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Council rejects Skyview Lane rezoning after residents warn of STR proliferation
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Summary
After a lengthy public hearing, San Angelo council voted 5–2 against rezoning 33 lots on Skyview Lane to RM1, with residents and several councilmembers citing risks of short‑term rentals, parking spillover and loss of neighborhood character.
San Angelo — The City Council on Feb. 17 declined to approve a rezoning that would have changed 33 lots on Skyview Lane from RS‑3/townhome zoning to RM1 low‑rise multifamily, in a 5–2 vote after an extended public hearing.
Planning Director Aaron Vannoy explained the change would allow multiple structure types on the platted lots and noted the planning commission had recommended approval. A key point of contention was short‑term rentals (STRs): RM1 allows STRs by right, while RS‑3 controls STRs with a 500‑foot spacing rule and a conditional process. Councilmembers and residents warned RM1 could create as many as 33 STRs, changing neighborhood dynamics.
Concerned neighbors described loss of privacy, higher density and traffic risks. Norman Jenkins, a long‑time Bluffs resident, said the neighborhood was chosen for “nice homes” and low crime and urged the council to reject changes that would allow people moving in and out as rentals. David Duncan, another resident, explained the regulatory difference: “Under RM1, it would be 33 short‑term rental houses that could possibly be rented,” he said, adding that conditional permits under RS zoning are revocable but that rights under RM1 are not.
Developer Zane Willard, who is building the units, said the RM1 classification was requested largely to allow corporate or temporary housing and to meet market demand for smaller, 0‑lot‑line homes. Willard told council the units are typically sold as built and said designs include fences, no windows on 0‑lot walls and dedicated parking in garages and driveways. He said many units are intended as corporate housing rather than transient STRs.
Council debate balanced housing affordability goals against neighborhood concerns. Several councilmembers said they support more affordable housing citywide but were not comfortable removing zoning tools that allow revocation of STR uses. Mary Coffey, Karen and others voted against the motion; the mayor and Harry Thomas voted in favor. The motion to approve the rezoning failed 5–2.
Outcome and next steps: With the motion defeated on first reading, the developer retains existing by‑right options on the platted lots but not the requested RM1 rezoning; staff said they are working on intermediate RS district options and a joint planning commission/council meeting later in spring to address zoning categories between RS3 and RM1.
Vote tally: Approve as presented — Yes: Mayor, Harry Thomas; No: Mary Coffey, Karen (last name not specified in transcript), Patrick Keeley, Joe Self, Tommy Hebert. (Vote recorded on the dais; specific last names for some councilmembers are those spoken on the record.)
