Board declines requested setback relief for accessory structure at 519 West King's Highway

The San Antonio Board of Adjustments on April 20 rejected a request to reduce the required 3-foot rear setback to permit an expansion and conversion of an accessory structure at 519 West King's Highway.

Staff presented the case and recommended denial, saying the accessory structure’s existing placement and the requested reduction could increase fire and drainage risk and alter the character of the block. "Se recomienda que se le niegue… dado que existe desarrollo suficiente en la estructura de su lote y esa reducción puede llevar a que se pueda esparcir el incendio," a staff presenter stated during the meeting.

Applicant Feliz de Novo told the board the structure had been on the lot for many years and described extensive renovations and neighborhood outreach. "Hice un buen esfuerzo para podernos contactar con los vecinos… Tuvimos 59 respuestas a favor," the applicant said, adding that the work represented a significant personal investment and that the owner sought relief to make the property economically viable.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on maintenance access, drainage and whether neighbor consent or recorded access agreements existed to allow repairs on the side nearest the property line. One commissioner said the board was concerned that allowing the variance without evidence of recorded neighbor access would create a long-term maintenance and safety problem. Another commissioner emphasized that any conversion toward an accessory dwelling unit would trigger building-safety and fire-review processes.

After discussion, a motion to grant the variance failed on a recorded vote of 1–10. Commissioners urged the applicant to meet with city staff and, if possible, present recorded access or consent from the adjacent property owner before returning to the board.