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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING:  10/01/2025
Agenda Item 5 D
 
TO: Planning and Zoning Commission
PREPARED BY: William Willingham, Planner
SUBJECT: PLZC20250215 - Hold a public hearing and make a recommendation on request to rezone approximately 11.03 acres of land from Pre-Development District (PRE) to Agricultural District (AD), generally known as 7703 Trainer Hale Road, approximately 1,700 feet north from the intersection of Trainer Hale Road and IH-10, more specifically known as Bexar County Parcel Identification Number 339346, City of Schertz, Bexar County, Texas. 

BACKGROUND

Per the applicant's letter of intent, the applicant is proposing to rezone approximately 11.03 acres of land from Pre-Development District (PRE) to Agricultural District (AD) with plans to construct a second home on the property and an accessory agricultural structure. The property is currently unplatted with an existing home on site.

In 2010, the subject property was annexed into the City of Schertz through Ordinance 10-A-20 and was provided the Pre-Development District (PRE) zoning designation. Later in 2024, properties directly adjacent to the subject site were annexed into the City of Schertz and were provided the Agricultural District (AD) zoning designation through Ordinance 24-S-24. The applicant purchased this property in 2013, thus preventing the current property owner from selecting a desired zoning district upon annexation. The applicant is now requesting a rezone to Agricultural District (AD) which is consistent with the surrounding area. 

On September 19, 2025, thirteen (13) public notices were mailed to the surrounding properties within a 200-foot boundary of the subject property including one public notice sent to SCUCISD. At the time of the staff report, zero (0) responses in favor, zero (0) responses neutral, and zero (0) responses in opposition have been received. A public hearing notice will be published in the "San Antonio Express" prior to the City Council Meeting. Additionally one (1) sign was placed on the subject property by the applicant. 

Subject Property:
  Zoning Land Use
Existing Pre-Development District (PRE) Residential and Agricultural Use 
Proposed Agricultural District (AD) Residential and Agricultural Use

Adjacent Properties: 
  Zoning Land Use
North        Agricultural District (AD) Private Road - Dusty Fields 
South Pre-Development District (PRE) Residential and Undeveloped
East Agricultural District (AD), Right-of-Way  Undeveloped, Trainer Hale Road (Principal Arterial)
West Agricultural District (AD) Agricultural 

GOAL

Per the applicant's letter of intent, the applicant is proposing to rezone approximately 11.03 acres of land from Pre-Development District (PRE) to Agricultural District (AD) with plans to construct a second home on the property and an accessory structure for agricultural equipment. 
 
Dimensional and Developmental Standards (Sec. 21.5.7.B)
      Min Lot Size Dimensions (Ft.) Min Yard Setbacks (Ft.) Misc. Lot Requirements 
  Code Zoning District Area (Sq Ft) Width (Ft) Depth (Ft) Front (Ft) Side (Ft) Rear (Ft) Max. Height (Ft) Max. Impervious Coverage 
Existing (PRE) Pre-Development District N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Proposed (AD) Agricultural District  217,800 100 100 25 25 25 35 30%

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

It is the City’s desire to promote safe, orderly, efficient development and ensure compliance with the City’s vision of future growth.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

1. Whether the proposed zoning change implements the policies of the adopted Comprehensive Land Plan, or any other applicable adopted plans.
The Comprehensive Land Plan is a guiding document for the long-range vision of Schertz and designates this area as "Regional Corridor." The Regional Corridor designation is intended for commercial and entertainment areas along major thoroughfares that serve populations within the city and the broader region. Agricultural District (AD) is intended for agricultural conservation areas on lots over five acres, and in areas where development is premature due to lack of utilities. 

Although the subject property’s zoning request differs from the Future Land Use Map’s designation, the proposed Agricultural Disctrict (AD) is consistent with the Comprehensive Land Plan.  The Future Land Use Map within the Comprehensive Land Use Plan is a guiding document for determining appropriate land uses and development types for the future vision of Schertz. However, the existing conditions and existing land uses must be considered when reviewing zoning applications. The proposed zone change has been brought forth by the owner of the property, who purchased this land in 2013 zoned as Pre-Development District (PRE). In 2024, properties directly adjacent to the subject site were annexed into the City of Schertz and were provided the Agricultural District (AD) zoning designation through Ordiance 24-S-24.

The applicant intends to construct a single family home in the future which is consistent with the existing character of the surrounding area.  If the subject property were proposed to be developed more intensively in the future so as to change the character of the immediate area, the zoning designation would also need to be reviewed in conjunction with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map.

2. Whether the proposed zoning change promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of the City.
As part of promoting health, safety, and general welfare, zone change requests should align with the Unified Development Code (UDC) and city policy. Agricultural District (AD) is intended to provide for areas where development is premature due to lack of utilities, capacity or service, and for areas that are unsuitable for development because of physical restraints or potential health or safety hazards. The subject property is located within the Schertz Sewer CCN but is currently serviced by an on site septic system while adjacent properties are also not connected to sanitary sewer. Furthermore, the Schertz Engineering Department has conducted an analysis of the zone change request and has determined that the potential traffic impact as a result of the zone change will not have a measurable impact on the city's transportation system.Therefore, given the current conditions of the surrounding area and the minimal traffic impact, a rezone to Agricultural District (AD) does meet the intent of the UDC. 

3. Whether the uses permitted by the proposed change will be consistent and appropriate with existing uses in the immediate area.
The subject property and surrounding area is largely rural. The subject property is currently the site of a single family home with agricultural activities on the remainder of the property, which is consistent in character with the surrounding area. UDC Section 21.1.2 indicates that the intent of the UDC is to minimize the conflicts among uses of land and buildings. Therefore, given the character of surrounding properties, Agricultural District (AD) is consistent in character with the surrounding area and aligns with the provisions of the UDC. See below the permitted uses in the existing and proposed zoning districts. 

Permitted Use Table (Sec. 21.5.8)*
  Existing Zoning District Proposed Zoning District
  Pre-Development District (PRE) Agricultural District (AD)
Permitted Uses - Church, Temple Synagogue Mosque, or other Place of Worship (SUP) 
-Municipal Uses
-School, public or private
- Agricultural/Field Crops 
- Livestock 
-One Family Dwelling Detached 
-Stable, Commercial 
*The permitted use table shown is non-exhaustive. For a complete list of permitted uses, see UDC Section 21.5.8- Permitted Use Table

4. Whether other factors are deemed relevant and important in the consideration of the amendment.
All UDC requirements have been met for the proposed zone change.

SCUCISD has been notified of the zone change request. 

Schertz’ Fire, EMS, and Police Departments have been notified of the zone change request. EMS and the Police Department have not provided concerns specific to this request. The Fire Department expressed concerns related to accessing structures on site and would need to ensure the driveway can effectively support the weight of fire apparatus. 

RECOMMENDATION

Due to the rural character of the surrounding area, the limited utility availability, and the increase in development standards resulting from the zone change, staff recommends approval of PLZC20250215. 

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