Planning commission approves rezoning at 13900 Jones Malzberger Road for funeral chapel with conditional use

The San Antonio Planning Commission on July 9 approved an amendment to the San Antonio International Airport Vicinity Land Use Plan and rezoning for 13900 Jones Malzberger Road that adds a conditional use to allow a funeral home and chapel.

Alexa Ratana, planner with Development Services, told the commission the proposal would change the property's land-use designation from Parks Open Space to Community Commercial and that staff recommended approval. Ratana said 23 notices were mailed, with 0 in favor and two opposed within 200 feet and two opposed outside the 200-foot notification area.

The applicant, Jeremy Burnell, said the owner intends to operate a chapel-style funeral home and mortuary and described hours and uses as limited, saying services today often involve smaller gatherings. "We're doing more cremations and not as many funeral services," Burnell said. He said the existing building will be remodeled rather than demolished and that the site currently is not in active use.

Several residents and a homeowners association president opposed the change. A voicemail from Christopher Adams, president of the Gardens of Ocala homeowners association, said the association had not been included and opposed converting park/open space to commercial because of impacts to property values and quality of life. Alan Kazier, who lives nearby, urged caution because the site abuts Lawrence Creek and a FEMA-designated floodplain; he provided flood-elevation figures and said the creek can flood catastrophically in heavy storms. Kim Pettit, president of the North Central Thousand Oaks Neighborhood Association, said the site sits at a main entrance to a largely residential neighborhood of about 2,500 homes and questioned whether the proposal includes a crematory or other mortuary uses beyond a chapel.

Tamara Ricalde, who said she owns an 8-acre parcel directly behind the site, said she is not opposed but requested guaranteed access to her land because her parcel is landlocked.

Commissioners and staff said flood, wastewater and traffic impacts and any changes to impervious cover will be reviewed during later platting and permitting stages. Ratana noted there was no registered neighborhood association within 200 feet of the property. Commissioner comments included urging neighbors to register an association to receive future notices.

Commissioner Siegel moved to approve the applicant's request; Commissioner Prophet seconded. A roll-call vote recorded yes from Commissioner Siegel, Commissioner Prophet, Commissioner Sanchez, Commissioner Garcia, Commissioner DeSueck, Commissioner Lopez and Chair Peck. The motion passed.

What happens next: the rezoning and conditional-use approval allow the property owner to seek building- and site-permit approvals; staff said required platting and permit reviews will examine floodplain, drainage, wastewater and traffic impacts before site work or remodeling proceeds.