The City of San Antonio Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved a zoning change for 402 Earl Street to allow a cabinet or carpentry shop under a C3-S (specific-use) designation, adding an hours-of-operation condition limiting activity to 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Staff summary: Gerardo Gomez, zoning senior planner with Development Services, told the commission staff found "evidence of likely adverse impacts" on neighboring lands because the site abuts single-family residences, and urged caution. Gomez said the existing C3 General Commercial District is not appropriate for the property in its surroundings and that the proposed C3-S with a specific-use authorization should be carefully considered.

Applicant statement: Property owner and tenant Ronald Mittar (Monowitz Cabinetry) told commissioners the change is largely a technicality so the business can obtain a certificate of occupancy for equipment the company needs to make minor cabinetry modifications. "It's virtually no change," Mittar said, adding the operation is appointment-only, two people run the business and there is no chemical use on-site. Mittar also noted the building has multiple commercial neighbors and a nearby railroad track.

Commission debate focused on potential impacts to adjacent residences, hours of operation and parking. Commissioner Danny Kellum moved to approve the request with an hours-of-operation limitation of 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Commissioner John Whitsett seconded. Commissioners asked the applicant to follow city permitting requirements, and the applicant agreed that the business would operate by appointment and to adhere to the condition.

Vote and outcome: The motion passed on a roll-call vote. The commission's approval will allow the applicant to pursue a certificate of occupancy under the C3-S designation with the stated hours restriction, and the applicant must complete any building and fire-code reviews required by Development Services before operations can expand.

Next steps: The applicant will apply for the certificate of occupancy and any associated permits; staff will continue technical review and enforce the approved hours as part of the specific-use authorization process.