Zoning commission approves rezoning for assisted-living and multi‑family project on Southfield Street

The City of San Antonio Zoning Commission voted to approve a rezoning of 1714 and 1730 Southfield Street from R5 (residential single‑family) to MF25 (low‑density multifamily) at its regularly noticed meeting; the motion passed on a roll call vote after discussion on density and use. Chair John Bustamante made the motion; Commissioner Woodsett seconded. The rezoning will advance to City Council for final action.

The request would allow a development the applicant described as a 12‑unit project with the ground‑floor units intended for assisted‑living residents and upper‑floor units intended for short‑term rental to medical staff. Samantha Benavides, zoning planner with Development Services, told commissioners staff recommended denial, saying the proposed use was “not consistent with the established development pattern of the surrounding area” and that surrounding lots are zoned R4 and R5. Benavides added the zoning analysis uses the number of residents rather than units: “they would be permitted, what is permitted by right is the assisted living up to 6 residents at this moment. So they would need a conditional use if they wanted to increase those residents.”

Applicant Charles Talbert, who identified himself as the owner, said the development is intended to serve older residents and would provide services and local contracting work. Talbert described the project as “not a 12 unit apartment complex. It's a residential assisted living,” and said the proximity to a park behind the site makes the location suitable. He told commissioners the plan includes four new buildings plus an existing house that is currently rented; he said the lower units would be used for assisted‑living residents and the upper units for traveling medical staff.

Commissioners pressed technical questions about allowed residents and unit counts. Staff informed the panel that if the property is rezoned to MF25 it would allow up to 14 dwelling units under zoning density calculations, but that assisted‑living is measured by number of residents and the right‑by‑right assisted‑living allowance remains up to six residents without a conditional use. Talbert said the project team would provide onsite security, a nurse and nursing assistant coverage and make sound‑reduction modifications between floors.

Members who spoke in favor of approval cited the site’s adjacency to parkland and neighborhood support. Chair Bustamante said the lot backing to park space made the use “perhaps…pretty close to an ideal use given the size of the lot.” Commissioner Sipes and Commissioner Hinojosa also expressed support; Commissioner Kelly voted no.

Roll call on the motion to approve item 2 recorded: Chair John Bustamante — aye; Commissioner Woodsett — yes; Commissioner Kellum — yes; Commissioner Nejosa — yes; Commissioner Pete Rodriguez — yes; Commissioner Sipes — yes; Commissioner Kelly — no; Commissioner Barros — yes; Commissioner Chase — yes. The motion carried.

The record shows 41 mailed notices for the application, with one in favor and none opposed. El Charro Neighborhood Association responded in favor; Brady Gardens returned no response.

The rezoning recommendation now goes to City Council, where the council has up to six months from the commission’s recommendation to act.