We assist our clients with every stage of the zoning process whether they are redeveloping an existing project or constructing a new development. San Antonio and the surrounding municipalities have a variety of zoning classifications. We assist with verifying a property’s zoning classification, rezoning property to another classification if necessary, and amending land use classifications in various municipal planning documents. Throughout the process we meet with elected and appointed municipal officials and municipal staff. Rezoning is a statutorily created process that requires an application, public notifications and hearings by various municipal commissions and city councils. We assist clients with all aspects of rezoning requests, including preparing applications, community outreach and public hearings.

Some projects cannot be developed in strict compliance with particular zoning or platting requirements. These projects require variances. Variances may be administrative or require approval by a board or commission, such as the Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission. We help our clients determine if a variance is required, and if so, we work with the appropriate city or county staff and/or decision-making body. The preparation of a variance request requires a legal analysis and preparation of materials justifying such variance under the law. The City of San Antonio prohibits the sale of alcohol near churches, hospitals and schools. We can assist clients in obtaining variances from this prohibition.

We are very successful in helping clients navigate the historic regulations, historic designation process, design review, and historic rehabilitation tax incentives. Our services include:
• Reviewing incentives for the development or redevelopment of historic properties
• Explaining the applicability of historic regulations to your particular project
• Working to incorporate historic structures into new development
We also have experience removing properties from protective zoning overlay districts that may be zoned inappropriately, as well as in opposing historic designation on properties or structures that are not historic.

We assist clients in obtaining proper permitting from the City of San Antonio in all aspects of the development process. We assist with all types of permitting from demolition and tree permits, to sign permits and certificates of occupancy.