Commission denies rezoning and variance for 10484 El Cid Drive after neighborhood opposition

The commission voted to deny a rezoning and variance request for Lot 8, Villa Espana (10484 El Cid Drive) after residents and commissioners expressed concerns that the site and surrounding street network are incompatible with the higher density sought. Diego Ruiz, city planner, said the property totals about 24,276 square feet (0.56 acres) and that staff recommended approval only to the R‑2 zoning standard that allows up to 8 dwelling units and not the applicant’s variance to permit 10 units.

Multiple residents testified against the change during the public hearing. Jesus Arellano said, “I believe they wanna build 10 apartments. The area is really, really small,” and urged maintaining single‑family dwellings. Michael Anthony Menchaca described the block as a closed residential street with cul‑de‑sac conditions and limited turning space, saying added activity “introduces a level of activity and movement that this street was not designed to handle.” Christina Menchaca Dominguez and Erica Ortiz Joiner raised safety and character concerns, citing existing problem driving behavior and the potential strain on infrastructure and neighborhood character.

Carlos Menchaca told the commission approving the variance would set a precedent and urged a citywide planning conversation about where increased density should be placed. Staff and the applicant’s representative, David Hovine of EPG Planning Consultants, agreed that the site should comply with existing code; Hovine said his client was willing to work within the eight‑unit limit recommended by staff.

After discussion about the local density math (15 units per acre producing impractical results on small infill lots) and past practice of calculating duplexes per 10,000 square feet, a commissioner moved to deny the rezoning and variance; the motion passed.