Council approves plan amendment and rezoning at 13790 Judson Road as amended over staff objection

The San Antonio City Council on Sept. 4 approved a plan amendment and rezoning for property at 13790 Judson Road in the North Sector, adopting the applicant’s amended request to change the land-use designation and zoning.

Staff and the Planning Commission originally recommended denial; the Zoning Commission recommended approval. The applicant amended its plan amendment request to regional center and the rezoning request to allow C3 S with a specific-use authorization for screened outside storage; the council approved the items as amended after discussion and a motion by Councilman Mark White.

Public comment included residents concerned about chemical storage at the site, the proximity of a school and a childcare facility, and risks to neighboring properties. The applicant’s representative told council members the property owner has held the site since 1999 and that outdoor storage of municipal pipe and fittings had occurred in a screened area since approximately 2006. The applicant said the rear of the property is zoned I-1 and that the requested amendment would regularize long-standing use patterns.

Councilman White moved to approve the plan amendment and rezoning as amended; the motion and a second carried. The approved zoning and plan amendment will allow the applicant’s amended site plan and specific-use authorization for outside storage subject to the conditions and amended site plan presented to council.

Residents asked who would be liable for damage if chemicals were stored and released; no council action on liability was recorded during the hearing.