Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Short Term Rentals topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board of Adjustments denies request for additional short‑term rental on Quakertown Drive
Summary
The San Antonio Board of Adjustments voted 8–3 to deny a special exception that would have allowed a second Type 2 short‑term rental on the block face at 3019 Quakertown Drive, after neighbors and commissioners raised concerns about block density and neighborhood impacts.
The San Antonio Board of Adjustments denied a request to allow a second Type 2 short‑term rental on the block face at 3019 Quakertown Drive, rejecting the applicant’s special‑exception request by an 8–3 roll call on March 10.
The denial came after staff recommended refusal and after public comment produced mixed views. The applicant, Frank Abt, asked the board to approve a special exception to exceed the city’s 12.5 percent limit on Type 2 short‑term rentals on a block face. Abt said he had prepared the house for short‑term hosting and planned screening and monitoring measures. “I also installed 2 sound monitors, 1 inside the house and 1 outside the house,” Abt told the board, describing measures he said would cut down on noise and parties.
The neighborhood response was split. The city mailed 34 notices; staff recorded two written supporters and four in opposition. One voicemail in support came from Edgar Castaneda, who said his management group mentors operators and uses monitoring and guest‑screening tools to limit nuisance risks and that such rentals also contribute hotel occupancy tax revenue to the city.
Opponents told the board they feared the block would exceed the ordinance’s cap and that an additional Type 2 rental could bring noise, parking and turnover that would harm neighbors. Several commissioners said they were persuaded by the opposition and by the city’s density limit. Commissioner Richard Manna moved to grant the special exception; Commissioner Frank Benavides seconded. The motion failed on roll call, 3 in favor, 8 opposed.
Under City Code Section 30‑5‑374.01, Type 2 short‑term rentals are capped at one‑eighth (12.5 percent) of single‑family and similar units on a block face unless a board grants a special exception. The board’s vote means the applicant must either pursue a long‑term rental strategy, revise the proposal and return to the board, or pursue other remedies available under city code.
The decision was final for the meeting; applicants who disagree with a board ruling may explore administrative or judicial review as provided by local rules.
