San Antonio Building Standards Board Meeting – August 14, 2025

The San Antonio Building Standards Board convened on August 14, 2025, at 9:00 AM with President Duane Nelson presiding. Roll call established a quorum with members Duane Nelson, Joel Solís, George Grams Jr., Dr. Erlita López Rodríguez, and Keyla Moranda present. The board approved the minutes of the July 10, 2025 meeting and received a staff update on an emergency demolition. Four contested cases were heard: 1412 Pasadena, 601 South Hackberry, 329 South San Gabriel, and 1711 East Carson Street. The meeting adjourned at 11:02 AM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the minutes of the Building Standards Board meeting held on July 10, 2025.
• Staff Update – Emergency Demolition (200 Dios Amarillo Avenue, District 5): Jenny Ramirez, Code Compliance Manager, reported that an emergency demolition was conducted on July 29, 2025, for an accessory structure. No board action was required.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 1412 Pasadena: Property owner Gregory Sertuche stated he did not understand the proceedings and claimed he had not received proper notice of violations. San Antonio Police Officer Peña testified that the property had been the site of over 30 police calls in two years, including a murder, drug arrests, and vehicle theft. Officer Peña described the property as a prominent location for criminal activity, with children from nearby schools walking past.
• 601 South Hackberry: Angela German (daughter of deceased owner) testified that she intends to repair the fire‑damaged property and move in. She stated she has contacted a licensed contractor and plans to secure funding herself. She requested time to gather documentation and complete the transfer of ownership.
• 329 South San Gabriel: Carolina Lara (sister of owner Denise Lara) testified that the owner does not want to spend money on the property and is willing to transfer it to Carolina. Carolina requested additional time to complete the name change and obtain a demolition permit.
• 1711 East Carson Street: Erika Smith (daughter of deceased owner Joel L. Smith) stated she and her sister have no interest in the property and want to clear the land for sale. She confirmed they will not repair the structure.

Discussion Items

• 1412 Pasadena – Demolition Recommendation: Code Officer Crystal Town presented photographs and inspection findings showing extensive structural decay, electrical hazards, exposed wiring, lack of smoke detectors, and unsafe living conditions. Approximately 15 cubic yards of debris had been removed, but the property remained dangerous. The board questioned the officer about gas meter placement, blocked exits, and the number of extension cords. After hearing police testimony, the board moved to demolish.
• 601 South Hackberry – Repair Recommendation: Code Officer Cinthia Santana presented evidence of a 1913 residence damaged by fire in February 2024. The structure had smoke and water damage, missing siding, a collapsed porch, and deteriorated foundations. The property was vacant with utilities disconnected. The board discussed the owner’s intention to repair and noted that the owner had not yet provided a contractor’s estimate or timeline. The board voted to reprogram the case to a future date to allow the owner to gather required documentation.
• 329 South San Gabriel – Demolition Recommendation: Code Officer Jaime Jasso showed photographs of severe dilapidation: collapsed roof, missing flooring, exposed foundations, and open holes inviting animals and transients. The property had no utilities and no permits. Carolina Lara requested time to complete a property transfer but could not provide a timeline. The board determined that ordering demolition would not prevent a transfer and voted to demolish within 30 days.
• 1711 East Carson Street – Demolition Recommendation: Code Officer Cinthia Santana described a two‑story structure built in 1948, vacant and decaying since 1999. The building had collapsed balconies, water‑damaged interiors, open walls, and a detached garage. The structure was so unsafe that the city could not even contract for debris removal. The board moved for demolition within 30 days and requested priority assignment for contractors due to safety concerns (extreme hazard and risk of collapse onto neighboring property).

Key Outcomes

• 1412 Pasadena – The board unanimously voted (5‑0) to declare the property a public nuisance and order demolition within 30 days. The order also requires the property to be vacated, secured, all utilities disconnected, and all debris removed.
• 601 South Hackberry – The board unanimously voted to reprogram (table) the case to the next available meeting date, allowing Angela German additional time to obtain a contractor’s estimate and provide financial documentation. Staff will work with the owner to coordinate the rescheduling.
• 329 South San Gabriel – The board unanimously voted to order demolition within 30 days, with all utilities disconnected. The owner may still transfer title and self‑demolish before the city takes action.
• 1711 East Carson Street – The board unanimously voted to order demolition within 30 days, with all utilities disconnected. The board also directed staff to prioritize this case for contractor assignment due to the immediate safety risk.