The City of Schertz purchased an approximately 10.7-acre tract along FM 482 for the Dry Comal Creek Nature Park. This property is currently outside the city limits and within the Comal County City of Schertz ETJ. As part of the annexation process, this subject property is being requested to be zoned Public Use District (PUB).

On August 21, 2026, fourteen (14) public hearing notices were mailed to the surrounding property owners within a 200-foot boundary of the subject property. At the time of the staff report, zero (0) responses in favor, zero (0) responses neutral, and zero (0) responses in opposition were received. A public hearing notice was published in the "San Antonio Express" on August 26, 2026. A notice sign was placed on the property.

Subject Property:

	Zoning	Land Use
Existing	N/A	Undeveloped
Proposed	Public Use District (PUB)	Park / Trail

Adjacent Properties: 

	Zoning	Land Use
North	Outside of City Limits	Residence
South	Right-of-Way	FM 482
East	Right-of-Way	Bunker Street
West	Outside of City Limits	Undeveloped

Zoning:

Table 21.5.7.B Dimensional Requirements for Non-Residential Zoning Districts (d)
			Minimum Lot Size and Dimensions			Minimum Yard Setbacks			Misc. Requirements
		Code	Area sqft	Width ft.	Depth ft.	Front Ft.	Rear Ft.	Side Ft.	Maximum Impervious Coverage
Proposed Zoning District	Public Use	PUB	10,000	100	100	25	0 adjacent to non-residential 15 adjacent to residential	0 adjacent to non-residential 25 adjacent to residential	70%

The City is requesting to zone approximately 10.7 acres of City-owned property to Public Use District (PUB) for the Dry Comal Creek Nature Park.

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

Staff looks toward the criteria of approval found in UDC Section 21.5.4.D when evaluating zone changes. 

1. Whether the proposed zone change implements the policies of the adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan, or any other applicable adopted plans;
The proposed zone change implements the policies of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The subject property is designated as Development Deferment in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Future Land Use Map. Development Deferment is the future land use category used for large tracts outside of city limits, but within the ETJ. Land within the Development Deferment Future Land Use Map designation should be reconsidered for applicable land uses that are appropriate for the land. The subject property is undeveloped and is being proposed to be used as part of the larger parks plan within the City of Schertz for the future Dry Comal Creek Nature Park that connects to the Great Springs Project. The proposed zoning district of Public Use District (PUB) allows for land uses that serve the community which promotes the policies of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan- 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 welfare, the City should encourage development compatible with surrounding uses, utilizing standards and transitional uses to alleviate negative impacts. Any new development will be required to meet the site design requirements listed in Article 9 of the Unified Development Code. The subject property is part of the Parks Master Plan as a nature park that connects to the Great Springs Project trail system. Providing services and public parks to the City promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the City.

3. Whether the uses permitted by the proposed change will be consistent and appropriate with existing uses in the immediate area;
The proposed Public Use District (PUB) allows for public uses such as parks, schools, municipal uses, etc. Adjacent to the property are rural residences and agricultural land. Additionally, along the southwestern and southeastern portion of FM 482, there are existing schools, rural residences and agricultural land. The proposed zone change and its permitted uses are appropriate with the existing uses in the immediate area, as it permits land uses that are essential to creating a neighborhood unit and providing services to residents.

4. Whether other factors are deemed relevant and important in the consideration of the amendment.
Staff has ensured all UDC requirements have been met for the proposed zone change. The City of Schertz EMS, Police Department, and Fire Department have reviewed the proposed zone change and do not provide objections.

Staff recommends approval of PLZC20260186.