia Estates, the company managing the property. This raised further doubts about whether the application truly represented a Type 1 rental or if it was more suited for a Type 2 designation, which would require a special exception.

In a surprising turn, the board decided to continue the case until June 16, allowing the applicant time to provide additional documentation to support her claim of residency. This decision underscores the board's cautious approach in light of the property's history and the ongoing challenges in regulating short-term rentals in San Antonio. The outcome of this appeal could set a precedent for future applications in the area, as the city grapples with balancing property rights and community concerns over STRs.