All Forum Posts by: Seth Teel

@Jim Robertson Glad to hear it worked out!

Thanks, @Tanya Lechner!  Yes, the pizza at Joey's is great.  We also like the wings.  Hope to see you there.

-Seth

Excellent.  See you soon @Mike Castellow. 

NEW LOCATION:
Joey's (2417 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, TX 78212),
11/6/18, 6pm - 8pm.
*** FREE ***

Come join us at our new location for our monthly "No-Pitch" Real Estate Investor MeetUp.  Network with the folks that are getting deals done!  

All are welcome: Investors, Wholesalers, Contractors, Realtors, Lenders, Newbies, and Seasoned Veterans.  

Bring your: Business Cards, Questions, Wholesale Deals, Listings, JV Opportunities, & What-have-you.

See you soon!

@Seth Elliott 

I have used Janet Drewry of the Law Office of Janet M. Drewry to set up most of my entities.  I have also recommended her to several clients.  All have been happy.  PM if you'd like her phone an email.

 Janet M. Drewry

Law Office of Janet M. Drewry

11122 Wurzbach Road, Suite 104

San Antonio, Texas 78230

Thanks, @Rick Pozos.

@Howard Chou - Unfortunately I am booked all weekend.  Tomorrow I will be at the Historic Homeowner Fair all day. You're welcome to stop by and say hello.  Booth #45 - Somos Real Estate.  The event is free.  Here's a link to more info.

https://www.sanantonio.gov/historic/Events/Home-Owners-Fair

@Ian Donovan Where did you get the info on the zoning?  If it was from Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD), it may not be accurate.  They are the taxing entity, no the zoning authority.  The City (not the county) controls the zoning.   You can check the zoning here (https://qagis.sanantonio.gov/pds/onestop/index.htm...) or call the City Dept. of Land Development (https://www.sanantonio.gov/DSD/Constructing/Land).  

If the property was used a multi-family prior to 2001, then it is likely "grandfathered" in.  In 2001 the City of San Antonio adopted the new Unified Development Code (UDC). This is when they applied new blanketed zoning designations to thousands of existing properties, making many of them "non-conforming" to their new zoning designation.  

If the property was converted to multi-family after to adoption of the new UDC, you can request a variance/special exception via the Board of Adjustment or you can request a zoning change, which goes through the Zoning Board and ultimately has to be voted on by the City Council.  

Contact the City and they can help you determine your best course of action.  If you're in SA or have time to get down here, you may get better/quicker results going to the Development Services Building (1901 S. Alamo).  

Last piece of advice, if you have to go through a re-zone or variance process, reach out to the local neighborhood associations and/or adjacent property owners to garner support.  NAs and neighbors can railroad the best-laid plans.

Good luck.

We have used Ziga Design (Felix Ziga, AIA) for several projects.  Historic projects in 78202, 78204, & 78210, all with added square footage, as well as a new build spec home in 78209.  We have been very happy working with them.

https://studioziga.com/

What's the current zoning on the property?

Thanks @Rick Pozos

@Jim Robertson - Always check zoning before buying.  Your agent or wholesaler, etc. should have advised you of the proper zoning.  DO NOT USE the Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) as your source for zoning, use, and/or class.  They aren't the determining entity, and their information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed accurate.  

You can check zoning on any property in the City of San Antonio using this link: https://qagis.sanantonio.gov/pds/onestop/index.htm....  

Now on to fixing your situation.  The city adopted a new Unified Development Code (UDC) in 2001.  This adoption applied new zoning classes to all existing property within the City of San Antonio.  I understand their reasoning for doing so, but it has been an annoyance for investors, developers, and a ton of homeowners that now have "non-conforming" properties. 

If you can prove your home had the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) prior to the 2001 adoption of the new UDC, you can be "grandfathered" in.  Having a second meter on the property also helps, but is not necessary.  

If you can't prove that the ADU existed as living space prior to 2001, you can apply through the Board of Adjustment (full disclosure: I am a board member), for either a variance or a special exception to allow the ADU.  Alternatively, you can apply for a zoning change.  I recommend contacting CoSA Development Services Land Development/Zoning to discuss which is your best option.  Typically, a variance is an easier process than a zoning change.  Also, you may want to contact the neighborhood association to garner support for your case.  Often, NAs come out against changes if they haven't been consulted prior to the hearing. 

Best of luck.  Reach out if you have any questions.  I only know enough to be dangerous.