Council approves rezoning of 62 acres near Trainer Hill to R‑2 for Sterling Grove remainder

Schertz City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 25 S 023 on June 3 to rezone roughly 62 acres in the Sterling Grove area to R‑2 single‑family residential.

Daisy Marquez, planner, told council the 62 acres are a remaining undeveloped portion of the 362‑acre Sterling Grove PDD and that prior amendments removed about 79 acres. Marquez said the proposed R‑2 zoning would provide larger lots than much of the original PDD and act as a transition between smaller subdivision lots and surrounding agricultural lands. "The proposed R‑2 acts as a transition from the smaller lots that are remaining in the 221 acres of the Sterling Grove PDD to the surrounding agricultural uses," Marquez said.

Ashley Fairmont, representing the applicant, explained a key practical driver: sewer service. "By rezoning today, we're able to have those lots be served by the city of Schertz for sewer instead of septic," Fairmont told council. Council Member Watson asked whether the rezoned area would be connected to city sewer; City Manager Steve Williams and staff said Schertz and adjacent utility districts had reached agreement so the area will be sewered and not rely on septic systems.

Planning staff reported the city sent 13 notices and received three in favor and three opposed; the Planning & Zoning Commission held a May 7 public hearing and unanimously recommended approval. Mayor Pro Tem Hayward moved to approve the ordinance, Council Member Brown seconded, and the council recorded seven ayes and no objections.

With the zoning change approved, the applicant must proceed through the city’s platting and development review process; staff said the rezoning will resolve access and utility issues created by earlier amendments to the original PDD.