Item # 4 232 Castano (Significance & Compatibility)

1. CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Lety Hernandez, Director of Community Development Services
SUBJECT: Case No. 872F – 232 Castano
Request of Bryan Smith of Vision Design and Build, applicant, representing Samuel and
Erika Picard, owners, for the significance review of the existing main structure and
compatibility review of the proposed design located at 232 Castano in order to demolish
34.5% of the existing street-facing elevation in order to remodel and add to the front of
the existing single-family residence under Demolition Review Ordinance No. 1860
(April 12, 2010).
DATE: February 28, 2022
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The property is zoned SF-A and is located on south side of Castano between Nacogdoches and
Alamo Heights Blvd.
Due to the placement of the existing single-family residence, additions to the rear would be
limited and more than likely require variances.

2. POLICY ANALYSIS
Lot Coverage / Floor Area Ratio Existing Proposed
Lot Area 7,500 7,500
Main House 1st
Floor* 1,420 1,800
Main House 2nd
Floor 850 940
Garage/Carport – 1st
Floor* 430 430
Garage – 2nd
Floor
Porches* 85
Total Square Footage 2,700 3,255
Lot Coverage* 1,850sq ft / 24.67% 2,315sq ft / 30.87%
Total FAR 2,700sq ft / 36% 3,170sq ft / 42.27%
 Proposed building height – 23’ 7-5/8”
 Composition Shingle Roof
 Hardie Board Siding
 Chapter 5 – Buildings and Building Regulation, Article IX. – Demolition
Demolition shall mean any intentional or unintentional act of dismantling, pulling down,
destroying, removing, razing or moving a structure or any structural portion thereof, or
commencing the work of moving or of total or substantial destruction of a structure or portion
thereof. For the purposes of demolition review as described in article IX, demolition is defined
quantitatively as:
(1) Removal or encapsulation of more than twenty-five (25) percent of the framed structure
of exterior walls facing public streets, or a street-facing elevation if the tract of land is
landlocked; or,
(2) Removal or encapsulation of more than fifty (50) percent of the framed structure of all
exterior walls and/or roofs.
Exception: Minor repair and routine maintenance.
Significant structure shall mean any structure or portion thereof that in whole or in part meets
one (1) or more criteria in section 5-134(h), and has been so determined by the city council.
Section 5-134(h): The architectural review board shall consider the following criteria when
determining the significance, as defined in this chapter, of existing structures:
(1) Was the structure designed by a noted architect?
(2) Has the structure been listed as having historic significance by any local, regional,
state or historic agency or society?
(3) Does the structure exhibit characteristics of a distinct architectural style?
(4) Does the structure belong to a distinctive set of buildings, such as a single structure
belonging to a row of similar structures?
(5) Is the structure a significant part of the fabric of the community due to its age, unique
architecture, historical significance or physical placement?
Compatibility shall mean harmony with the existing neighborhood, site configurations,
development patterns, and the character of the development envelope found within the adjacent
and immediate block area, as demonstrated in the demolition review application, including roof

3. pitch, scale, massing, garage and driveway location and setbacks. Adjacent and immediate block
area shall include but not be limited to all properties along:
(1) The specific block where the project is proposed;
(2) The block to each side of the project's block; and
(3) The blocks directly across the street of the three (3) blocks identified above.
Block shall mean a length of street right-of-way along one (1) side of the street from one (1)
intersection to the next adjoining intersection.
The Architectural Review Board considered the request at their February 15, 2022 meeting. The
board voted unanimously to declare the existing main structure as not significant and
recommended approval of the proposed design as compatible.
FISCAL IMPACT
No projected fiscal impact from this project has been calculated.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Web Packet
Attachment B – Response Cards
______________________
Lety Hernandez
Director
______________________
Buddy Kuhn
City Manager

4. CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
6116 BROADWAY
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209
210-826-0516
Architectural Review Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 15, 2022 – 5:30 P.M.
Take notice that a Regular Architectural Review Board meeting of the City of Alamo Heights will be held
on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 5:30pm in the City Council Chamber, located at 6116 Broadway St,
San Antonio, Texas, 78209, to consider and act upon any lawful subjects with may come before it. Per
Governor’s Order GQ-36, attendees are not required to wear facial covering (mask) but
they are encouraged. The City will continue to practice social distancing, and seating will
be limited to capacity limits.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELECONFERENCE: Members of the public may also participate via audio
by dialing 1-346-248-7799 and entering access number 868 0184 5240#. If you would like to speak on
a particular item, when the item is considered, press *9 to “raise your hand”. Citizens will have three
(3) minutes to share their comments. The meeting will be recorded.
Case No. 872F – 232 Castano
Request of Bryan Smith of Vision Design and Build, applicant, representing Samuel and Erika Picard,
owners, for the significance review of the existing main structure and compatibility review of the
proposed design located at 232 Castano in order to demolish 34.5% of the existing street-facing elevation
and 50% or more of the existing roof in order to remodel and add to the front of the existing single-family
residence under Demolition Review Ordinance No. 1860 (April 12, 2010).
Chapter 5 of Code of Ordinances (Buildings and Building Regulations) requires City Council to consider the
ARB’s recommendation for all demolition/final design review applications. Please check the ARB posted
results on the City’s website after the ARB meeting to confirm any future meeting dates.
Plans are available for public viewing on the City’s website, with the exception of floor plans,
(http://www.alamoheightstx.gov/departments/planning-and-development-services/public-notices/)
and at the Community Development Services Department located at 6116 Broadway St, 2nd
floor.
You may also contact Eron Spencer (espencer@alamoheightstx.gov) or Lety Hernandez
(lhernandez@alamoheightstx.gov) by email or our office at (210) 826-0516 for additional
information regarding this case.
Attachment A

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13. Back of Existing Home
Right Side of Existing Home Left Side of Existing Home
Attachment A

14. Lot to Right of Home
Lot to Left of Home
Attachment A

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16. Attachment B

17. Attachment B