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Board approves reduced side and front setbacks and front fence height at 158 Oriental Ave.
Summary
After initial debate and a successful motion to reconsider, the Board of Adjustment approved reduced side and front setbacks and a 4‑foot front fence at 158 Oriental Avenue; the final approvals require the carport be set back 5 feet from the front and 3 feet from the east side property line.
The San Antonio Board of Adjustment approved variances and a special exception for a home at 158 Oriental Avenue after the board reconsidered portions of the application during the hearing.
Property owner Antonio Medrano sought several approvals related to an attached carport, a rear accessory structure and a front‑yard fence. Staff recommended denial, saying the carport and rear addition were too close to the right of way and neighboring properties and raised fire‑spread and runoff concerns. Collins Garden Neighborhood Association submitted written opposition.
Medrano told the board his family needs covered outdoor space and that the rear structure was installed to shelter a vintage vehicle; he said he would remove or relocate elements that caused neighbor concern if required. The neighbor, Melanie Balboa, said her property had experienced runoff, noise and encroachment and raised safety and proximity concerns.
Commissioners voted on several items. An initial motion on the setbacks failed on a 7–3 tally. Commissioner Manna moved to reconsider; the motion to reconsider passed and the board returned to the matter. After reconsideration the board approved a reduced east‑side setback equal to a 2‑foot variance (resulting in a 3‑foot side setback) and changed the front setback approval to a 5‑foot front setback (instead of the 1‑inch front setback originally requested). The board also approved a 4‑foot front‑yard privacy fence special exception with a restriction that the fence not encroach closer to the street than currently built. The final approvals passed by unanimous votes after reconsideration.
Why it matters: the decision regularizes an existing carport and accessory structures while setting clearer limits to protect neighboring properties: the board declined the applicant’s most extreme encroachment request but approved smaller reductions and a 4‑foot front fence.
What’s next: staff will confirm final dimensions against property lines and the applicant must complete permit filings and any fire‑rating requirements for structures closer than 5 feet to neighboring buildings.
