San Antonio Reforms Zoning to Attract Dense Development

Developers now have greater opportunities to build dense residential and commercial projects along VIA’s planned Green Line in San Antonio.

The San Antonio City Council this week approved significant changes to the city’s development code, particularly the section governing transit-oriented development, the San Antonio Business Journal reported.

The revision introduces zoning districts designed to encourage mixed-use, high-density construction near the bus rapid transit line, which will run from the San Antonio International Airport to the southern reaches of downtown.

The goal is to increase density by transforming vacant and underused lots into mixed-use communities with tall structures that combine residential, retail and office spaces.

The zoning categories allow heights of three, six and 12 stories or unlimited height.

The San Pedro Avenue corridor, dotted with vacant lots, is expected to become a hub of activity under the guidelines.

The zoning changes have been well-received by many developers, but community members have raised concerns about potential parking shortages and increased density. City officials argue that the updates will address housing shortages and improve transit accessibility.

Planners are considering other tools to attract investment, such as tax increment reinvestment zones and density bonus programs.

Some of the mixed-use projects underway in San Antonio include the redevelopment of the Nix Medical Center into residential apartments by InnJoy Hospitality, which is part of a broader trend of converting outdated commercial buildings into mixed-use spaces.

Oxbow Development Group is planning the Southtown Aldea project, featuring 250 apartments and 40,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space in the Southtown District.

Another significant project is the Town Center at La Cantera by Affinius Capital, which will add multifamily and retail components to its existing development.

— Andrew Terrell