Commission approves parking‑setback variance for 1819 San Antonio Street in FM 158 overlay

The Bryan Planning and Zoning Commission on June 19 approved a variance allowing off‑street parking to be located closer than the FM 158 corridor overlay standard permits at 1819 San Antonio Street.

Benjamin Johnson, staff planner, explained that the overlay requires off‑street parking be set back 25 feet from any street right‑of‑way line. The applicants requested a variance to permit 11 parking spaces to be sited about four feet from the shared property line with East Via Maria Road; the plan includes a three‑foot masonry screening wall between the sidewalk and parking area. Johnson told the commission the proposed layout otherwise conforms to overlay requirements and that the property’s three‑street configuration creates special circumstances limiting reasonable use of the land.

Commissioners asked about visibility and traffic safety; Johnson said he had consulted the city’s traffic engineer and that the distance between the parking and edge of pavement, together with the three‑foot screening wall and the layout, did not create sight‑line problems. Staff said there was one inquiry from a nearby property owner and that the former owner expressed excitement for potential commercial reuse.

A motion to approve PV25‑11 and adopt the staff report as the commission’s findings passed unanimously. The staff presentation noted the screening wall would be composed of Texas sandstone, matching the future building façade as design details are finalized; the exact shade of stone remained to be determined.

The approval allows the applicants to proceed with final site design and the city’s SDRC and permit review processes.

The commission adjourned at approximately 6:52 p.m.