Zoning commission recommends assisted‑living use at 14618 Santa Gertrude Street

The City of San Antonio Zoning Commission on June 17 recommended approval of a zoning change to allow an assisted‑living facility at 14618 Santa Gertrude Street, sending the measure to City Council.

Staff recommended the rezoning from R6 to R6CD with a conditional use limiting the facility to no more than 16 residents. Alexa Ratana, zoning planner with Development Services, told the commission that staff found the proposed R6CD appropriate for the site and that the property’s lot sizes could accommodate the requested density and off‑street parking requirements. Ratana said staff recommended approval and that the site would be held to a prescribed site plan requiring additional council review for deviations.

The proposal drew opposition from a nearby homeowner, Kevin Clark, who said he owns the house next door and has lived in the area for 28 years. “If you were looking for a house and you’re looking at moving into the area, would you want to live next to an assisted living? To me, as an owner, as a seller, as a buyer, definitely not,” Clark said, asserting the facility would harm resale prospects. He also said his family includes young children and expressed concern about increased ambulance activity.

Applicants Mario and Jeanette San Roman said they had spoken with neighbors and neighborhood institutions and had gathered several signatures of support within the required 200‑foot notice area. Mario San Roman told the commission the owners operate assisted‑living homes elsewhere and, speaking to safety and neighborhood impacts, said, “We were very respected there. We never had a problem.” He also told commissioners the operation would begin at a smaller occupancy (about 8–10 residents) and would coordinate licensing with the Texas Department of Health for any expansion toward the 16‑resident limit.

Commission discussion focused on existing rights and the distinction between municipal zoning limits and state licensing. Staff said the current zoning permitted up to six residents and that the requested conditional use would allow up to 16; the applicants said they planned to open with fewer residents initially and adjust operations under state licensing and licensing‑related square‑footage requirements.

Commissioner John Whitsett moved to approve the rezoning with the conditional use; Commissioner Marco Barros seconded. The commission voted in favor, and the recommendation will go to City Council for final action.

The commission’s recommendation does not authorize construction or licensing; those would be subject to separate permitting and state licensure. Opponents and supporters alike were reminded that City Council will hold the next decision point and that neighbors may address council directly.