Board grants multiple variances for property at 5604 Vans Jackson Road after neighbor objections

At its May 19 meeting, the San Antonio Board of Adjustment approved several variances for 5604 Vans Jackson Road, a corner property south of the Behavioral Health Center, after staff recommended approval and commissioners heard neighbor concerns about privacy and proximity.

Staff (Joel Olvela) outlined five requested changes including rear and side setback reductions, a reduced vision‑clearance triangle at the driveway, and a front‑yard fence height exception with stone columns. Staff recommended approval, noting the reduced setbacks would still allow maintenance, fire access and vehicle circulation. Seventeen notices were sent; staff reported one opposition returned.

The board first approved a front fence exception (requested height up to 4 ft. 6 in. with stone column up to 6 ft.) by a 10–1 vote after discussion that the proposed fence height aligned with similar nearby fences. Later, the board approved the requested rear/side setback and driveway vision‑clearance variances by a 9–2 vote. Public commenters expressed privacy concerns and requested a guarantee that a screening element would be installed; the applicant’s representative, Michelle Torres, said the project team had discussed a privacy screen with immediate neighbors and would provide a written assurance.

Why it matters: The rulings allow the property owner (Poly Group LLC) to complete additions and fence modifications without full conformance to standard setback and vision‑clearance measurements. Commissioners emphasized that approvals do not relieve the applicant from obtaining required building permits and meeting safety standards.

Votes at a glance: Fence height exception (case B OA 25‑103000069) — approved 10–1. Rear/side setback and vision‑clearance variances — approved 9–2.