San Antonio board grants clear‑vision exception but denies taller fence for Montevista property

The San Antonio Board of Adjustments on Monday granted an exception to the city’s clear‑vision requirement for a fence at 133 West Craig Place in the Montevista Historic District, but it denied a request to allow a substantially taller privacy fence across the property.

The board heard a staff recommendation to deny the special exception and zoning variances after city planners and the Office of Historic Preservation said the fence would alter the character of the historic district. Joel Vela, senior city planner, told the board the staff recommended denial because the requested height and material would “alter the character” of the area and impede clear sight lines at the corner; staff mailed 48 notices and received one in favor and multiple objections, including from the Montevista Historic Association and the District 1 neighborhood association.

The applicant’s representatives said the property is a multiunit building with 10 units and that the fence was intended to provide security for residents. The applicant’s presenter, who identified herself…