DEPARTMENT: Development Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Michael Shannon
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 5
SUBJECT:
Zoning Case Z-2020-10700022
SUMMARY:
Current Zoning: “I-2 MLOD-2 MLR-2 AHOD” Heavy Industrial Lackland Military Lighting Overlay Military Lighting Region 2 Airport Hazard Overlay District
Requested Zoning: “C-2 MLOD-2 MLR-2 AHOD” Commercial Lackland Military Lighting Overlay Military Lighting Region 2 Airport Hazard Overlay District
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Zoning Commission Hearing Date: March 3, 2020
Case Manager: Patricia Franco, Planner
Property Owner: Mari Galvan
Applicant: Mari Galvan
Representative: Mari Galvan
Location: 610 Merida Street
Legal Description: Lot 33, Block A, NCB 2523
Total Acreage: 1.54
Notices Mailed
Owners of Property within 200 feet: 23
Registered Neighborhood Associations within 200 feet: Collins Garden Neighborhood Association
Applicable Agencies: Lackland Airforce Base
Property Details
Property History: The property is part of the original 36 Square Miles of San Antonio and was originally zoned “M” Manufacturing District. The subject property converted from “M” to “I-2” Heavy Industrial District with the adoption of the 2001 Unified Development Code, established by Ordinance 93881, dated May, 03, 2001.
Topography: The property does not include any abnormal physical features such as slope or incursion in a flood plain.
Adjacent Base Zoning and Land Uses
Direction: North
Current Base Zoning: “I-2”
Current Land Uses: Vacant lot and Auto Zone Auto Parts
Direction: East
Current Base Zoning: “I-2”
Current Land Uses: Warehouse
Direction: West
Current Base Zoning: “I-2”
Current Land Uses: Medical Care Office
Direction: South
Current Base Zoning: “I-2”
Current Land Uses: Warehousing, Car Repair
Overlay and Special District Information:
"MLOD-2"
All surrounding properties carry the "MLOD-2" Military Lighting Overlay District, due to their proximity to Lackland. The "MLOD-2" does not restrict permitted uses, but does regulate outdoor lighting in an effort to minimize night-time light pollution and its effects on operations at the military installation.
"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.
Transportation
Thoroughfare: Merida
Existing Character: Local
Proposed Changes: None Known
Public Transit: VIA bus routes are within walking distance of the subject property.
Route Served: 66, 103
Traffic Impact: A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) cannot be determined at this time.
Parking Information: The minimum parking requirement for a restaurant is 1 parking space per 100 square foot of Gross Floor Area
ISSUE:
None.
ALTERNATIVES:
Denial of the requested zoning change would result in the subject property maintaining its current zoning of “I-2” Heavy Industrial.
Current: The”I-2” Heavy Industrial District allows uses that are highly hazardous, environmentally severe in character and/or generate very high volumes of truck traffic. The district was established in order to provide sites for activities which involve major transportation terminals and manufacturing facilities that have a greater impact on the surrounding area than industries found in the L or I-1 districts. Examples of permitted uses: acetylene gas manufacturing & storage, asphalt products manufacturing, boiler & tank works, chemical process clothing manufacturing, and grain drying & milling.
Proposed: “C-2” Commercial Districts accommodate community commercial uses, with unlimited building size, and building height limitation of 25 feet. Examples of permitted uses: liquor store, miniature golf and other indoor gaming facilities, small indoor movie theater, pet cemetery, auto & light truck oil, lube & tune-up, auto glass tinting, tire repair (sale and installation only), gas station, appliance sales & repair, charitable food & clothing banks and dry cleaning. No outdoor storage or display of goods shall be permitted except for outdoor dining
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
PROXIMITY TO REGIONAL CENTER/PREMIUM TRANSIT CORRIDOR:
The property is not part of a regional center, but it is within a premium transit corridor.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff Analysis and Recommendation: Staff and Zoning Commission (9-0) 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 within the Guadalupe Westside Community Plan and is currently designated as “Low Density Mixed Use” in the future land use component of the plan. The requested “C-2” base zoning district is consistent with the future land use designation. The intended downzoning from “C-2” is in the spirit of the plan’s goals for the remediation of industrial uses near Zarzamora and the nearby residential area.
2. Adverse Impacts on Neighboring Lands:
Staff does not find evidence of likely adverse impacts on neighboring lands in relation to this zoning change request. The request constitutes a rezoning from the intense “I-2” Heavy Industrial District which allows uses with potentially harmful sound, traffic, and pollution to the requested “C-2” Commercial District which would allow less intense uses and generate less heavy vehicle traffic.
3. Suitability as Presently Zoned:
The current “I-2” Industrial District is not an appropriate zoning for this neighborhood adjacent site, and its large size could allow for large scale manufacturing on a smaller thoroughfare. The requested “C-2” Commercial District would be a more suitable zoning for the parcel and the 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:
Economic Development
Goal 17: Support Existing and Future Businesses
Goal 19: Enhance Physical Environment
19.4 Promote Compatibility Between Business and Residents
6. Size of Tract:
The subject property is 1.54 acres, which could reasonably accommodate commercial uses.
7. Other Factors:
The applicant currently owns and operates a restaurant on the property and wishes to bring the property into compliance with the appropriate zoning.