Schertz planners recommend approval of 1.3‑acre RA rezoning on Trainer Hill Road

The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission on April 2 voted unanimously to recommend approval of a zone change that would reclassify about 1.3 acres at 9126 Trainer Hill Road from Predevelopment District to Single‑Family Residential/Agricultural (RA).

The application, PLZC20250056 (Bexar County property ID 310235), was presented by William Willingham, Planner. Willingham said the property is rural in character, the owner intends a single‑family home, and neighboring parcels already include RA and agricultural zoning. "Due to the rural character of the surrounding area, the limited utility availability, and the related development regulations associated with single family residential agriculture district RA, staff is therefore recommending approval of PLZC20250056," Willingham said.

Nut graf: The property is within the Schertz Sewer CCN but lacks sewer lines; it currently uses on‑site septic. Staff and commissioners agreed the RA district best fits current conditions and the applicant's stated intent to build a single‑family home.

Public comment and applicant status

Two neighbors spoke during public comment. Todd Harrison, who said he lives two properties away, told the commission that uncertainty about rezoning had affected his ability to sell his property. "We're just trying to figure out what we need to do from our end with this, and is this gonna affect us trying to actually sell our property?" Harrison said. Anthony Merrick asked about the length of time the property had carried a predevelopment designation; staff responded that the predevelopment classification dated to an earlier round of annexations in about 2010.

Staff information and conditions

Willingham said nine public notices were mailed and one notice was sent to the Schertz‑Cibolo‑Universal City ISD; no comments were filed with staff before the hearing. He noted the site and nearby parcels use septic because sewer lines are not present in the immediate area: "It is currently serviced by on‑site septic as are the neighboring properties in this area. It is located within the Schertz Sewer CCN. However, there are no sewage lines out there at this time," Willingham said. Commissioners asked whether a property with RA zoning would be required to connect if sewer became available; staff said hookups are required within 500 feet for residential and 1,500 feet for commercial, and this site is well beyond that distance.

Commission action

A motion to recommend approval of PLZC20250056 was made and seconded; the commission recorded seven ayes and no opposition. The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.

Votes at a glance: PLZC20250056

- Motion: Recommend approval of rezoning from Predevelopment District to Single‑Family Residential/Agricultural (RA) - Outcome: Motion passed (recommendation to City Council) - Tally: 7 ayes, 0 opposed - Next step: Transmit recommendation to City Council for consideration

Ending: Staff will include the case in the council packet; commissioners noted the decision aligns with the parcel's rural character and current lack of sewer service.