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Board approves infill on Del Valle Alley after debate over narrow alley and fire access
Summary
The San Antonio Board of Adjustment approved four variances to allow a new infill home on Del Valle Alley despite staff warnings about narrow alley access for emergency vehicles; the board required the developer to pursue standard building‑permit safety measures. Vote: 10–0.
The San Antonio Board of Adjustment on April 17 approved variances to allow a new single‑family residence to front an alley and to reduce lot area and setbacks at 310 Del Valle Alley, overruling staff concerns about emergency access.
Applicant Zach Buquevez told the board the vacant lot has long been a nuisance, attracting trash and pests, and that developing it would add taxable housing and remove blight. Staff planner Joel Bella and DSD engineer Kevin Collins urged caution: Collins said the alley pavement is about 12 feet wide and that the nearest fire hydrant is more than 300 feet by hose lay from the lot, exceeding standard hose‑lay limits unless automatic sprinklers or other mitigations are provided.
Buquevez said the project team is prepared to use fire‑rated exterior materials and to work through permit review. Neighbor Diana Snyder told the board she generally supported fixing the long‑vacant lot but reiterated worries about trucks, parking and maneuverability in the alley.
Commissioners who supported the variances cited the lot's irregular, historic configuration and the fact that several nearby parcels already have alley frontage. Commissioner Bragman moved the approval; the board voted 10–0. The applicant must still obtain all building permits and comply with any fire‑safety requirements imposed by plan reviewers or the fire marshal during the permit process.
