The proposed rezoning would have changed the density allowance of a proposed neighborhood project.
The overview
While the property is already zoned for residential development, the change in zoning would allow for 26-acres of smaller lot size requirements. The most notable change of the zoning would be with the width of lots, decreasing from a 70-foot requirement to a 60-foot requirement.
Under the proposed zoning, the development would include 111 lots composed of 74 60-foot-wide lots and 37 70-foot-wide lots.
Prior to the meeting, notices were sent out to properties within 200 feet of the proposed rezoning area, and with more than 20% of notices returning in opposition, City Council was required to have a supermajority vote in order for the zoning to pass.
What they’re saying
Council member Mark Davis raised concerns about the increased traffic flow in the area, explaining that Savannah Drive would likely need some sort of traffic mitigation, such as a four-way stop sign, to accommodate increased traffic.
While traffic studies are not required for a rezoning, City Council members voiced concerns with overall density and lot size diversity in the area.
According to agenda documents, the surrounding neighborhoods have lot sizes with a 60-foot width requirement, making the property in question one of the only areas with the zoning for the larger lots.
City staff explained that the larger lot sizes would help realize the city Comprehensive Plan by providing a variety of lot sizes.
What else?
Alongside the 26 acres of proposed rezoning, the property owner planned to have 70-foot lots in the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Accident Potential Zone.
The denial of the rezoning request does not prevent the developer from constructing single-family housing in the area.
Since the area is still zoned for single-family development, the developer can move forward with the project using minimum lot sizes with a width of 70 feet.
