Board grants 1‑foot side‑setback variance to allow renovation at 506 Topeka Boulevard

The San Antonio Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to grant a 1‑foot side‑setback variance for 506 Topeka Boulevard, allowing the rebuilt portion of the primary structure to be placed 4 feet from the western property line instead of the required 5 feet. Commissioner Ozuna moved the motion and said the record showed the property's physical configuration made strict enforcement an unnecessary hardship.

Steven Laredo, speaking for his father Daniel Laredo, told the board the existing home currently encroaches two feet and the proposal will remove the most‑protruding elements while leaving a 4‑foot setback. “We just want to eliminate that, get it closer to the 5‑foot minimum… it’ll be 4 feet, so we’re requesting that 1‑foot variance,” Laredo said.

Margaret Benavides, a nearby resident, asked for clarification about the scope and appearance of the work; the board and staff explained the application proposes removing the two‑foot encroachment and reconstructing the affected portion of the house. Staff had mailed 17 notices and received no responses. The motion was seconded and carried by roll call with the commissioners concurring that the relief is narrowly tailored to allow reasonable repair and reuse of the existing structure.

Next steps for the applicant are to proceed with required building‑permit reviews, including fire and plan review, and to comply with any standard permitting conditions.