San Antonio Board of Adjustment upholds code on auto body shop, splits on short‑term rental and ADU requests

The San Antonio Board of Adjustment on the meeting record took separate votes on multiple zoning and variance requests, including a rejected appeal from an auto body shop owner near Mission San Jose, a failed parking waiver for a Beauregard Street short‑term rental, the approval of a second short‑term rental permit at 130 Stella Street, approval of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) variance after a negotiated reduction, and several setback and fence/landscape decisions.

Why it matters: The board’s decisions affect neighborhood character, regulation of short‑term rentals, the future of an auto body shop adjacent to the Mission San Jose area and several property owners’ renovation plans. The auto‑repair appeal and the short‑term rental votes drew the most extended public and commissioner discussion.

Auto body shop appeal denied

The board refused to overturn a Development Services determination that an auto light‑truck repair and paint‑and‑body business at 3406 Roosevelt Avenue lost its nonconforming status after an unpermitted building addition. The owner, Joel Ferdin, told the board he expanded the building to move two aging paint booths away from the office for safety and spent roughly $1.3 million on improvements; his attorney, Baltazar Serna, said the property had been used as an auto body shop since the 1950s. Neighbors and the Mission San Jose Neighborhood Association opposed the appeal, citing visual impacts and the proximity to historic Mission San Jose.

Commissioners discussed that expansion of a nonconforming use typically terminates the nonconforming right, meaning an enlargement triggers a need for rezoning or a new permit path. The board voted to deny the appeal, leaving the owner with administrative options such as a rezoning application or other permitting routes if he wishes to continue the use in its expanded form. The motion to grant the appeal failed on roll call (majority voted not to concur).

Short‑term rentals: parking waiver fails; Stella Street exception approved

On a request to waive the one required off‑street parking space for a short‑term rental at 222 Beauregard Street Unit 4, staff (senior planner Joseph Leos) noted the Unified Development Code and a short‑term rental ordinance requirement (code section 16‑1108b and UDC chapter 35). Applicant Sarah Fouts said the unit has operated since March 2022 with no complaints and that guests often use rideshare or street parking.

Commissioner Benavides moved to grant the parking adjustment, citing the unit’s operating history and lack of complaints; the motion was seconded. After discussion and a voicemail from a nearby King William resident opposing further parking impacts, the board’s roll call produced eight votes in favor and three opposed but a 75% concurring vote of the full board (nine votes) is required for the motion to carry. Chair Orian formally announced the motion did not pass because it fell short of the nine‑vote threshold. The Foutses were directed to consult with staff about alternatives.

Separately, the board granted a special…