The San Antonio Board of Adjustment met Jan. 6 and voted on a series of permit and variance requests, including short-term rental and sign variances, ADU setbacks, carport encroachments and fence heights. Some items were continued for more information; others were denied after debate and public comment.

Why it matters: Board votes on variances and appeals set local rules for housing density, neighborhood character, signage and development along commercial corridors. Several decisions affect individual property owners, nearby neighborhoods and future replatting or rezoning steps.

What the board decided (selected items)
- Short-term rental appeal, 914 N. Olive St., Unit 501 (BOA 2410300232): The board considered a staff-recommended denial and public comment, including opposition from the Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association. After discussion the board voted not to concur with the findings of fact and the motion failed (vote recorded as 3 in favor, 8 opposed). Outcome: request denied (motion failed). Applicant: Britney Cutrino.

- Sign variance, 1638 NE Loop 410 (BOA 2410300229): The board granted a variance to allow a 50-foot multi-tenant sign and 166 sq. ft. face for a franchise (HTO) where the MC-3 corridor standard would otherwise limit height/area. Vote: 11–0 in favor. Applicant: Kathy Song.

- Accessory dwelling unit setback variances, 2127 Westlawn Ave. (BOA 2410300223): The board approved side- and rear-setback variances for an attached accessory dwelling unit after staff review and a floodplain/HDRA process. Vote: 11–0 in favor. Applicant: Janelle Chase.

- Carport and unpermitted work, 1011 Wiseman St. (BOA 2410300219): Staff recommended denial; commissioners and staff discussed fire-safety access, neighbor maintenance easements and drainage. The board continued the case to Feb. 10 to allow the owner to obtain a recorded maintenance/access agreement with the neighboring property and to provide runoff/ gutter plans. Applicant: Jose Gallegos. Outcome: continued to Feb. 10.

- Multi-unit proposal, 300 Delmar St. (BOA 2410300226): A motion to allow three separate structures/units on a sub‑third‑acre RM‑4 lot and related exceptions failed (board did not reach the required supermajority; final vote count recorded as 8–3, motion failed). Applicant: Jose Simon. Outcome: denied.

- Carport encroachment, 10422 Cedar Village (BOA 2410300227): The board approved variances allowing a metal carport that encroached within front and side setbacks, subject to standard code conditions. Vote: 10–1 in favor. Applicant: Benjamin Frausto.

- Half‑story/third‑level rooftop deck, 257 E. Baylor (BOA 2410300234): The board considered a half‑story variance for a small conditioned stair/hall and rooftop deck. Several commissioners said the requested third level was inconsistent with the updated Unified Development Code intent; the motion failed 8–3. Applicant: ROR Realty.

- Carport side setback, 3602 Aragon Dr. (BOA 2410300236): The board modified and approved a reduced side setback to 2 feet (a three‑foot variance from a 5‑foot minimum to leave 2 feet of side clearance) after discussing drainage and the addition of gutters. Outcome: approved (motion carried; recorded roll-call concurrences). Applicant: Priscilla Escalera.

- Minor side‑setback encroachment (water‑heater box), 3022 El Paso St. (BOA 2410300238): The board approved a limited, 5‑foot‑wide variance to keep a water‑heater box that projects into the side setback; the approval included standard code conditions for utilities and safety. Outcome: approved. Applicant: Leonardo Espinosa.

- Appeal of nonconforming‑use denial, 2456 Cincinnati Ave. (BOA 2410300239): The board considered an appeal by the property owner that the site was a historic triplex. After review the board did not sustain the appeal; the staff denial of nonconforming use was upheld (final vote: decision against the appeal recorded as 8–3). Applicant representative: Linh Vo (represented by a friend on the record).

- Fence‑height variance request, 4110 Whitechold Rd. (BOA 2410300242): The board considered a request for a 10‑foot masonry perimeter wall on a commercial lot abutting residential properties. After debate the board voted not to approve the 10‑foot height request (motion failed 4–7). Applicant: Brown & McDonald PLLC (on behalf of the property owner).

Other business and next steps
- Several items were continued or withdrawn: a Bulverde Road variance was continued to Jan. 27; another owner (1410 Montana) withdrew; the Wiseman carport case was continued to Feb. 10 for additional documentation.
- The board reminded members about upcoming agenda schedules and required filings (financial disclosure).

Details the board recorded in motions and votes
This roundup lists formal actions the board recorded during the meeting. Motions, makers and seconds were recorded in the official minutes. For each formally recorded motion the board took the votes noted above; more detailed vote records and exact motion wording are preserved in the board minutes and staff reports.

Taper: Several approvals included standard conditions (building permits, final engineering or HDRA/historic review, and compliance with floodplain rules). Items continued to a later date typically required additional documentation (recorded maintenance/access easements, drainage/gutter plans, or replat/rezone steps).