Council approves zoning for auto paint-and-body use at City Base Landing despite staff recommendation

San Antonio’s Zoning and Land Use session on April 2 approved a zoning change to permit an auto paint-and-body repair use at property described as the 3000 block of City Base Landing, changing the designation from C-3 to C-3 NAS with a specific use authorization and allowing screened outside storage.

City staff recommended denial of the request and said it mailed 12 notices; none were returned in favor or opposed and there was no registered neighborhood association within 200 feet. The Zoning Commission recommended approval. During public comment, resident Jack M. Finger urged council to deny the change, quoting staff concerns that the rezoning would "cement a heavy commercial presence hindering the transition to a vibrant, mixed-use environment" and warning of "noise and the odors" from an auto paint-and-body operation.

Councilwoman Villagran said the applicant worked with her office and stakeholders and noted that a no-alcohol restriction and additional screening requirements were committed to by the applicant. "The no alcohol restriction and the additional screening requirements of this development will assist with maintaining the established aesthetic appeal of the Brooks Regional Center," Villagran said, and then moved to approve. The motion was seconded and the council approved the zoning change.

The transcript does not record a roll-call tally for the vote. The approved specific-use authorization allows auto paint-and-body repair with conditions that include screening of outside storage from adjacent properties and rights of way, as described by staff and the applicant in the hearing.