San Antonio Board of Adjustment denies exception request for short‑term rental at 8231 Tatum Bellt

The San Antonio Board of Adjustment on May 19, 2025 voted 7–4 to deny an exception that would have allowed a Type 2 short‑term rental at 8231 Tatum Bellt.

The applicant, Verónica Valerio, asked the board for a special exception to operate a Type 2 short‑term rental in a single‑family zone after the city opened a compliance investigation Jan. 7, 2025 and issued a notice of violation for operating without a permit. Staff recommended denial, and no mailed public comments in favor or opposition were returned from the 30 notices sent for the case.

Why it matters: The board considers requests such as short‑term rental exceptions under provisions of the City’s land‑use code and cited Chapter 35 and Chapter 16, Article 22, during the staff presentation. Board action affects whether individual single‑family properties may operate short‑term rentals beyond thresholds set by the Unified Development Code.

Board discussion and applicant remarks focused on neighborhood impacts, compliance with hotel‑tax reporting, and homeowners association restrictions. Valerio said she bought the house last year after retiring from the military and that the property was intended to support military families and that she “suspended this and applied for the permit” once informed. Staff noted the unit at 82311 (referenced in the staff presentation) had outstanding hotel‑tax payments and that finance would need to confirm remittance before final approval could be issued.

Commissioner Benavides moved to grant the exception, arguing the property’s physical character produced an unnecessary hardship under the code; other commissioners, including Commissioner Mena, disagreed and cited the city ordinances limiting the number and concentration of short‑term rentals in single‑family areas. When the roll was called, four commissioners—Benavides, Vázquez, Bonilla and President Ozuna—voted in favor; seven voted against. The motion failed, and the board advised the applicant to meet with staff to discuss options.

The denial is a final action of the Board of Adjustment; the applicant was told she may consult staff about available next steps.

Votes at a glance: Motion to grant special exception for Type 2 short‑term rental at 8231 Tatum Bellt — motion failed, yes 4, no 7.