By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
The Port Isabel Board of Adjustment drew a firm line on residential zoning and city aesthetics during a recent meeting that addressed two development-related variance requests, one involving a proposed RV setup in the Modern Venice neighborhood and another tied to signage for a new highway travel center.
The first request came from property owner Jeremy Smith, who asked the board to allow three temporary RV spaces on his waterfront lot in the Modern Venice subdivision. The property is currently zoned for single-family residential use. Smith told the board he hoped short term RV rentals would help him generate income to fund construction of a seawall to prevent further erosion on the undeveloped property. He described the plan as a temporary solution that would eventually allow him to build a permanent home on the lot.
Residents strongly opposed the proposal. Multiple speakers cited a long-standing city policy — adopted around 2000 — that shifted the Modern Venice area away from mobile homes and recreational vehicles in favor of single-family housing. Neighbors raised concerns about hurricane safety, FEMA regulations, property values, traffic, and the risk of storm debris from RVs. Several longtime residents also emphasized that the zoning change helped stabilize and improve the neighborhood over the past two decades.
Opposition included a letter read into the record from resident Mark Sorenson, signed by several nearby property owners. The letter urged the board to preserve single-family zoning in Modern Venice, arguing that the area has steadily improved since the city moved away from mobile homes and RV uses. It cited concerns about storm safety, traffic, property values, and maintaining the long-term residential character of one of Port Isabel’s remaining waterfront neighborhoods.
Board members referenced federal floodplain requirements and local ordinances that restrict new mobile home and RV uses in the area. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to deny the zoning variance, keeping the property limited to single-family residential use.
The second item involved a request from a sign contractor representing the new Texas Best travel center under construction at Highways 100 and 48. The applicant sought a variance to exceed the city’s 25-foot sign height limit, arguing that required setbacks from power line easements and highway traffic speeds made a taller sign necessary for visibility and safety.
Board members and residents expressed concern that a very tall, wide sign could alter the small town character of Port Isabel’s main gateway corridor. Some noted that approving a much larger sign could set a precedent for future developments.
Rather than approve or deny the request outright, the board voted to table the sign variance. The applicant was encouraged to return with revised dimensions that better align with city standards while still addressing visibility needs.
Together, the decisions reflect the board’s effort to balance growth with neighborhood stability and community character as development pressures continue along Port Isabel’s main corridors.