Zoning commission approves wireless‑communications tower with minor setback reduction on Priut Avenue

The City of San Antonio Zoning Commission voted to approve a rezoning and specific‑use authorization to allow a wireless communications monopole at 603 Priut Avenue, with the applicant amending the application to move the monopole farther from nearby homes so the setback to the nearest residence measures 196.5 feet. Commissioner Chase moved for approval as amended; Commissioner Kellum seconded. The motion carried on a roll call vote.

Samantha Benavides, zoning planner with Development Services, recommended denial, saying the proposal ‘‘is not appropriate’’ because the applicant planned to demolish the existing residence and could not meet the standard 200‑foot setback from established single‑family homes under the Unified Development Code (UDC). The applicant amended the application to RM5S (residential mixed) with a specific‑use authorization and submitted a revised site plan showing the monopole pushed back to achieve 196.5 feet to the nearest residential structure.

Vince Huebinger, representing the landowner and tower interests, described a neighborhood meeting and said the team “pressed that site as far back as we possibly can.” He said the parcel is a small triangular lot surrounded on three sides by commercial uses and interstate right‑of‑way, and he presented coverage maps showing existing signal gaps and projected improvements. Huebinger said AT&T will deploy FirstNet capability on the site for first responder communications. AT&T representative Paige Johnson said, “we are supportive.”

Benavides told commissioners the UDC treats setbacks differently depending on whether the base zone is residential or nonresidential: a tower in a residential base zone must be 200 feet from the nearest residential structure, whereas commercial base zones measure from the residential property line; council can reduce the 200‑foot distance per UDC provisions. Commissioners discussed the change in measured distance and the corrected measurement method; the applicant explained an initial staff filing had used an incorrect baseline and that the amended site plan corrects that.

Commissioners who supported approval described the 3.5‑foot reduction from the 200‑foot guideline as de minimis in light of coverage needs and the applicant’s effort to maximize separation. The roll call vote on the motion recorded all voting commissioners in favor.

Roll call recorded: Chair John Bustamante — aye; Commissioner Kellum — yes; Commissioner Nejosa — yes; Commissioner Pete Rodriguez — yes; Commissioner Sipes — yes; Commissioner Kelly — yes; Commissioner Barros — yes; Commissioner Whitsett — yes; Commissioner Chase — yes. The motion carried.

The record shows 14 notices mailed for the application with no return responses in favor or opposed; Collins Gardens Neighborhood Association returned no response. The applicant and staff exchanged details about what development could occur on the parcel if the tower were built (staff noted residential construction within the setback may be constrained). The commission’s recommendation will proceed to City Council within the standard referral period for final action.