Commission approves auto‑sales conditional use at 2131 Frio City Road with no‑temporary‑signage condition

The Zoning Commission voted to approve rezoning 2131 Frio City Road from I-2 (Heavy Industrial) to C-2 CD (Commercial District—Conditional) to allow motor vehicle sales with full service, subject to a condition prohibiting temporary signage and with an amended site plan.

Applicants Mary Alice Silva and a family representative said Silva Auto Sales LLC is a small family auto business that buys cars at auction, performs on-site repairs and sells vehicles. Staff recommended approval and described the property as part of an existing industrial/commercial corridor where a downzoning to C-2 CD would create a buffer between heavier industrial uses and residential areas. Staff also noted required site plan elements including solid screen fencing and landscape buffers where the commercial property abuts residentially zoned areas.

Several callers left voicemail opposing additional mechanic shops or car lots on Frio City Road, saying the corridor already has multiple similar uses and that neighbors want different kinds of investment. The applicants told the commission they had installed a fence and planned to meet site plan conditions, and they agreed at hearing to a condition against temporary promotional signage such as pennants and wavy-tube “air” figures.

Chair John Bustamante moved to approve the rezoning and conditional use with the additional conditions requiring an amended site plan and no temporary signage; Commissioner Daniel Kellum seconded. The commission approved the proposal by roll call and noted the site plan will be enforceable through the conditional zoning process and that permanent signage remains subject to the sign code and permitting process.