City Commissioners Deny Appeal for Motor Vehicle Sales Permit at New Laredo Highway Site

The San Antonio Zoning Board of Adjustment convened on August 18, 2025, to address several key issues regarding zoning and occupancy permits. The meeting focused on the case of a property located at 1139 New Laredo Highway, where the applicant, Carlos Jimenez, sought to clarify the status of a Certificate of Occupancy (CFO) issued for a newly constructed service garage.

The discussion began with board members questioning the issuance of the CFO, particularly whether it was granted before the building was physically present on the property. Staff clarified that the CFO was issued after the building was constructed, but concerns were raised about the zoning compliance and setbacks related to the property. Members expressed confusion over how the CFO was approved given that the building did not meet the required setbacks from adjacent residential properties.

Commissioner Manna inquired about the types of activities permitted within the building, confirming that while the applicant could sell automobiles, he could not perform repairs until the zoning issues were resolved. The board discussed the possibility of the applicant applying for a zoning change to rectify the situation, emphasizing that the applicant could still operate his business under certain conditions while pursuing the necessary adjustments.

As the meeting progressed, a motion was made to grant the appeal for the property, citing an error by city staff in denying the nonconforming use for motor vehicle sales. However, the motion faced opposition from several commissioners who argued that the proper resolution would be through a zoning change rather than an appeal. Ultimately, the motion failed with a vote of 8 to 3 against granting the appeal.

The board concluded the discussion by advising the applicant to consult with city staff regarding the next steps, including the potential for a zoning application to address the setbacks and compliance issues. The meeting then moved on to the next agenda item, indicating a structured approach to the various zoning matters at hand.