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File #: 25-1208    Name:
Type: Public Hearing Status: Individual Item Ready
File created: 9/19/2025 In control: Planning Commission
On agenda: 10/8/2025 Final action:
Title: SUP25-315 Public hearing and recommendation to City Council on an ordinance requested by Beverly Davidek, on behalf of Richard L. and JoAnn Rothfelder, to rezone approximately 0.4 of an acre out of the John Thompson Survey No. 21, Abstract 608, from R-3 (Multifamily District) to R-3 SUP (Multifamily District with a Special Use Permit to allow a Short Term Rental), currently addressed at 1731 Kuehler Avenue
Attachments: 1. City Maps, 2. Site Plan & Floor Plan, 3. Subject Property Photos, 4. Notification Map, List, and Responses

PRESENTER: Presenter

Applicant: Beverly Davidek

Owner: JoAnn and Richard Rothfelder

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SUBJECT: Title

SUP25-315 Public hearing and recommendation to City Council on an ordinance requested by Beverly Davidek, on behalf of Richard L. and JoAnn Rothfelder, to rezone approximately 0.4 of an acre out of the John Thompson Survey No. 21, Abstract 608, from R-3 (Multifamily District) to R-3 SUP (Multifamily District with a Special Use Permit to allow a Short Term Rental), currently addressed at 1731 Kuehler Avenue

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DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood and Community Planning

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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 6

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Case No: SUP25-315

 

Applicant:

Beverly Davidek

830-515-5854 | beverly@davideklaw.com

 

Owner:

JoAnn Rothfelder | jarothfelder@gmail.com

 

Owner:

Richard L. Rothfelder

713-962-6300 | rrothfelder@rothfelderfalick.com

 

Staff Contact:

Amanda Mushinski, AICP, CNU-A

(830) 221-4056 | amushinski@newbraunfels.gov

 

The ~0.4-acre property is located on the northeast side of Kuehler Avenue, approximately 1000 feet southwest of the intersection of Kuehler Spur and South Seguin Avenue, and is situated along the Guadalupe River. It is bordered by R-3 and R-2 zoning. Adjacent land uses are residential.

 

The 1970s residence is roughly 1947 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Per the Zoning Ordinance, the maximum occupancy of an STR with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms is 10 occupants, and the minimum off-street parking is 4 spaces. There is sufficient room to accommodate the minimum parking requirements.

 

ISSUE:

Short-term rental standards in the Zoning Ordinance help to ensure proper measures are in place to protect public health, safety, and neighboring properties. If this rezoning request is approved, the registration of the short-term rental and online payment of hotel occupancy taxes are required. Also, the project must comply with all other City Code standards.

 

There are currently 7 approved short term rental SUPs within one-half mile of the subject property, 4 of which are active.

 

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REFERENCE:

The applicant’s request is consistent with the following actions from Envision New Braunfels:

                     Action 1.3: Encourage balanced and fiscally responsible land-use patterns.

                     Action 1.14: Ensure regulations do not unintentionally inhibit the provisions of a variety of flexible and innovative lodging options and attractions.

Future Land Use Plan: The subject property is located within the Oak Creek Sub Area, along the Recreational River Corridor, near existing Market, Outdoor Recreation, Civic, and Employment Centers.

 

STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:

Economic Mobility Enhanced Connectivity Community Identity

Organizational Excellence Community Well-Being N/A

                     Incentivize mixed-use developments and redevelopments in targeted locations to create a built environment with integrated housing, commercial centers, and opportunities for improved connectivity.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

The rezoning request is in alignment with the following recommendations and strategies of the Land Use Fiscal Analysis:

                     Provide a mix of uses and building types, heights, and sizes in a more walkable context to produce more value and fiscal productivity.

                     Mix of uses (residential and short-term rental) developed on a single parcel of land increases revenue to cover costs of services.

If approved, the property will be subject to local and state hotel occupancy tax (HOT).

Recommendation

RECOMMENDATION:

If approved, staff recommends the following conditions:

1.                     The residential character of the property must be maintained.

2.                     The property will remain in compliance with the approved site plan and floor plan. Any significant changes to the site plan or floor plan will require a revision to the SUP.

 

Code of Ordinances Sec. 144-2.1 Changes and Zoning Amendments:

(b) Considerations for approving or denying a zoning change. In making a determination regarding a requested zoning change, the planning commission and the city council shall consider the following factors:

(1) Whether the uses permitted by the proposed change will be appropriate in the immediate area concerned, and their relationship to the general area and to the city as a whole;

(2) Whether the proposed change is in accord with any existing or proposed plans for providing public schools, streets, water supply, sanitary sewers, and other utilities to the area;

(3) How other areas designated for similar development will be, or are likely to be, affected if the proposed amendment is approved;

(4) Any other factors that will substantially affect the public health, safety, morals, or general welfare; and

(5) Whether the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan.

 

Mailed notification as required by state statute:

Public hearing notices were sent to owners of 18 properties within 200 feet of the request. As of the date this agenda was posted, the city has received no responses.

 

Resource Links:

                     Chapter 144, Sec. 3.3-3 (R-3) of the City’s Code of Ordinances: <https://library.municode.com/tx/new_braunfels/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH144ZO_ARTIIIZODI_S144-3.3ZODIREPRZOPRJU221987>

                     Chapter 144, Sec. 3.6 (SUP) of the City's Code of Ordinances: <https://library.municode.com/tx/new_braunfels/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeld=PTIICOOR_CH144ZO_ARTIIIZODI_S144-3.6SPUSPE>

                     Chapter 144, Sec. 5.17 (Short-term Rental) of the City's Code of Ordinances: <https://library.municode.com/tx/new_braunfels/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH144ZO_ARTVDEST_S144-5.17SHTEREOC>