San Antonio Board of Adjustment grants several variances, splits on short‑term rental appeals

The San Antonio Board of Adjustment met in a public hearing and took final action on multiple variances and appeals affecting short‑term rental permits, setbacks and zoning uses.

The panel approved setbacks and building‑form variances for properties on East Gunter Street, Halstraven, Stonewood Drive (postponed for republication), a lot‑size variance on Helena Street and a front‑setback variance for an industrial lot on Rail Drive. The board split on appeals to reinstate short‑term rental (STR) permits: one appeal was granted and one was denied; a separate STR appeal was continued so the applicant can consult a neighborhood association. The board also rejected an appeal that sought to treat a motor‑vehicle sales and service operation as a legally nonconforming use on New Laredo Highway.

Why it matters: The board’s rulings affect property owners’ ability to operate short‑term rentals, expand or rebuild homes on nonconforming lots, and carry out commercial activities such as vehicle sales where zoning and use history are disputed.

Key outcomes and supporting details

• Short‑term rental appeal: 5454 Vista Trail (B.O.A. case ending 128). Applicant: Anthony Sur (represented). Staff recommended denial after the city’s finance department documented missed monthly transient occupancy (hotel) tax reports and notices dating from April 2024 through February 2025 and a revocation effective July 1. The board considered testimony that some electronic notices landed in a spam folder and that a physical certified letter had been mailed to the property address. Commissioner Ozuna moved to grant the appeal, citing an administrative error; the motion failed on a roll call vote (6 yes, 4 no, 1 abstention) and therefore the board did not overturn the administrative revocation. The applicant was advised to meet with staff on next steps.

• Short‑term rental appeal continued for neighborhood outreach: 1031 South Gevers Street (case ending 135). Applicant: Savani Ready / Giovanna Grinac Berry. Staff recommended denial because allowing an additional Type‑2 STR would exceed the block percentage allowed by ordinance; the Denver Heights neighborhood association registered opposition. The board voted to continue the case to allow the applicant time to consult with the Denver Heights neighborhood association and submit documentation of neighborhood support; new hearing date was set for September 22.

• Short‑term rental appeal granted with conditions: 13223 Lost Lake Drive (case ending 132). Applicant: Alejandra Ceballos. Staff recommended denial after financial‑reporting notices; the applicant testified she had payment and reporting misunderstandings with a third‑party vendor (Avenue) and said she has now made required payments and is current. The board granted the appeal and reinstated the Type‑2 STR permit with an administrative condition that the permit be reviewed as prescribed (the board’s action limited the reinstatement to the period specified in staff guidance and required compliance going forward). The motion carried 9–2.

• Nonconforming use appeal denied: 1139 New Laredo Highway (case ending 122). Applicant: Carlos Jiménez…