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Zoning commission recommends denial of Apple White Road storage use after neighbors describe illegal on-site operations
Summary
After several nearby property owners described ongoing outdoor storage, the commission voted to recommend denial of a request to rezone agricultural land for light industrial use with a specific authorization for outdoor storage at Apple White Road.
The City of San Antonio Zoning Commission on a contested agenda item recommended denial of a request to rezone agricultural/ranch property on Apple White Road to a light-industrial district with a specific-use authorization for outdoor storage.
Why it matters: Neighbors said existing outdoor storage and containers on nearby parcels have created nuisance conditions and possible environmental runoff; the commission concluded the proposed storage authorization would harm adjacent residential and agricultural properties and is inconsistent with surrounding land use.
Staff presented the case and reported 12 mailed notifications, one in support within 200 feet and two opposed outside the 200-foot notification area. The applicant described plans to store empty containers for recycling and said containers would be stored empty and transported to the landfill or recycling facility when needed.
Neighbors gave extended public comment. Albert Escobedo said he lives adjacent to the site and presented photographs of stored materials, containers and a trailer; he said runoff from stored materials reaches his property and a nearby drainage that leads to the Medina River. Christopher Bello, attorney for an opposing landowner, said his client has spent years in litigation over adjacent large holdings and said outdoor storage would reduce property values and harm agricultural operations. Norm Roof, another neighbor, said the property owner previously removed equipment after code enforcement action but said storage and containers persisted on the site.
Commission discussion focused on compatibility with one-family residences and agricultural uses, prior code enforcement history on the site and monitoring/enforcement limits. Staff clarified that a specific-use authorization could be limited to empty containers and underlined that inspection and enforcement would fall to code compliance officers; staff noted prior code violations from 2019–2020 had been addressed but the history remained relevant.
On a motion to deny, the commission voted to recommend denial. Commissioners cited concerns about intensity of use at the site, potential for hazardous materials or liquids in containers, visible impacts along Apple White Road and adverse effects to adjacent residential and agricultural properties.
The commission’s denial is a recommendation to City Council; Council will take final action. If Council insists on a specific-use authorization, the Planning Department noted enforcement would rely on existing code-enforcement procedures and specific conditions in any Council action.
Ending: The applicant may choose to revise the proposal or pursue Council review; the commission’s recommendation of denial will be included in the record sent to City Council.
