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 San Antonio
 Unified Development Code
 Article III. ZONING
 Division 4. OVERLAY DISTRICTS

  § 35-339.06. "MPOD" Mission Protection Overlay Districts.

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  • STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

    The San Antonio Missions and their historic grounds are an invaluable historic resource within the City of San Antonio. The City of San Antonio recognizes the positive cultural and economic benefits to preserving the scenic and environmental quality of the sites. A new zoning overlay for the four (4) Mission Sites (Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada) will regulate the height of new construction which may encroach upon or threaten the integrity of the historic mission sites.

    Development and land use adjacent or near the Mission sites have the ability to negatively impact the scenic and environmental quality of these important sites. The purposes of these overlay districts is as follows:

    •  To create a more attractive, cohesive, and safe environment.

    •  To safeguard San Antonio's heritage by preventing the despoliation of views of areas and buildings that reflect important elements of the city's cultural, natural, historic, and economic fabric.

    •  To create favorable impressions of San Antonio as well as provide environmental enrichment for the citizens of the city.

    •  To enhance San Antonio's image as a progressive, scenic, and livable community.

    •  To preserve, protect, and enhance areas of high tourist and visitor visibility.

    •  To enhance the appearance and economic viability of Mission Protection Overlay Districts.

    •  To provide motorists, cyclists and pedestrians with attractive viewing opportunities.

    •  To reduce visual clutter and limit distractions modern-day distractions within Mission Protection Districts.

    •  To stabilize and strengthen property values within Mission Protection Districts.

    (a)

    Initiation Procedures and Zoning Classification.

    (1)

    The Mission Protection Overlay Districts are established as overlays to the regular base zoning districts established by this chapter as well as any additional overlays that have been previously applied.

    (2)

    The zoning designation for the Mission Protection Overlay Districts shall consist of a base zone symbol and the overlay district symbol "MPOD".

    (3)

    A unique number corresponding to a specific site shall be assigned to each Mission Protection Overlay District.

    (b)

    Boundaries.

    (1)

    Boundaries established for MPOD-1, MPOD-2, MPOD-3 and MPOD-4. Typically, Mission Protection Districts shall encompass all areas that are visible or potentially visible from a disc. This shall be defined as the area which falls within a 1,500-foot radius originating from a point located exactly one hundred twenty-five (125) feet from the front door of each Mission chapel, as marked by the disc.

    (c)

    Protection Angles.

    (1)

    The established protection angle for each Mission Protection Overlay District shall apply to the full extent of the district. A protection angle shall originate exactly five and one-half (5.5) feet above the brass monument disc that defines each Mission Protection District as prescribed in section 35-303 and extend outward three hundred sixty (360) degrees and upward at a two-degree angle.

    35-339.06-01.png

    Figure 339.06-1 Illustrating Protection Radius

    35-339.06-02.png

    Figure 339.06-2 Illustrating Protection Angle

    (d)

    Administration. Mission Protection Overlay Districts shall be governed in accordance with articles of this chapter as applicable.

    (e)

    Public Facilities and Utilities. Notwithstanding article 1, the city (including its departments and agencies) and all utilities as identified in subsection 35-507(a) shall comply with the siting and design requirements of structures and utility facilities which are located within a Mission Protection Overlay District. Utility lines are encouraged to be located underground and in the right of way where possible. County, state and federal agencies are encouraged to take into account Mission Protection Overlay Districts and be sensitive to the intent and provisions of the district in the siting and design of structures which are located within a Mission Protection Overlay District.

(Ord. No. 2014-10-02-0742, § 2, 10-2-14)