222 Claiborne Way

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. 897 F – 222 Claiborne Way
Request of Hilary Scruggs Beebe, applicant, representing Trace and Laura Nell Burton,
owners, for the compatibility review of the proposed design located at 222 Claiborne
Way in order to construct a 2-story addition to the existing detached garage under
Demolition Review Ordinance No. 1860 (April 12, 2010).
DATE: July 24, 2023
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The property is zoned SF-A (Single-Family District A) and is located on the eastern side of
Claiborne Way between Greely St and Alamo Heights Blvd. The applicant is seeking to add a 2nd
story addition to the existing detached garage.

2. POLICY ANALYSIS
Lot Coverage / Floor Area Ratio Existing Proposed
Lot Area 7,500 7,500
Main House 1st
Floor* 2,596 2,596
Main House 2nd
Floor 1,526 1,526
Main House – Loft
Garage/Carport – 1st
Floor* 648 648
Garage – 2nd
Floor 591
Front Porch* 24 24
Side Porch* 210 210
Rear Porch*
Shed* 315 315
Covered Patio Structures* 161 177
Total Square Footage 5,004 sq ft 5,595 sq ft
Lot Coverage* (max 40%) 3,478 sq ft / 46.37% 3,478 sq ft / 46.37%
FAR (max .49 with bonus) 4,770 sq ft / .636 5,361 sq ft / .715
Bonuses Utilized
+4 – Preservation of main structure
 Garage – Detached (2-story)
o Height – 24ft 10½ inches (max 22ft allowed)
o Siding – Stucco and Stone
o Roof – Cedar Shingle
 Chapter 5 – Buildings and Building Regulation, Article IX. – Demolition
Two-story detached accessory structures intended to replace previously permitted demolitions of
exempt accessory structures shall be governed by demolition review regarding compatibility
regardless of whether any significance determination was reviewed under Demolition Review
Procedures per Section 5-134(b)(1).
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
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 proposed project is currently completing the plan review process and will require review by
the Board of Adjustment for several variances relating to exceeding the height looming standard
at the rear property line, proposed overall height, and Floor to Area Ratio (FAR). The project is
tentatively scheduled for the August 02, 2023 meeting.
The applicant applied for and received variances, on two (2) separate occasions, for a second
story addition to the garage that included the attachment of the garage to the main structure. The

3. proposed scope has decreased in comparison to the previously approved project. Compatibility
Review of the accessory was also reviewed and approved by ARB and Council in 2020.
Unfortunately, the owner did not obtain a building permit within the required time period.
The Architectural Review Board completed the compatibility review at their July 18, 2023
meeting. The board voted unanimously to recommend 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 Special Meeting
June 20, 2023 – 5:30 P.M.
Take notice that a Regular Architectural Review Board meeting of the City of Alamo Heights will be held
on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 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.
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. 897 F – 222 Claiborne Way
Request of Hilary Scruggs Beebe, applicant, representing Trace and Laura Nell Burton, owners, for the
compatibility review of the proposed design located at 222 Claiborne Way in order to construct a 2-story
addition to the existing detached garage 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

5. Attachment A

6. Attachment A

7. Attachment A

8. Attachment A

9. Attachment A

10. Attachment A

11. Attachment B

12. 1
Lety Hernandez
Subject: FW: 222 Claiborne Way project
From: Jenny Wood
Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 9:27 PM
To: Lety Hernandez <lhernandez@alamoheightstx.gov>
Subject: 222 Claiborne Way project
Dear Ms. Hernandez,
My husband, Will, and I reside at 111 Viesca in the City of Alamo Heights. I have spoken with Trace and Laura Nell Burton, our neighbors on
Claiborne Way, regarding proposed improvements at their home located at 222 Claiborne Way. It is our understanding that they are seeking
approvals in order to build a second story on their existing garage and that, as part of these approvals, they will require a variance to the rear
height looming standard approved by the Board of Adjustment, as well as an approval from the Architectural Review Board.
The Burtons have shared their building plans with us, and we have no issue with the proposed project and support it. The proposed design
will not be noticeable from the street and there is nothing in their request that we consider inappropriate.
If you have any questions or concerns about this letter, I can be reached via phone at (210) 315-7515.
Thank you,
Jenny Wood
111 Viesca
San Antonio, TX 78209
Attachment B
SUPPORT - OUTSIDE
200FT RADIUS

13. 1
Lety Hernandez
Subject: FW: New Addition/Remodel to the Burton Residence
From: Katy Bader
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 5:15 PM
To: Lety Hernandez <lhernandez@alamoheightstx.gov>
Subject: RE: New Addition/Remodel to the Burton Residence
5/31/23
RE: New Addition/Remodel to the Burton Residence
222 Claiborne Way – Alamo Heights, Texas – 78209
To Whom it May Concern:
My name is Katy Bader and I reside at 204 Crescent St in the City of Alamo Heights.
I have met with my neighbors, Trace and Laura Nell Burton, regarding proposed improvements at their home at 222 Claiborne
Way. We live very close to the Burtons and our kids go to school together at SMH.
It is my understanding that they are seeking approvals in order to build a second story on their existing garage and that, as part
of these approvals, they will require a variance to the rear height looming standard approved by the Board of Adjustment, as
well as an approval from the Architectural Review Board.
The Burtons have shared their building plans with me, and I would like to express my support of their project. The proposed
design is modest, will not be noticeable from the street, and there is nothing in their request that I consider inappropriate. I
sincerely hope that their project will be approved. If you have any questions or concerns about this letter, I can be reached on
my cell at 830-426-6453.
Sincerely,
Katy Bader
Cell 830-426-6453
Attachment B
SUPPORT - OUTSIDE
200FT RADIUS

14. Attachment B
SUPPORT - WITHIN
200FT RADIUS

15. 1
Lety Hernandez
Subject: FW: New Addition/Remodel to the Burton Residence 222 Claiborne Way
From: Lisa Evans
Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 10:31 AM
To: Lety Hernandez <lhernandez@alamoheightstx.gov>
Subject: New Addition/Remodel to the Burton Residence 222 Claiborne Way
Dear Ms. Hernandez,
My husband, Tom, and I reside at 205 Crescent Street in the City of Alamo Heights. I have spoken with Trace and Laura Nell Burton, our
neighbors on Claiborne Way, regarding proposed improvements at their home located at 222 Claiborne Way. It is our understanding that
they are seeking approvals in order to build a second story on their existing garage and that, as part of these approvals, they will require a
variance to the rear height looming standard approved by the Board of Adjustment, as well as an approval from the Architectural Review
Board.
The Burtons have shared their building plans with us, and we would like to express our full support of their project. The proposed design is
modest, will not be noticeable from the street and there is nothing in their request that we consider inappropriate or not within keeping with
the styles of our beautiful neighborhood. In fact, if we recall correctly, there have been multiple approvals of their requests for a variance in
the past. We sincerely hope that their project will be approved quickly.
If you have any questions or concerns about this letter and our unconditional support, I can be reached via phone at (512) 971-1536.
Sincerely,
Lisa Evans
205 Crescent St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
Attachment B
SUPPORT - WITHIN
200FT RADIUS

16. 1
Lety Hernandez
Subject: FW: Burton request
From: Alice Foultz
Sent: Monday, June 5, 2023 10:31 AM
To: Lety Hernandez <lhernandez@alamoheightstx.gov>
Subject: Burton request
June 5 2023
RE: New Addition/Remodel to the Burton Residence
222 Claiborne Way – Alamo Heights, Texas – 78209
To Whom it May Concern:
My name is Alice foultzand I reside at 101 claibone way in the City of Alamo Heights. I have
met with my neighbors, Trace and Laura Nell Burton, regarding proposed improvements at
their home at 222 Claiborne Way. It is my understanding that they are seeking approvals in
order to build a second story on their existing garage and that, as part of these approvals, they
will require a variance to the rear height looming standard approved by the Board of
Adjustment, as well as an approval from the Architectural Review Board.
The Burtons have shared their building plans with me, and I would like to express my
support of their project. The proposed design is modest, will not benoticeable from the
street, and there is nothing in their request that I consider inappropriate. I sincerely hope that
their project will be approved.
If you have any questions or concerns about this letter, I can be reached at 2104228045
Sincerely,
Alice carrington Foultz
alice@foultz.com
Sent from my iPhone
Attachment B
SUPPORT - OUTSIDE
200FT RADIUS

17. 1
Lety Hernandez
Subject: FW: New Addition/Remodel to the Burton Residence
From: Lauren Kate Holt
Sent: Sunday, June 4, 2023 2:57 PM
To: Lety Hernandez <lhernandez@alamoheightstx.gov>
Subject: New Addition/Remodel to the Burton Residence
4 June 2023
222 Claiborne Way – Alamo Heights, Texas – 78209
To Whom it May Concern:
My name is Lauren Kate Holt and I reside at 206 Crescent St. in the City of Alamo Heights. I
have met with my neighbors, Trace and Laura Nell Burton, regarding proposed improvements
at their home at 222 Claiborne Way. It is my understanding that they are seeking approvals in
order to build a second story on their existing garage and that, as part of these approvals, they
will require a variance to the rear height looming standard approved by the Board of
Adjustment, as well as an approval from the Architectural Review Board.
The Burtons have shared their building plans with me, and I would like to express my
support of their project. The proposed design is modest, will not be noticeable from the
street, and there is nothing in their request that I consider inappropriate. I sincerely hope that
their project will be approved.
If you have any questions or concerns about this letter, I can be reached by email at (email
redacted) or phone 210-379-0655.
Sincerely,
Lauren Kate and Peter J. Holt
Lauren Kate Holt
210.379.0655
Attachment B
SUPPORT - WITHIN
200FT RADIUS

18. 1
Lety Hernandez
Subject: ARB for 222 Claiborne
-----Original Message-----
From: Meredith K Morrill
Sent: Friday, July 7, 2023 10:47 AM
To: Lety Hernandez <lhernandez@alamoheightstx.gov>
Subject: Re: ARB for 222 Claiborne
Dear members of the ARB,
I, Meredith K Morrill, of 401 Harrison Ave., fully SUPPORT the application of the Burtons for their proposed build at 222 Claiborne
Way.
Regards,
Meredith K Morrill
Sent from my iPhone
Attachment B
SUPPORT - WITHIN
200FT RADIUS

19. Attachment B
SUPPORT - WITHIN
200FT RADIUS

20. {8000/000/00303722.DOCX;1}
To: The Architectural Review Board of the City of Alamo Heights
Re: Case #897F – 222 Claiborne Way
From: Arthur and Lorrie Uhl, owners of 216 Claiborne Way
Date: July 18, 2023
My name is Arthur Uhl and my wife Lorrie and l own and live at 216 Claiborne Way. We are the
uphill next-door neighbor of the applicants, Trace and Laura Nell Burton at 222 Claiborne Way. Lorrie and
I have lived at 216 Claiborne Way since 1990, to my knowledge longer than any others in our immediate
neighborhood, and in fact we sold 222 Claiborne Way to the Burtons many years ago.
We are not opposing the applicants’ proposal. However, it may be that a reasonable homeowner
in our situation, in our location, would object to this proposal because of the close proximity of the
“looming” height and width of the two-story structure proposed to replace the demolished garage. From
our vantage point at 216 Claiborne Way, this new two-story structure, when combined with the main
house at 222 Claiborne Way and the huge, newly constructed improvements at 215 Allen, will cause the
loss of almost all of our visual connectivity to the Olmos Basin.
There are two reasons we are not opposing the proposal. First, the applicant Trace Burton is my
law partner and friend, and Trace and his wife Laura Nell have been good neighbors for many years. I told
Trace I would not object to his plans and I will honor that. The second reason – and the primary cause of
this whole problem – is that the Burtons understandably need some sort of visual protection from the
new construction at 215 Allen Street. The finished heights of the roof structures at 215 Allen are so tall
in comparison to adjacent homes, so “looming”, that those structures dwarf all neighboring homes, and
for several of us in the neighborhood, would impair our visual connection with the Basin. And the beauty
of the neighborhood has always been its environment, its scenic beauty.
My hope is to bring to the attention of the City the need to adjust its ordinances or policies
regarding landfill, grades and finished heights, as necessary so that this very unfortunate problem won’t
occur again. The owners of 215 Allen placed a huge amount of fill on their lot to bring their entire lot, I
believe, to the same elevation as the highest point of their lot. So, when the two-story structure with
peaked roofs was built on top of the newly graded lot, that house seemed very much out of proportion,
out of balance, with the neighborhood.
Again, the beauty of our neighborhood has always been its environment, its scenic beauty, and
the attractiveness of the homes has been based on the way they blend in with the environment. I hope
the City will take whatever actions are necessary to try to preserve this balance and environment.
Thank you for your consideration.
Arthur and Lorrie Uhl
Attachment B
SUPPORT - WITHIN
200FT RADIUS

21. 1
Lety Hernandez
Subject: FW: 222 Claiborne Way
-----Original Message-----
From: Mel Weingart < >
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 9:36 AM
To: Lety Hernandez <lhernandez@alamoheightstx.gov>
Subject: 222 Claiborne Way
Dear Ms. Hernandez,
My wife, Sandra, and I reside at 220 Allen Street, in the City of Alamo Heights. I have spoken with Trace and Laura Nell Burton, our
neighbors on Claiborne Way, regarding proposed improvements at their home, located at 222 Claiborne Way. It is our
understanding that they are seeking approvals to build a second story on their existing garage and that as part of these approvals,
they will require a variance to the rear height looming standard approval by the Board of Adjustment, as well as an approval from
the Architectural Review Board.
The Burtons have shared their building plans with us and we would like to express our full support of their project. The proposed
design is modest, will not be noticeable from the street and there is nothing in their request that we consider inappropriate or not
within keeping with the styles of our beautiful neighborhood. In fact, if we recall correctly, there have been numerous approvals
of their requests for a variance in the past. We sincerely hope that their project will be approved quickly.
If you have any questions or concerns about this letter and our unconditional support, I can be reached via phone at (210) 602-
8737.
Sincerely,
Mel Weingart
220 Allen Street
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Sent from my iPad
Attachment B
SUPPORT - WITHIN
200FT RADIUS