New Braunfels council approves several zoning measures, denies downtown cell-tower, fails to rezone Sanger Hall parcel

The New Braunfels City Council on Jan. 28 approved a package of zoning and land-use items, denied a special-use permit for a proposed 135-foot telecommunications tower near downtown and failed to advance a proposed rezoning of roughly 60 acres on Sanger Hall Road after councilmembers did not support motions to move it forward.

Why it matters: The council’s decisions shape where homes, businesses and infrastructure will be allowed to locate. The denial of the cellphone tower leaves carriers to seek alternate sites; the failed Sanger Hall rezoning leaves the property at its existing multifamily-low-density zoning and preserves the airport-compatibility concerns staff raised.

The council approved the consent agenda (with items e, h and k pulled for separate consideration) by motion, and later approved several individual zoning items including:

- A second-and-final-reading approval allowing a short-term rental at 443 Lochner Ave.; the council voted aye on the ordinance in a roll call that included Mayor Pro Tem Campos, Council members Willis, Edwards, Lebowski and Ryan, and Mayor Leonards.

- A rezoning to M1A (light industrial) for about 10.43 acres at 3137 FM 1102, a parcel north of the Orion Drive intersection; staff recommended approval and the council approved the request after a motion and second.

- A special-use permit process to allow industrial and commercial uses on approximately 17 acres in the Frye Heights 2 area (MUB with SUP). Planning staff and the applicant described proposed restrictions in the…