San Antonio Board of Adjustment grants multiple variances and exceptions, continues one case

The San Antonio Board of Adjustment on April 7 approved a series of variances and special exceptions affecting short-term rentals, residential setbacks, driveway clear-vision requirements and front-yard fences across multiple neighborhoods, and continued one rear-setback request to April 21.

The board approved relief ranging from a single-space parking waiver for a short-term rental on Callahan Avenue to multiple side-setback variances for infill homes on Chihuahua Street. A request for a driveway clear-vision variance at 9103 Callahan failed, but a related front-yard privacy fence request at the same address was approved with limits tied to the current as-built condition.

Why it matters: the decisions change where structures, fences and driveways may be placed in several neighborhoods and affect how homeowners and small-scale developers may recover projects started without permits or adapt sites with tight lots or unusual topography.

What the board decided (high level)

- 118 Callahan Avenue (BOA-25-10300017): The board granted a parking adjustment to waive one required off‑street parking space for Unit B of a two-unit property and thereby allowed the unit to qualify for a Type II short-term rental permit. Motion passed 10–1. Applicant who spoke: Jayme La Oco, owner. The Lavaca Neighborhood Association submitted a voicemail withdrawing a prior objection after the applicant modified the request.

- 306 Odell Street (BOA-25-10300014): The board granted a side-setback variance that allows a structure to sit 1 inch from the side property line (a 4-foot 11-inch reduction from the 5-foot requirement). Motion passed 10–1. Applicant: Due South Properties/Brad Warr.

- 610 NW 20th Street (BOA-25-10300027): The board granted a front-setback variance to permit an expanded carport (allowing a 4-foot 8-inch front setback including a 2-foot 4-inch overhang). Motion passed 11–0. Applicant: Santos Barrera.

- Chihuahua Street infill (BOA-25-10300020): The board approved side-setback and driveway clear-vision variances to permit three single-family homes with reduced 3-foot side setbacks and a 5-foot driveway clear-vision relief (from the required 15 feet). Motion passed; Historic Westside Residents Association sent a letter in support and petitions from nearby neighbors were included with the application. Applicant representative: Maricela Casanova (Arcasas Residential Council).

- 165 E. Petaluma Blvd (BOA-25-10300033): The board granted a one-foot front-yard fence-height special exception to allow a predominantly open (wrought-iron style) 6-foot fence in the front yard for security reasons. Motion passed 11–0. Applicant: Gudbrander Branson.

- 135 E. Palfrey Ave (BOA-25-10300034): The board granted a 4-foot 6-inch side-setback variance allowing an attached carport to remain 6…