DEPARTMENT: Development Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Michael Shannon
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
SUBJECT:
Zoning Case Z-2019-900086 HL
SUMMARY:
Current Zoning: “C-1 NCD-2 AHOD” Light Commercial Alta Vista Neighborhood Conservation Airport Hazard Overlay District
Requested Zoning: “C-1 HL NCD-2 AHOD” Light Commercial Historic Landmark Alta Vista Neighborhood Conservation Airport Hazard Overlay District
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Zoning Commission Hearing Date: March 5, 2019
Case Manager: Patricia Franco, Planner
Property Owner: GMC Holdings Inc.
Applicant: Office of Historic Preservation
Representative: Office of Historic Preservation
Location: 800 West Russell Place
Legal Description: The East 18.59 feet of the North 105.73 feet of Lot 7, and the North 105.73 feet of Lot 8, Block 5, NCB 1877
Total Acreage: 0.220
Notices Mailed
Owners of Property within 200 feet: 27
Registered Neighborhood Associations within 200 feet: Alta Vista Neighborhood
Applicable Agencies: None
Property Details
Property History: The subject property was part of the original 1936 City of San Antonio limits and was originally zoned “H” Local Retail District. A 1996 zoning case changed the zoning to “B-1” Business District with the adoption of Ordinance 86704. Upon adoption of the 2001 Unified Development Code, the previous “B-1” Business District converted to the current “C-1” Light Commercial District.
Topography: The subject property is not located within the 100-year flood plain.
Adjacent Base Zoning and Land Uses
Direction: North
Current Base Zoning: “C-2” and “RM-4”
Current Land Uses: Convenience Store
Direction: East
Current Base Zoning: “MF-33”
Current Land Uses: Residential
Direction: South
Current Base Zoning: “MF-33”, “R-6” and “RM-4”
Current Land Uses: Residential
Direction: West
Current Base Zoning: “C-1” and “MF-33”
Current Land Uses: Residential
Overlay and Special District Information:
"AHOD"
All surrounding properties carry the "AHOD" Airport Hazard Overlay District, due to their proximity to an airport or approach path. The "AHOD" does not restrict permitted uses, but can require additional review of construction plans by both the Development Services Department and the Federal Aviation Administration.
"HL"
A number of surrounding properties carry the “HS” Historic Significant landmark designation, signifying the historic architectural character or cultural significance of the structure or location. Historic Landmark designations do not affect the possible uses of the property, but do regulate the exterior aesthetic of the structure. Building plans and permit applications will be subject to review by the Office of Historic Preservation and the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) prior to any permits being issued.
"NCD"
The Alta Vista Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD-2) is an overlay zoning district that contains design guidelines for rehabilitation of existing residential and commercial development. Property owners, together with the Department of Planning and Community Development staff, develop the design guidelines. These guidelines can address building materials, height, size, massing, signage, sidewalk location, etc. A zoning review is performed by the Zoning Section of the Development Services Department.
Transportation
Thoroughfare: North Flores Street
Existing Character: Secondary Arterial Type B
Proposed Changes: None
Public Transit: VIA bus routes are within walking distance of the subject property. Routes served: 20
Traffic Impact: A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) determination cannot be determined at this time.
Parking Information:
The parking requirements would be the same for a Single-Family Residence, one space per unit
ISSUE:
None.
ALTERNATIVES:
Denial of the requested zoning change would result in the subject property retaining the present zoning district designation of “C-1 NCD-2 AHOD” Commercial Alta Vista Neighborhood Conservation Airport Hazard Overlay District
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
Proximity to Regional Center/Premium Transit Corridor
The subject property is not located within a Regional Center or near a Premium Transit Corridor.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Analysis and Recommendation: Staff and Zoning Commission (11-0) recommend Approval.
Criteria for Review: According to Section 35-421, zoning amendments shall be based on the approval criteria below.
1. Consistency:
The subject property is located in the Midtown Neighborhoods Plan. A finding of consistency is not required for application of a historical overlay.
2. Adverse Impacts on Neighboring Lands:
Staff has not found evidence of likely adverse impacts on neighboring lands in relation to this zoning change request. The base zoning will remain the same.
3. Suitability as Presently Zoned:
The current “C-1” Light Commercial District is an appropriate zoning for the property and surrounding area.
4. Health, Safety and Welfare:
Staff has not found indication of likely adverse effects on the public health, safety, or welfare.
5. Public Policy:
The proposed rezoning does not appear to conflict with the following goals, principles, and objectives of the Midtown Neighborhoods Plan.
Midtown Neighborhoods Plan Relevant Goals and Objectives:
• Objective 1.3: Business Development Attract new neighborhood-friendly, locally owned, sustainable businesses that will meet the neighborhood’s daily needs, build on our base of “mom and pop” businesses and bring new vitality to the neighborhood’s commercial centers.
• Goal 1: Parks & Recreation Facilities and Programs: Develop, enhance and maintain parks, recreational facilities, recreational and community programs to meet the needs of the Midtown Neighborhoods planning area.
• Goal 2: Community Appearance and Safety Promote a safe, clean and livable environment for area residents and future generations, while preserving the traditional character of the Midtown neighborhoods.
6. Size of Tract:
The subject property is 0.220 acres, which adequately supports light commercial uses.
7. Other Factors:
Historic Landmark designations do not affect the possible uses of the property, but do regulate the exterior aesthetic of the structure. Building plans and permit applications will be subject to review by the Office of Historic Preservation and the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) prior to any permits being issued.
A request for review of historic significance for the structure located at 800 W Russell was submitted to OHP on February 5, 2018.
On April 4, 2018, the Historic and Design Review Commission approved a Finding of Historic Significance, identifying the property as historically significant based on criteria listed in Section 35-607 (b) of the Unified Development Code. The criteria identified as being applicable to the subject property are specified below. The ownership of the property has recently changed, and the new owner is opposed to the landmark designation.
OHP submitted a Request for Council Action, and on November 1, 2018, City Council approved the request, directed City staff to initiate the designation process, and waived all required zoning fees.
HDRC concurred with the applicant that 800 W Russell meets UDC criterion [35-607(b)3], [35-607(b)5], and [35-607(b)7] for a finding of historic significance in the process of seeking designation as a local historic landmark. In order to be eligible for landmark designation, a property must meet at least three of the criteria; 800 W Russell meets three.
3. Its identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the development of the community, county, state, or nation; Mary Dalehy, the original owner of the structure, invested in real estate and infrastructure improvements to that neighborhood in the early twentieth century in San Antonio. Her contributions supported the arrival of the street car route.
5. Its embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period, type, method of construction, or use of indigenous materials; the structure’s embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of the Craftsman style.
7. Its unique location or singular physical characteristics that make it an established or familiar visual feature; the structure’s unique location and presence as an established visual feature at the corner of N Flores and W Russell.