Council denies rezoning for outdoor storage at Applewhite Road after neighbors object

The San Antonio City Council on March 2025 voted to deny a request to rezone a property at Applewhite Road for outdoor storage and open materials handling. Council member Rocha Garcia moved to deny the rezoning, and the motion carried.

Neighbors who live adjacent to the property told the council the proposed use did not fit the character of surrounding newer businesses and nearby homes. Norm Roof, who said he owns 25 acres adjacent to the site, described existing development as "very nice, very clean" and said the proposed storage use would not be compatible. He also said the property owner had previously stored containers and equipment on the site without permits.

Albert Escobedo, who said he lives next door at 19409 Applewhite Road, told the council he and his family rely on well water and said runoff from the applicant's storage and dumpsters flows onto his grazing land. "So this is what he wants to put next door to my house," Escobedo said. "I've been there 32 years ... I hope that it's not approved. Please."

In speaking for the denial, Council member Rocha Garcia said the site's proximity to existing residential homes raised "significant reservation about the compatibility of this specific type of industrial activity with the adjacent residential properties," and moved to deny the rezoning. The council voted; the mayor announced the motion carries and the rezoning request was denied.

Speakers and staff noted the zoning staff recommended denial and the case required a supermajority for approval. Mayor Nirenberg announced the outcome after the vote.