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Board rejects Government Hill homeowner’s bid to restore short‑term rental permit
Summary
Homeowner Igor Kompisgar and supporters, including the Government Hill Alliance, urged the board to restore a lapsed short‑term rental permit for 602 Mason St. The board voted 8–3 to deny a special exception, falling one vote short of the 75 percent threshold required to grant the request.
The San Antonio Board of Adjustments denied a homeowner’s bid to restore a lapsed Type 2 short‑term rental permit at 602 Mason Street after a divided hearing that drew neighborhood association backing and multiple supportive voicemails and public witnesses.
Homeowner Igor Kompisgar told the board he bought and renovated a historically neglected house and previously operated it as a short‑term rental from 2021 through 2024. “We ended up paying $274,000 just to renovate and furnish it,” Kompisgar said in his presentation, describing restoration work and a record of prior bookings and positive reviews.
Kompisgar presented a petition and letters showing neighborhood support; staff reported that 15 of 32 mailed notices returned in favor and the Government Hill Alliance recommended approval. Local residents and the neighborhood association also left voicemails supporting the application. Neighbor Dalton Lucadello testified in support and said the homeowners had “added considerable value to the neighborhood.”
Nevertheless, the board must find a supermajority to overturn ordinance limits on Type 2 unit density on a block face. Commissioner Richard Manna moved to grant the special exception and received a second, but the motion fell one vote short of the 75 percent concurrence required by the board; the roll call recorded eight yes votes and three no votes, and Chairman O'Rourke ruled the motion failed because nine votes are required to carry appeals or exceptions of this kind.
Staff had recommended denial. The applicant and neighborhood groups may revisit the proposal, explore different siting or design options, or pursue other housing strategies such as long‑term leasing. Kompisgar said he had relied on the previous permit and on his renovation investments; he told the board he had hosted many satisfied guests and that the property produced HOT revenue for the city when active.
The board’s decision preserves the city’s block‑face density limits for Type 2 short‑term rentals; applicants who believe the ruling rests on an administrative error may consult city staff about possible next steps.
