San Antonio Board of Adjustment approves several variances, denies one short-term-rental restoration request

The San Antonio Board of Adjustment on Monday heard arguments on more than a dozen variance and special-exception requests, approving multiple requests tied to setbacks, buffers and fence materials while rejecting a petition to reinstate a Type 2 short-term rental permit.

Planning staff opened the hearing by explaining legal findings the board must make for special exceptions and variances. Staff told the board that a Type 2 short-term rental at 122 Bella Vista would raise the block’s short-term-rental density above the 12.5 percent cap and recommended denial. Applicant Enrique Lavitman said he previously held a permit and that the expiration resulted from being abroad, not from past complaints. “He estado en cumplimiento y nunca he tenido ninguna violación,” Lavitman said, urging the board to restore the permit based on his operating history and neighbor contacts.

Commissioners pressed on several factual points, including parking configuration, how existing permit expirations were handled, and whether the block’s current STR count allowed another Type 2 permit. After discussion and a motion to grant the exception, the board did not find the necessary nine affirmative votes; the motion failed by a 5–6 margin. Staff advised the applicant to consult with…